HRC Supports Holder For Attorney General

Eric Holder has a long and strong legal background, one that includes public service and private practice. He has been a judge, U.S. Attorney, and served as Deputy Attorney General of the United States. He has served both Republican and Democratic administrations.

HRC, the Human Rights Campaign (no, not Hillary Rodham Clinton, though I assume she approves too,) has released a statement in support of Barack Obama’s choice for Attorney General, Eric Holder. 

“In Eric Holder, President-Elect Obama has chosen an attorney general who has demonstrated his dedication to civil rights, protecting communities from hate violence, and the fair and equal application of our laws,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Eric Holder has recognized the deleterious effect that hate and bias crimes have not just on victims, but on entire communities. President-Elect Obama’s appointment continues to prove his commitment to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.”

And this, via pinknews.co.uk:

“In a statement published on the Presidential transition website last month, Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Biden committed themselves to strengthening federal hate crimes protection by passing the Matthew Shepard Act.

The President-elect also committed to support civil unions and federal rights for LGBT couples.

“Barack Obama supports full civil unions that give same-sex couples legal rights and privileges equal to those of married couples,” the statement read.

“Obama also believes we need to repeal the Defence of Marriage Act and enact legislation that would ensure that the 1,100+ federal legal rights and benefits currently provided on the basis of marital status are extended to same-sex couples in civil unions and other legally-recognised unions.

“These rights and benefits include the right to assist a loved one in times of emergency, the right to equal health insurance and other employment benefits, and property rights.”

He said he wanted an end to the ban on openly gay people serving in the US Armed Forces, and said he would support federal protection in employment for LGBT people.

President-elect Obama said he believes in adoption rights for all couples and individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation.

“A child will benefit from a healthy and loving home, whether the parents are gay or not,” the statement read.

The new administration has pledged to develop and begin to implement a comprehensive national HIV/AIDS strategy that includes all federal agencies within 12 months of taking office.”

This is all good news, but let’s remember the goal is full equality, which means the goal is marriage, not just civil unions.