HRC endorses march on Washington

The Human Rights Campaign said Sept. 14 that an Aug. 12 “statement” it made about the upcoming National Equality March in Washington, D.C., was an “endorsement” of the march.

“Yes, we have endorsed the march,” said Communications Director Brad Luna.
“Yes, the release didn’t say the word ‘endorse’ but clearly that release is an endorsement.”

HRC’s Aug. 12 “statement” included these hesitant comments from President Joe Solmonese:

* “The Human Rights Campaign considers October 11 in Washington DC to be a starting point — not a destination.”

* “With thousands of LGBT people and allies coming to Washington to make a difference, it’s our mission to help them become the citizen lobbyists that they want and need to be.”

* “I’ve heard criticism about this gathering diverting resources from existing goals such as marriage equality in Maine and New Jersey. It’s our intention and our obligation to ensure that in October, we amplify our energy not divert it.”

Other national groups that have endorsed the Oct. 12 grassroots/netroots march include the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation; Join The Impact; the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches; the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force; the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network; Immigration Equality; the International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission; and Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.

On Sept. 15, march organizers provided a list of entertainment-industry people who recently endorsed the march. They include Calpernia Addams, Annette Bening, Greg Berlanti, Ilene Chaiken, Wilson Cruz, Melissa Etheridge, Carrie Fisher, James Franco, David Marshall Grant, Swoosie Kurtz, Chad Lowe, Camryn Manheim, Ewan McGregor, Sir Ian McKellen, Julianne Moore, Max Mutchnick, Kathy Najimy, Peter Paige, Felice Picano, David Hyde Pierce, Meg Ryan, Marisa Tomei and Gus Van Sant.

Marchers will “demand action from the federal government to protect our rights in all 50 states,” said organizer Kip Williams. “Real equality can only come from the president, the Congress and the Supreme Court.”

The march route still is not finalized.

By Rex Wockner