Human Rights Campaign Endorses Hillary Clinton: 'Her Fight Is Our Fight'
Hillary Rodham Clinton received the endorsement of the United States' largest gay rights group, further cementing her support among socially liberal groups.
The Human Rights Campaign released a statement earlier this week in support of the current Democratic primary frontrunner, declaring "HRC for HRC."
"She has stood with us, and now it's our turn. Her fight is our fight," stated the HRC group, listing various positions that Clinton has taken in support of gay marriage and antidiscrimination laws.
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"There is so much at stake for the LGBT community in the 2016 presidential election. Think of all the progress we've made under President Obama's leadership and what could be rolled back."
HRC pointed to statements and actions Clinton has made in support of gay rights both as a U.S. Senator and as Secretary of State during the Obama Administration.
"In the United States Senate, Clinton was a strong supporter of LGBT non-discrimination legislation, including being an original cosponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act," continued HRC.
"Now she has called it her 'highest priority' to pass and sign into law the Equality Act — landmark legislation that would establish full federal equality for LGBT Americans."
Clinton's campaign platform has fully embraced pro-LGBT positions, including a ban on gay conversion therapy for minors.
"Hillary will end LGBT conversion therapy for minors; combat youth homelessness by ensuring adequate funding, and safe and welcoming shelter, for youth; protect LGBT elders against discrimination," stated the campaign.
"Hillary will work with Congress to pass the Equality Act, continue President Obama's LGBT equality executive actions, and support efforts to clarify that sex discrimination includes discrimination on the basis of 'gender identity' and 'sexual orientation.'"
While Clinton has been touting her support for LGBT rights and courting support among groups like HRC, others have been more skeptical about the sincerity of her support.
Mark Joseph Stern of Slate wrote last year that Clinton's record on LGBT issues "should seriously trouble her LGBT supporters."
Stern specifically focused on an email Clinton sent in 2011 as Secretary of State opposing a proposal to change a passport application question from "mother" and "father" to "parent 1" and "parent 2," but also focused on her views on marriage definition.
"Clinton only came out for marriage equality in 2013, in what the Economist dubbed a 'farcically late conversion.' Even then, she seemed to endorse the Dick Cheney position that states should be allowed to decide whether or not to deprive gay people of their fundamental right to wed," argued Stern.
"Many of her gay donors are frustrated with her perceived lack of enthusiasm about LGBT rights. She supported the Supreme Court's marriage equality ruling — but declined to explain why she suddenly believes marriage is a constitutional right and not an issue for the states."
This is not the first major socially liberal organization to endorse Clinton. For the first time in its one hundred year history Planned Parenthood, the nation's leading abortion provider, officially endorsed Clinton for president.
In reaction to the two endorsements, Democratic challenger Senator Bernie Sanders told MSNBC that Planned Parenthood and HRC were part of the establishment.
"So I have friends and supporters in the [HRC], in Planned Parenthood," stated Sanders in an interview with Rachael Maddow.
"But you know what, Hillary Clinton has been around there for a very, very long time and some of these groups are part of the establishment."
