New Mexico Governor Pledges Support For Domestic Partnerships, Ending 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

by Admin

WASHINGTON - New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson pledged his support for equal domestic partnership rights, fighting HIV/AIDS internationally and repealing the military's anti-gay "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy as keynote speaker at the annual Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles Gala Dinner on Saturday.

"This country is tired of the politics of hatred and division. What we need in this country is someone that can bring us together," said Richardson. "Gay and lesbian families deserve respect. What we don't need are constitutional amendments designed to exclude supportive, devoted couples. We need to extend the rights due to all of us as Americans."

The HRC Los Angeles Gala Dinner was presented by the International Law Firm Bryan Cave. The dinner was attended by more than 1,000 HRC members and supporters, including retired Marine Staff Sgt. Eric Alva, spokesperson for HRC's efforts to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and comedian Bill Maher, who received the 2007 HRC Equality Award.

Watch a video of Richardson's speech or read the transcript.

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.

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"This country is tired of the politics of hatred and division. What we need in this country is someone that can bring us together," said Richardson. "Gay and lesbian families deserve respect. What we don't need are constitutional amendments designed to exclude supportive, devoted couples. We need to extend the rights due to all of us as Americans."

The HRC Los Angeles Gala Dinner was presented by the International Law Firm Bryan Cave. The dinner was attended by more than 1,000 HRC members and supporters, including retired Marine Staff Sgt. Eric Alva, spokesperson for HRC's efforts to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and comedian Bill Maher, who received the 2007 HRC Equality Award.

Watch a video of Richardson's speech or read the transcript.

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.

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