12/06/2011

Washington– The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, today praised Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton for her address focusing on human rights for LGBT people in recognition of Human Rights Day celebrated on December 10.  The remarks came in tandem with the White House release of a presidential memorandum outlining a robust strategy to deal with human rights abuses of LGBT people.  Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese, who earlier today met with Secretary Clinton and international human rights leaders, released the following statement:

“Today, Secretary Clinton distinguished herself as a legendary champion of rights for all people, including those of us who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.  In a remarkable speech to an international audience, the Secretary showed the power of American leadership that calls on the world to live up to the idea that all people are entitled to basic human rights and dignity.  There is no question that the administration’s record of advancing equality for LGBT people has been enhanced by the leadership of Secretary Clinton.

“Along with today’s memorandum by President Obama, it is clear that this administration will not turn its head when governments commit or allow abuses of the human rights of LGBT people. Additionally, Secretary Clinton’s message directly to LGBT people around the world that they have an ally in the United States sends a powerful message.

“When speaking with Secretary Clinton, I thanked her for standing beside LGBT Americans and advancing an American foreign policy that is LGBT-inclusive.  We were able to discuss how much further we have to go – at home and abroad – to secure the rights of LGBT people.  While HRC continues to fight for equality in America, we stand with President Obama and Secretary Clinton to repudiate human rights abuses abroad. As Americans, we understand that no one should be made a criminal or subject to violence or even death for who they are.”

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.