WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, announced today the endorsement of Gaye Symington for Governor in Vermont. Symington is currently the Speaker of the Vermont House.

"The Human Rights Campaign is proud to endorse Gaye Symington, a proven champion for LGBT equality, in her campaign to become Governor of Vermont," said Human Rights Campaign National Field Director Marty Rouse. "Gaye has consistently been a strong advocate for LGBT equality, and her election as Governor will be an important step toward making full equal rights a reality for all Vermonters."

Speaker Symington, who was first elected to the Vermont legislature in 1996 and was elected Speaker in 2005, said: "I'm excited to have the support of the Human Rights Campaign, which is the nation's premier advocate for equal rights for all people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. I'm looking forward to working with them on my campaign and as Governor to promote fair treatment and equality for all Vermonters.

Before working at HRC, Marty Rouse, a former Vermont resident, worked to re-elect members of the Vermont House and Senate who voted for civil unions legislation in 2000, and has also worked to elect other fair-minded candidates to the Vermont House and Senate.

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.