WASHINGTON - During the annual Human Rights Campaign dinner in Los Angeles, HRC President Joe Solmonese underscored the organization's commitment to marriage equality and pledged to help support Equality California Institute's public education campaign about the freedom to marry with a $100,000 financial contribution. In addition, HRC will place a field organizer in the state.

"HRC is committed to achieving full equality for our community, including marriage, and we are proud to partner with Geoff Kors and the Equality California Institute to help open hearts and minds in the Golden State," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "Working together to engage the public and community leaders will ensure a united voice from California's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community."

In addition to the financial support, HRC will recruit and place an organizer to mobilize HRC members to participate in Equality California Institute's field activities as well as other HRC priorities. HRC will also become a member of the executive committee of the education campaign.

"We are grateful to HRC for the announcement of $100,000 to Equality California Institute for our marriage education campaign," said Geoff Kors, executive director of Equality California Institute. "HRC continues to be a valued partner."

The Human Rights Campaign and Equality California have a long history of working together. HRC paid for more than $300,000 in research that is the basis for EQCA Institute's marriage education campaign.

HRC also contributed $100,000 in 2005 to the ballot committee, Equality For All, that was created to prepare for a marriage amendment ballot campaign in 2006.

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.