WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights group, today announced that Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Senator Joe Biden will be the featured speaker at the organization's Twelfth Annual National Dinner in Washington D.C. on October 4th.

"I'm honored to participate in this event. Discrimination has no place in this country and I am proud to stand with HRC in the fight to end it," said Senator Joe Biden. "Barack Obama and I will bring the change we need in Washington. The Bush Administration's policies have been disastrous for the LGBT community and a McCain Administration would just mean four more years of the same."

Senator Joe Biden has a proven record of fighting for and supporting issues of equality, including opposing a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage supporting the Employment Non-Discrimination Act favoring a repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell and expanding existing hate crimes law to include the LGBT community.

"I am truly thrilled and honored that Senator Joe Biden will be joining us at the HRC National Dinner," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "Senator Biden's record in the United States Senate is one of support and understanding that has been unwavering throughout his career. In this critical election year, his outspoken advocacy for the LGBT community is invaluable."

HRC endorsed the Democratic presidential ticket in June and took an active role at the Democratic National Committee Convention in Denver.

Personal finance expert Suze Orman will also deliver remarks at the HRC National Dinner, where she will be presented with the National Equality Award. Past National Equality Award recipients include House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, tennis legend Billie Jean King, musician and activist Cyndi Lauper, actress Jessica Lange, Bishop Gene Robinson, and director Steven Spielberg.

"Suze has earned her place as America's favorite and most trusted personal finance expert. Her work shows that concerns about paying our bills, feeding and clothing our children, and buying homes transcend sexual orientation, gender idenity, race, sex, politics and religion," continued Solmonese.

The National Dinner will be held in Hall D of Washington's Convention Center. More than 3,000 are expected to attend the event, which will be chaired by Janet Carter and Jackson Palmer. Along with Biden's address and Orman's award presentation, the dinner will also feature political speakers, a silent auction and entertainment.

Ticket Info: Tickets for the event may be reserved online at boxofficetickets.com or hrcnationaldinner.org. To reserve tickets by phone, call Box Office Tickets at 800/494-8497.

Credentialing: Media pre-registration required. To receive credentials for the dinner, please contact Rachel Balick at rachel.balick@hrc.org.

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 GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

Helms Amendment - Hate Crimes Statistics Act (February 8, 1990)

District of Columbia's Health Care Benefits Expansion Act (July 30, 1992)

Justice Clarence Thomas Confirmation (October 15, 1991)

Hate Crimes Sentencing Enhancement (November 4, 1993)

Codification of the Ban on Gays and Lesbians in the Military (September 9, 1993)

District of Columbia's Domestic Partners Ordinance (July 27, 1993)

Employment Non-Discrimination Act (September 10, 1996)

Hate Crimes Amendment to Defense Authorization (June 20, 2000)

Federal Marriage Amendment (July 14, 2004)

Federal Marriage Amendment (June 7, 2006)

Justice Samuel Alito Confirmation (January 31, 2006)

Judge William Pryor Confirmation (June 9, 2005)