Washington - Today the Human Rights Campaign - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization - announced the endorsement of Vermont State Senate President Pro Tem Peter Shumlin for Governor. Shumlin has a stellar record on LGBT equality in contrast to his opponent, Lt. Governor Brian Dubie, who is opposed to marriage equality and even civil unions.

"Peter Shumlin has been a champion of equality," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "There is no doubt, that as Vermont's next governor, Peter Shumlin will fight every day for all the people of Vermont, including LGBT citizens. His voting record in the state Senate shows he always stands up for what is right."

Working with Governor Howard Dean, Shumlin assured passage of civil unions in 2000. Earlier this year, Shumlin led the fight for marriage equality legislation, and after a veto by Governor Douglas, led the successful effort to override by one vote, making Vermont the first state in the nation to enact marriage equality legislatively. Lt. Gov. Dubie has avoided answering the question of whether or not he would seek to repeal the Marriage Equality Act of 2010.

"As governor, Peter Shumlin will stand with the fair-minded people of Vermont who support equal rights. Peter Shumlin believes in the American family and realizes LGBT Americans are part of that family," added Solmonese.

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.