Human Rights Campaign Endorses Kendrick Meek for U.S. Senate
MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender civil rights organization - today endorsed Kendrick Meek, the only real Democrat in Florida's U.S. Senate race.
"I'm honored to receive the endorsement of the Human Rights Campaign," said Kendrick. "I've been a strong defender of LGBT rights and am proud to continue working with the LGBT community in the fight for equality. From fighting against Florida's ban on gay adoption to consistently opposing the military's discriminatory 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, I will continue putting the well-being of all Floridians before the politics of division as Florida's next U.S. Senator."
"Kendrick is a leader who has stood on the front lines of Florida's fight for equality. An outspoken opponent of the state's ban on gay adoptions and a longtime advocate for equal protections legislation, Kendrick's record shows he is a steadfast ally of Florida's LGBT community. Floridians deserve leaders who take principled stands and aren't afraid to fight for what they believe in. For years, Kendrick has fought for equality. Now, it's time to stand with him," said HRC President Joe Solmonese.
Kendrick has fought for equal rights for Floridians his entire career. Since day one, he has been a vocal opponent of Florida's gay adoption ban. He believes potential adoptive parents should be evaluated based on their capacity to provide a loving home for a child, not their sexual orientation.
Kendrick was an outspoken opponent of Amendment 2, a 2008 ballot initiative which defines marriage in the Florida constitution to exclude same-sex couples and outlaws recognition of any other partnership between couples. In 2007, he was named "Legislator of the Year" by the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund. As the Democratic nominee, Kendrick will be the only candidate in the general election to have consistently opposed the military's discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.
The Human Rights Campaign represents a grassroots force of over 750,000 members and supporters nationwide. As the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, HRC envisions an America where LGBT people are ensured of their basic equal rights, and can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.