Washington - The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, announced today the endorsement of Providence Mayor David Cicilline (D) in the 2010 U.S. House race for Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District. Cicilline is seeking the seat of U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, who recently announced he will retire and not seek re-election.

"The Human Rights Campaign is proud to endorse Mayor Cicilline, who has a long record of supporting full equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "After serving in the Rhode Island Legislature, Cicilline ran for mayor of Providence as an openly gay candidate and was elected with 84 percent of the vote. He turned the city around, which was struggling with a nearly $60 million deficit, and was later re-elected. Cicilline has our full support as he runs to become the next U.S. Representative from Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District."

"I am delighted to have the endorsement of the Human Rights Campaign, which has been so active and effective in protecting our core American belief in equal rights for all," said Cicilline. "My career has been devoted to making government work for everybody - not just a select few - and that is what I am determined to do as a member of Congress from Rhode Island's First District."

Born and raised in Providence, Cicilline graduated in 1983 from Brown University. He was elected in 1994 to the Rhode Island House of Representatives, representing Providence, and came out during his four terms there. Cicilline was openly gay when elected mayor in 2002 and was re-elected in 2006. His website is http://www.Cicilline.com.

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.

Paid for by Human Rights Campaign PAC (www.hrc.org/pac)and authorized by the Cicilline Committee.