Washington - The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest civil rights organization dedicated to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality, is deeply saddened and appalled over the news that David Kato, the gay Ugandan human rights defender, died after being found brutally beaten in his home on Wednesday. David was the Advocacy Officer for Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), a coalition of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex human rights organizations in Uganda.

"We mourn the loss of David Kato, a member of the international LGBT community," said Sharon Groves, deputy director of HRC's Religion & Faith Program. "An atmosphere of extreme homophobia in Uganda has clearly contributed to a climate where LGBT people are unsafe. Fundamentalist ministers in the United States who have systematically exported homophobia to Uganda share responsibility for this tragedy and we call on them to stop exporting hatred masked as religion."

"As people in Uganda and around the globe are mourning David's untimely death, we remember him as a hero to all those who fight against marginalization and exploitation. He will be deeply missed," added Groves.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.