WASHINGTON - Today, Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., and Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., introduced the Healthy Families Act, a bill that guarantees American workers seven days of paid sick leave to recover from their own illness or to care for a sick family member, including families headed by same-sex couples. The Human Rights Campaign worked to ensure that this bill was drafted to include gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender families.

"Passage of this valuable legislation would assist millions of Americans in committed, long-term relationships caring for a same-sex partner or family member. No American family, gay or straight, should have to choose between caring for a sick family member or losing their paycheck," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "We applaud Senator Kennedy and Representative DeLauro for introducing this legislation that is inclusive of all families."

The HRC Workplace Project works with corporate America to help companies enact inclusive employment policies that are responsive to the needs of GLBT families. As of Jan. 1, 2007, 53 percent of the Fortune 500 corporations offered health benefits to employees' domestic partners.

"Thankfully, much of corporate America understands that meeting the needs of GLBT families allows them to maintain a more competitive and healthy workforce," continued Solmonese. "We urge the federal government to follow their lead by passing the Healthy Families Act."

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.