WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, released a statement this evening by HRC President Joe Solmonese on the recent announcement on Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Sen. Joe Biden cancellation of his weekend schedule. Earlier today, Sen. Joe Biden released a public statement cancelling his weekend campaign activities due to the illness of his wife Jill Biden's mother. Senator Biden was previously scheduled to deliver the keynote address for tonight's National Dinner. In lieu of Senator Biden, Sen. Hillary Clinton has graciously offered to appear by satellite live from California to offer remarks.

"Tonight our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Biden family. Although our community was looking forward to hearing from Senator Biden, we obviously understand that family always comes before politics. As a strong ally of our community, we look forward to next year when Vice President Biden can address the LGBT community," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "A longtime friend of our community, Sen. Hillary Clinton has stepped up and graciously offered to appear tonight via satellite from California. As she has done so many times in the past, I have no doubt that Senator Clinton's remarks will once again rally our community to go out and fight for a pro-equality ticket this election year."