WASHINGTON - Today the Human Rights Campaign joined with Lambda Legal, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, the National Center for Lesbian Rights and the Log Cabin Republicans in sending a letter to Clinton, Miss., Mayor Rosemary Aultman that condemned the intimidation and harassment of a group of Soulforce Equality Riders by Clinton police officials.

Soulforce Equality Riders are using two buses to travel to 32 Christian colleges and universities across the country that have discriminatory policies toward gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students and faculty. At each stop, the activists attempt to engage the campus in conversations on the importance of GLBT equality and religious tolerance.

On March 20, the Clinton Police Department informed Soulforce that its members would be cited if they "attempt[ed] to gather or travel in a group of four or more" near the campus of Mississippi College.

On Thursday, as Soulforce members were preparing to depart Clinton in their bus, a Clinton Police Department officer repeatedly ordered the bus to "go on and get out of town," even after the bus was moved to a pre-approved parking space.

Read the letter to Clinton, Miss., Mayor Rosemary Aultman.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, 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.