The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest LGBT civil-rights group, has announced that Democratic vice-presidential nominee Sen. Joe Biden will be the featured speaker at the organization’s Twelfth Annual National Dinner in Washington D.C., Saturday, Oct. 4.
‘I’m honored to participate in this event. Discrimination has no place in this country and I am proud to stand with HRC in the fight to end it,’ Biden said in a press release. ‘Barack Obama and I will bring the change we need in Washington. The Bush Administration’s policies have been disastrous for the LGBT community and a McCain Administration would just mean four more years of the same.’
‘I am truly thrilled and honored that Senator Joe Biden will be joining us at the HRC National Dinner,’ said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese in the release. ‘Senator Biden’s record in the United States Senate is one of support and understanding that has been unwavering throughout his career. In this critical election year, his outspoken advocacy for the LGBT community is invaluable.’
The HRC endorsed the Democratic presidential ticket in June and took an active role at the Democratic National Committee Convention in Denver.
Personal finance expert Suze Orman will also deliver remarks at the dinner, where she will be presented with the National Equality Award. Past National Equality Award recipients include House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, tennis legend Billie Jean King, musician and activist Cyndi Lauper, actress Jessica Lange, Bishop Gene Robinson and director Steven Spielberg.