Obama to Speak at HRC Annual National Dinner on Oct. 1
Today, the Human Rights Campaign announced in a news release that President Obama will be making his second appearance at the organization’s annual national dinner.
This year’s dinner, which is to take place on Oct. 1 at the Washington Convention Center, will come just days after the end of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” on Sept. 20 — an accomplishment that the administration has pointed to as a key see of his commitment to LGBT equality.
In a news release announcing that Obama will be giving the keynote address at the group’s 15th annual national dinner, Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese said, “We are honored to share this night with President Obama who has a tremendous record of accomplishment for LGBT people. 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.”
Back in October 2009, Obama told the group, “We cannot afford to cut from our ranks people with the critical skills we need to fight any more than we can afford — for our military’s integrity — to force those willing to do so into careers encumbered and compromised by having to live a lie.
“So I’m working with the Pentagon, its leadership, and the members of the House and Senate on ending this policy. Legislation has been introduced in the House to make this happen. I will end Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. That’s my commitment to you.”
Watch Obama speaking before HRC in 2009:
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