Hrc Gillibrand Statement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 23, 2009 Brad Luna | Phone: 202/216.1514 | Cell: 202/812.8140 Trevor Thomas | Phone: 202/216.1547 | Cell: 202/250.9758

Human Rights Campaign Statement on Rep. Gillibrand’s Appointment as U.S. Senator of New York WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, issued a statement today on the appointment of Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) by Gov. David Paterson to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who resigned as the state’s junior senator this week. “Governor Paterson’s pick of Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand’s is a step forward for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community as she brings with her a strong record of support and understanding,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Gillibrand has already spoken out in support of marriage equality for same-sex couples; hate crimes protection legislation covering our entire community; fully inclusive employment nondiscrimination legislation, and the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’. As we advance proth equality legislation in the 111 Congress, we look forward to Senator Gillibrand’s support and votes.” Rep. Gillibrand was endorsed by the HRC PAC in 2008. The Human Rights Campaign has confirmed the following positions on her LGBT record: • Supports marriage equality • Cosponsored and voted in favor of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act • Cosponsored inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and supports enactment of inclusive bill • Voted in favor of ENDA • Supports repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell • Supports repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act • Supports equal tax treatment of employer provided domestic partnership benefits • Voted against allowing discrimination in hiring for the Head Start program • Voted in favor of allowing Washington, DC to fund needle exchange programs with local funds • Supports the Early Treatment of HIV/AIDS Act (ETHA) to allow states to provide Medicaid coverage for HIV-positive persons • Voted against procedural attempts to derail ENDA and hate crimes The Human Rights Campaign Foundation 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.