01/11/2012

Washington - The Human Rights Campaign – the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization – is condemning Mitt Romney for touting the endorsement of anti-gay fundamentalist Kris Kobach. Kobach, who now serves as the Kansas Secretary of State, is best known for using fear tactics to spread his anti-immigration agenda. He also is virulently anti-gay, and in 2004 made the claim that HRC and other LGBT equality organizations supported “homosexual pedophilia.”

Three days ago in New Hampshire, Mitt Romney proudly touted his opposition to discrimination against LGBT Americans. Now, as he vies for support in South Carolina, he is embracing an extremist who has put a great deal of time and energy toward spreading malicious lies about LGBT people. In a release, Romney said he was “so proud to earn Kris’s support.” Kobach echoed Romney’s positivity, adding: “I am pleased to stand with this true conservative.”

“Mitt Romney can’t have it both ways. He can’t tell an audience in New Hampshire that he has a strong record of opposing discrimination against LGBT Americans, and then tell people in South Carolina the next day that he stands proudly with someone who equates being gay with pedophilia,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “Romney has a long track record of wild flip-flops on LGBT issues. This is perhaps the most glaring example to date that he is a dangerous candidate who will say whatever it takes to get elected.”

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.