%expand(%include(D:\http/ads/ads0.html))
HRC Passes Resolution of Support
For Transgender Issues
Contributed by Jodie Miller
December 9, 1998
Washington, D.C. -- Planning for the 1999 legislative year in a more
favorable political climate were among the topics discussed this past
weekend at the quarterly meeting of the Human Rights Campaign's Board of
Directors. At the two-day meeting, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act,
the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, and a number of health initiatives were
established as top legislative priorities. Other issues addressed include
reviewing the organization's criteria for candidate endorsements and
passage of a resolution of support for transgender issues.
In the wake of controversy that enveloped HRC's endorsement this year of
Sen. Alfonse D'Amato, R-New York, as well as the 1996 endorsement of Sen.
John Kerry, D-Mass., over Gov. William Weld, R-Mass., the Board began a
review of its endorsement policies.
"We adhered to established and publicized criteria in making our
endorsement of Senator D'Amato. We believe it would have been highly
unethical to change that criteria in the middle of an election cycle. Now
that the election cycle is over, we have an obligation to address the
level of discontent that this endorsement caused some of our membership,"
said Jeff Sachse, Co-Chair of HRC's Board of Directors. "While maintaining
our firm commitment to bipartisanship, HRC will immediately begin a review
at both the staff and board level of the endorsement process, with a
specific focus on selection criteria."
TG Resolution
At the same meeting, the Board passed the following resolution expressing
strong support for public and private initiatives that counter
discrimination based on real or perceived gender identity:
"The Human Rights Campaign strongly supports public and private
initiatives to counter discrimination based on real or perceived gender
identity. We acknowledge the extraordinary work of transgender
organizations and leaders and view them as important friends and powerful
allies. The Human Rights Campaign is committed to a mutually beneficial
relationship with the transgender community. It is our hope that such a
relationship will help inform and craft a shared vision of a world that
honors and respects all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender
identity."
"It is our hope that this resolution will be seen as a first step in
reaffirming our strong support for remedies that will ban discrimination
based on gender identity," said Candy Marcum, Board of Directors Co-Chair.
"We hope to work closely with the transgender community in finding the
right solutions."
|