In wake of the demise of the military’s discriminatory Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) policy, President Obama will address 3,000 attendees at the 15th Annual Human Rights Campaign National Dinner. The hailed event will take place October 1, 2011 in Washington D.C. at the Washington Convention Center.
“We are honored to share this night with President Obama who has a tremendous record of accomplishment for LGBT people,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “On the heels of the end to ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ we look forward to celebrating our victories and redoubling our efforts for the fights that remain ahead.”
This is President Obama’s second speech at the organization’s annual dinner.
Presidential quotes from his address in 2009 include:
“For nearly 30 years, you’ve advocated on behalf of those without a voice. That’s not easy. For despite the real gains that we’ve made, there’s still laws to change and there’s still hearts to open. There are still fellow citizens, perhaps neighbors, even loved ones — good and decent people — who hold fast to outworn arguments and old attitudes; who fail to see your families like their families; who would deny you the rights most Americans take for granted. And that’s painful and it’s heartbreaking.”
“I’ve called on Congress to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act and to pass the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act. And we must all stand together against divisive and deceptive efforts to feed people’s lingering fears for political and ideological gain.”
