Human Rights Campaign to Participate in New York LGBT Lobby Day

by Admin

HRC members and staff will lobby lawmakers to support pro-equality legislation New Yorkers Take Action Now: http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/campaign/nylobbyday09

Washington - The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, announced today that it will participate in the New York LGBT lobby day, tomorrow, April 28, to advocate for pro-equality legislation. HRC members and staff will discuss adding gender identity to the state's non-discrimination law passing legislation to make schools safer and securing the votes for the marriage equality bill recently introduced by New York Governor David Paterson. The Human Rights Campaign has staff on the ground preparing for tomorrow's lobby day. For the latest updates visit: http://www.hrcbackstory.org/author/ahayes/

"After last year's elections, we have a unique opportunity to make change in New York but we need every person who supports equality to stand up and be counted," said Human Rights Campaign National Field Director Marty Rouse. "We are committed to doing the hard work needed to secure the votes to move pro-equality bills this legislative session."

The Human Rights Campaign has encouraged its members to participate in the lobby day, which is being organized by the Empire State Pride Agenda. At this time, some 2,000 people are expected to lobby for pro-equality legislation. For a program schedule of events visit the Empire State Pride Agenda website: http://www.prideagenda.org/tabid/332/Default.aspx.

HRC's New York leadership is currently working with coalition partners to put a face on same-sex couples in loving and committed relationships who are being denied access to full marriage equality. Through letter writing campaigns, visits with legislators and conversations with friends, family, and neighbors, HRC and its membership in the state are engaged in an active effort to demonstrate the clear need for all couples in loving and committed relationships to have the right to marry.

In the 2008 election season, HRC worked to elect three fair-minded senate candidates in the New York state Senate, including Brian Foley (SD-03) and Joe Addabbo (SD-15), helping to change control of the Senate. In addition, HRC trained more than 50 people in it's Camp Equalityᄏ election skills training held on Long Island. In all, HRC New York PAC contributed over $120,000 and had two field staffers, plus a campaign college staffer on the ground.

In January of 2007, HRC helped elect Senator Craig Johnson on Long Island in a special election. The election was considered the tipping point for the Democratic takeover of the New York State Senate, as the seat was held by Republicans for over 100 years. HRC sent Regional Field Director Sultan Shakir and another staffer to the district to help increase fair-minded turnout in the district, resulting in a 54 to 46 win for Johnson.

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.

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