WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, issued this statement today regarding Ray Buckley's election to be president of the Association of State Democratic Chairs:

"The Human Rights Campaign congratulates Ray Buckley on his election as president of the Association of State Democratic Chairs," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "I'm proud to note that Ray will be the first openly gay man to hold this position, and will be the highest-ranking openly gay Democratic Party official. Ray has been a strong and successful advocate for equality in New Hampshire, and HRC looks forward to continuing to work with him to advance equality for LGBT people."

"I want to wholeheartedly thank the HRC for their support of my candidacy, and also for their tireless dedication to promoting equality in New Hampshire," said Ray Buckley.

Ray Buckley was elected chairman of the New Hampshire Democratic Party in 2007. The Human Rights Campaign has worked closely with Buckley over the past two years on advancing equality for LGBT people in New Hampshire, including in 2006, when HRC staff and members worked to elect a fair-minded State Senate, which led to passage of a civil unions bill and defeat of an anti-marriage amendment in 2007. Buckley's election also makes him a Vice-Chair of the Democratic National Committee.

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.