Washington – This evening President Barack Obama spoke to the 15th annual National Dinner of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization.  HRC President Joe Solmonese released the following statement:

“Tonight President Obama reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to LGBT Americans. Two years ago when he addressed the HRC National Dinner, he made a commitment that he would end ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and just last week we celebrated the end of that shameful law.  It was a remarkable experience to see openly gay and lesbian uniformed service members in the audience be able to salute their commander in chief.

“This President has made tremendous strides toward improving the lives of LGBT Americans and while many others want to turn back the clock.  With so much left to be done – from repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act to passing inclusive federal employment protections– the stakes are clear for the LGBT community.  We remain inspired by his leadership and are ready to engage in the fights ahead.”

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.