HRC Statement on Passing of Sen. Arlen Specter

HRC President Chad Griffin issued the following statement on the death of former Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter. “On behalf of the Human Rights Campaign, I extend our condolences to the family of Arlen Specter. His support for repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and passage of the Matthew Shepard hate crimes law was critical. As

HRC President Chad Griffin issued the following statement on the death of former Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter.

“On behalf of the Human Rights Campaign, I extend our condolences to the family of Arlen Specter. His support for repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and passage of the Matthew Shepard hate crimes law was critical. As was his willingness to change his mind and oppose the Federal Marriage Amendment in 2006 after voting for it in 2004.

“While we disagreed with his support for some conservative judicial nominees which will leave a lasting negative impact on our community, he was willing to work across party lines to get things done.

“I had the opportunity to host him in Los Angeles while working with him on funding for stem cell research at a time when it was difficult for a Republican Senator to speak out.”

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.

Photo By Steve Dietz/Sharp Image for aflcio2008 (Photo credit: Steve Dietz/Sharp Image) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons