Introducing the Greater New York Steering Committee - NYC, LONG ISLAND, NJ, CONN.

We are the leadership group that helps organize the Greater New York area, which is comprised of New Jersey, New York City, Long Island, and Connecticut, The Greater New York Steering Committee of the Human Rights Campaign is a diverse volunteer group of individuals working each and every day to bring the mission of HRC to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender and straight-supportive people in this area. By taking part in community events, prides, town hall meetings and partnerships with other organizations, these volunteers are working hard to support HRC’s efforts in the movement for equal rights for LGBT people. Read More »


Local News

Call Your Member of Congress Today, Tell Them to Pass the Matthew Shepard Act!

Posted on Monday April 27, 2009


We've received word that the House will vote on the Matthew Shepard Act very soon and we know that
right-wing groups are flooding Congress with calls, emails and sickening ‘fact sheets’ full of lies about the lives of LGBT Americans. We need more calls to Members of Congress, and we need them right away. It has been ten long years and tens of thousands more victims since the Matthew Shepard Act was first introduced in Congress. We are poised for a presidential signature this year but lies from the radical right could easily derail our efforts. We must not allow them to continue to demagogue and distort the truth.

 

We ask you to call Congress in support of the Local Law

Watch this video by Judy Shephard on the 10 years she has waited for this day to come.

Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, a bill which would provide local police and sheriff’s departments with federal resources to combat hate violence. After more than a decade of lobbying on Capitol Hill and
seven successful votes on the bill, this critical piece of legislation is again expected to see a vote in the House this week. The call-in campaign is set for April 27-29.

 

It takes about 45 seconds. Members of the community are urged to call 202-224-3121.
Callers are urged to tell the Member’s office:

  Read More »

  • Hate crimes against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are on the rise.
  • One out of every six hate crimes is because of the victim's sexual orientation.
  • Hate crimes have more than one victim.They are intended to create an atmosphere of fear and terrorize entire communities.
  • The Matthew Shepard Act targets onlyviolent acts –not speech.
  • It does not tell any clergy member what he or she can or can't preach.

What do we want? Marriage! When do we want it? Now! Help us make Marrigage Equality happen in New York State!

Posted on Tuesday April 21, 2009
marriage.jpg

As you probably all know, the Governor has submitted a bill in the legislature to make New York a leader in the struggle for marriage equality by becoming the 5th state to grant LGBT people the right to marry their same sex partner. Everyone at HRC is getting ready to educate legislators and engage the people of NY in this work.

 

 

Read the Press Release:

Human Rights Campaign Applauds New York Governor for Introducing Marriage Bill

 

4/16/2009

WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, applauded New York Governor David Paterson for introducing marriage equality legislation that would recognize marriage equality for same-sex couples under state law. In 2007, pro-marriage equality legislation passed the state assembly but was blocked in the state senate.

“The introduction of marriage equality legislation is a strong statement by Governor Paterson and we applaud him for standing today in support of all loving and committed couples throughout New York,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese.  “We are committed to doing the hard work needed to secure enough votes in the Senate and will stand side by side with Empire State Pride Agenda, Marriage Equality New York, and supporters throughout the state to win marriage equality in New York in this legislative session.”

HRC’s New York leadership is currently working with coalition partners to put a face on same-sex couples in loving and committed relationships who are being denied access to full marriage equality. Through letter writing campaigns, visits with legislators and conversations with friends, family, and neighbors, HRC and its membership in the state are engaged in an active effort to demonstrate the clear need for all couples in loving and committed relationships to
have the right to marry.

In the 2008 election season, HRC worked to elect three fair-minded senate candidates in the New York state Senate, including Brian Foley (SD-03); Joe Addabbo (SD-15); Jim Gennaro (SD-11), helping to change control of the Senate.  In addition, HRC trained more than 50 people in it’s Camp Equality™ election skills training held on Long Island.  In all, HRC New York PAC contributed over $120,000 and had two field staffers, plus a campaign college staffer on the ground.  After the elections, HRC teamed with Marriage Equality New York to host a post-election forum to discuss marriage equality in New York state.  HRC National Field Director Marty Rouse participated in that forum.  Read More »