Towleroad News
by Andy Towle
10/5/09

On the eve of the National Equality March this Saturday, President Obama will speak at the Human Rights Campaign's annual dinner in Washington D.C.:

'Mr. Obama's appearance on Saturday at the annual dinner for the Human Rights Campaign, a leading gay rights advocacy group, represents a significant show of support for gay rights at a time when many prominent gay and lesbian activists have been questioning the president's commitment to their issues...While it remains to be seen what Mr. Obama's appearance at the dinner will do to his standing in the eyes of gay rights activists, his speech may mollify some of their concerns. His appearance will mark only the second time a sitting president has spoken to the Human Rights Campaign. The first time was more in 1997 when Bill Clinton spoke to the group. That was the first time a sitting president had ever addressed a gay rights organization. A person with knowledge of Mr. Obama's plans confirmed his appearance at the dinner. But this person spoke on the condition of anonymity because a formal announcement is expected later today.'

Said HRC President Joe Solmonese: 'We are honored to share this night with President Obama, who has called upon our nation to embrace LGBT people as brothers and sisters. It is fitting that he will speak to our community on the night that we pay tribute to his friend and mentor Senator Edward Kennedy, who knew that as president, Barack Obama would take on the unfinished business of this nation  equal rights for the LGBT community, and for every person who believes in liberty and justice for all.'

The following day....
full story:
http://www.towleroad.com/2009/10/obama-to-appear-at-human-campaign-rights-dinner-this-saturday.html

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