WASHINGTON-The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights group, today announced that the organization will endorse Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.) for president of the United States. The decision was made by the HRC Board of Directors based on Senator Obama's support for GLBT equality, his demonstrated leadership, and his unwavering commitment to civil rights.

&quotHRC is proud to throw our full support behind Senator Obama's presidential campaign,&quot said HRC President Joe Solmonese. &quotSenator Obama has consistently shown that he understands, as we do, that, GLBT rights are civil rights, and human rights. Senator Obama has said that embracing 'our gay brothers and sisters' is true to Martin Luther King's vision I know that Senator Obama's vision is one of equality, fairness, and justice for all of us,&quot he said. &quotWe have just witnessed a historic primary contest in which two champions of our community demonstrated that they hear our voices and share our dreams. For millions across this country, their candidacies-as the first woman and the first African American to be top contenders for the nomination of a major party-have already been life-changing, inspiring, and groundbreaking. Senators Obama and Clinton both remained our allies whether they were campaigning in New Mexico or Nebraska in California or Kansas. They are, quite simply, heroes to anyone fighting for equality,&quot

Senator Obama supports federal benefits and protections for same-sex couples, a fully-inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act and hate crimes legislation, comprehensive sex education, the repeal of the military's &quotDon't Ask, Don't Tell&quot policy, and increased funding for HIV/AIDS. He opposes the federal marriage amendment and bans on adoption by GLBT people. Senator Obama participated in HRC's and Logo's historic presidential forum in 2007, and submitted HRC's presidential questionnaire.

&quotThe Human Rights Campaign has been at the forefront of the fight for GLBT equality and opportunity, and I am proud to have its endorsement,&quot said Senator Obama. &quotToo often, the issue of GLBT rights is exploited by those seeking to divide us. But at its core, this issue is about who we are as Americans. I look forward to working with HRC to end discrimination against GLBT Americans and to ensure that all of our citizens are treated with dignity and respect.&quot

Solmonese concluded, &quotI've been consistently impressed by Senator Obama's willingness to speak about GLBT issues in front of diverse audiences. Matters of life and livelihood for GLBT Americans are on the line in this election and after eight years of an anti-gay stranglehold on the presidency, Sen. Obama's message of fairness and acceptance is a breath of fresh air.&quot