WASHINGTON - Today former NBA player and Human Rights Campaign Coming Out Project spokesperson John Amaechi released the following statement in response to Ann Coulter's use of the term "faggot" in describing Sen. John Edwards before the Conservative Political Action Committee on Friday:

"Yesterday, Ann Coulter, in a speech before the Conservative Political Action Committee, used the 'F' word that has long been used as a hateful and harmful slur against gay people. I have worked as a youth mentor since I was in college, and in the weeks since I publicly came out I have heard from young people from all over the globe. Coming out and living openly can be challenging - and that challenge only grows when people like Ann Coulter mockingly use it as a cheap joke.

"Words have power - and this word in particular has a ricochet effect, as it emboldens bullies in the school yard, in the workplace and on the streets, and tells them that this kind of hate speech is OK.

"Ann Coulter knows better, yet continues to disparage the GLBT community. The people in the room with her yesterday would do well to speak out loudly against her remarks and, more importantly, her sentiment and send a message that harmful slurs never have a place in the public discourse."

See a video of Coulter's and Romney's remarks.

See a video of John Amaechi condemning Coulter's remarks.

Read the statement from HRC president Joe Solmonese condemning Coulter's remarks and calling for Vice President Cheney and Republican presidential candidates in attendance of the CPAC conference to follow suit.

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.