WASHINGTON - Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese made the following statement regarding the passing of Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald, D-Calif.

Said Solmonese:

"With the passing of Congresswoman Millender-McDonald, our community has lost a true friend and compassionate ally for equality. Throughout her career in Congress, Representative Millender-McDonald always stood on the side of fairness for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community and was a leader in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic. She made history as the first African-American woman to chair a House committee. At this difficult time, our community pauses to remember the legacy she left behind and to send our sympathies to her family, friends and staff."

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.