Human Rights Campaign

From Usgs

The Human Rights Campaign is a SIG dedicated to political issues involving the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) community. It is the largest organization of its kind in the United States. Its current co-presidents are Mark Wong and James Lexington Former co-president Blake Edwards stepped down in 2016. {{|Name=Human Rights Campaign |Image = Hrc.gif |Headquarters = Washington, D.C.}}

Current Agenda

1. Marriage in as many regions as possible. - Currently in Heartlands and Northeast.

2. Civil unions in half of the regions without equal marriage. - Currently in Appalachia and West Coast [1] would provide federal recognition of all couples throughout all regions.

3. Repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell. - The Military Readiness Enhancement Act has been introduced in both houses, in the senate is has passed in FRID

4. Pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. - [2] and [3]
Current Progress: passed JUD in both houses

5. Enact more fair adoption laws. - Heartlands, Northeast, West Coast, and Mid-Atlantic are currently the only region with such laws.

6. Create an federal office for HIV/AIDS prevention. - [4] which includes such provisions
Current Progess: has passed the SHEE committee of the House and awaits further action.

7. Pass the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act. - [5] and [6]
Current Progess: passed JUD in both houses

8. Undo discriminatory provisions of DIX-91. - No current progress

9. Name Equality Act to allow either member of a couple to change their surname in an equal manner. - Action will be taken soon by the HRC

10. Mandating Insurance Companies to offer plans to cover domestic partners as well as spouses. - Action currently being worked on

Relationship With Out Politicians

The HRC has worked closely with many out LGBT politicians from all branches of government including Speaker of the House Emmett Honeycutt, Senator Hys Clematis, Senator Kathryn Spencer, and US Trade Representative Jaime Elzar-Toledo.

Other out politicians that have worked with the HRC include former Senator Sam Russell