A Message From the HRC

Have you heard the latest news on plans for the Presidential Inauguration?

On Wednesday, the Presidential Inaugural Committee invited anti-LGBT and Prop. 8 supporter Rev. Rick Warren to give the invocation at the Presidential inauguration.

Within hours, this announcement unleashed a deservedly loud cry from the Human Rights Campaign and the community at large. Indeed, our frustration has been voiced on blogs, radio, TV and print news across the country (check out HRC’s Harry Knox on NBC Nightly News and my editorial in the Washington Post below).

Today, I am writing to you because we have a chance to turn all of our energy and outrage into action. Make no mistake – this is a moment of opportunity we must not squander.

President-elect Obama may not change his mind on Rev. Warren, but he can turn the corner on this controversy by officially committing to HRC’s Blueprint for Positive Change – a concrete plan for LGBT equality.

Ask President-elect Obama to support HRC’s Blueprint for Positive Change — a Five-Point plan for LGBT Equality in America.

Our community worked tirelessly for Obama’s election. We staffed the phones. We walked the neighborhoods. We talked to our families and friends.

Obama’s election night victory filled us with great pride and joy. But the following day, our community was hit hard when we knew that Prop. 8 had passed and Californian’s legal marriage rights were dismantled.

Yesterday, President-elect Obama defended his selection of Rev. Warren by saying “I am a fierce advocate for equality for gay and lesbian Americans.” That makes me believe Obama can restore our trust by taking action and hearing from all of us.

Ask President-elect Obama to support HRC’s Blueprint for Positive Change.

Once you send your message to President-elect Obama, please forward this e-mail to your loved ones urging them to join you.

I am so grateful and so honored to work with you every day. And in these troubling times, the support we give to one another is a tremendous comfort and blessing. I look forward to the hard, but critical, work ahead as we fight for equality for all Americans.

Warmly,

Joe Solmonese
President