WASHINGTON - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, praised the newsthat Eric Fanning, who is openly gay, will be nominated to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Army by President Barack Obama. Fanning currently serves as Acting Under Secretary of the Army.

“Eric Fanning is the perfect choice to lead the world’s best-trained, most dedicated, and formidable Army,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “Considering the tremendous struggles that LGBT Americans have faced within the Department of Defense, Fanning’s nomination is deeply significant.  This is a sign of hope and a demonstration of continued progress towards fairness and equality in our nation’s armed forces.  We urge the Senate to quickly confirm this remarkably experienced candidate to this important post.”

Earlier today, HRC also praised the news that Amanda Simpson was sworn in as Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) of Defense for Operational Energy. DAS Simpson is the nation’s highest ranking openly transgender official in the Obama Administration.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. HRC envisions a world where LGBT people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

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