WASHINGTON – Today the Human Rights Campaign – the nation’s largest lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization announced a new campaign to educate people about the negative consequences LGBT people face with the impending draconian cuts that will go into place if the “fiscal cliff” is not avoided.  

“Programs designed to serve the most vulnerable Americans, including LGBT people, are on the brink of annihilation if Congress doesn’t get its act together,” said HRC President Chad Griffin.  “Sequestration would take away vital lifelines that so many in our community rely on to get by – many even to live.”

If Congress is unable to avoid the fiscal cliff and sequestration cuts go into effect, it is estimated that nearly ten thousand low-income people will lose access to life-saving medicines under the AIDS Drug Assistance Program.  Furthermore, hundreds of millions of dollars will be stripped from federal programs that provide treatment and housing to the most vulnerable individuals living with HIV and AIDS.  Cuts to staff and resources could also stymie the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes, including those against LGBT people.  Similarly, budgets for long-awaited programs focused on the unique needs of our community, like the National LGBT Aging Resource Center and the LGBT Refugee Resource Center could be slashed if not cut entirely.    

These cuts are expected to impact many other critical programs that disproportionately serve low-income Americans – from early childhood education and vaccinations, to meals for older people in need, to job training and education for people seeking work.

HRC has launched an online action for members and supporters to contact their members of Congress at: https://secure3.convio.net/hrc/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1505

In the coming days and weeks, HRC will be educating the public on the consequences of these cuts through blog posts and social media.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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