Washington - The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, and Equality North Carolina (ENC) are pleased to announce a renewed partnership to work towards equality in North Carolina. HRC has provided a grant of $10,000 to support ENC's work to keep a constitutional marriage amendment off the ballot.

A draconian anti-LGBT constitutional amendment (SB 106), introduced in the North Carolina Senate just days ago, would amend the state constitution to include a new section that reads, "Marriage between a man and a woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State." This extreme language would not only limit marriage to opposite sex couples, but would prohibit any other form of relationship recognition.

"We are pleased to forge a stronger partnership with Equality North Carolina and redouble our efforts in the Tar Heel State," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "We look forward to working together in order to make North Carolina a better place to live, work and raise families."

"We are excited that the Human Rights Campaign is investing in Equality North Carolina's campaign to defend the rights of all North Carolina families," said ENC Executive Director, Ian Palmquist. "We can stop this discriminatory amendment if LGBT and allied North Carolinians stand together for fairness."

"HRC's support of Equality North Carolina's efforts to fight this discriminatory measure continues a strong partnership between the two groups," said North Carolina resident and member of HRC's Board of Directors, Joni Madison. "We are all wholly committed to ensuring discrimination does not end up in our state constitution."

Announcement of the grant comes as leaders from the Human Rights Campaign's North Carolina community prepare for this Saturday's 26th Annual HRC North Carolina Gala at the Raleigh Convention Center. Information about the dinner is available at http://www.hrccarolina.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 LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

Equality North Carolina is the only statewide organization dedicated to securing equal rights and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. Learn more about Equality North Carolina at: http://equalitync.org/