WASHINGTON, D.C. – Over the weekend, U.S. Sen. Kamala D. Harris delivered remarks at the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) 21st Annual National Dinner, an event recognizing the LGBT community’s history of progress and honoring champions of equality. In her remarks, Harris highlighted attacks on LGBT rights under the Trump administration, and urged attendees to recommit themselves to fighting for the rights of communities everywhere including immigrants, women, and people of color.
Key excerpts from Harris’ remarks:
- From the United States Congress to the United States Census, LGBT rights are under attack. Under attack by a Justice Department that now stands on the side of discrimination instead of equality. Under attack by a Senate nominee who thinks homosexuality should be illegal, and a judicial nominee who says transgender-children are proof of “Satan’s plan.” And under attack by a Commander-in-Chief who wants to ban transgender troops who are willing to sacrifice their lives to defend our country.
- We will leave no one to fight alone. Together we’ll fight for the equality of the LGBT community in all of its diversity. Together we’ll fight to promote police reforms and progressive prosecutors, to prevent shootings like those that took Trayvon Martin or Philando Castile. Together we’ll fight when Planned Parenthood clinics are being threatened to shut down. Together we’ll fight for the DREAM Act. Call our members of Congress. And donate to HRC’s Dreamers Fund. Because no one should have to hide, not in the closet or in the shadows.
- Let’s be clear that this fight is about love of country. This fight is patriotic. And as I said at an HRC dinner 12 years ago, I believe there are two definitions of what it means to be a patriot. One describes those who condone the conduct of their country, whatever it does. The other is the kind I believe us all to be. The kind that fights each and every day for the ideals of our country. The ideals behind the Declaration of Independence, and the United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
