WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign along with a coalition of other gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender rights groups met with Ford Motor Company executives in Washington, D.C., today. The meeting was prompted by news reports last week that Ford Motor Company had given in to right-wing extremists and made a decision to stop advertising in GLBT publications, stop supporting GLBT community events and organizations and stop tailoring advertising for the GLBT community.

HRC President Joe Solmonese issued the following statement after the Ford meeting:

"Any effort to appease a handful of vocal extremists backfired and offended millions of fair-minded consumers instead.

"We have asked that Ford repudiate its relationship with this extremist group, reinstate its advertising of Jaguar and Land Rover and continue investing in organizations working for equality.

"At a time when corporate America leads on fairness, we hope Ford will shift back into drive."

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.