President Barack Obama will deliver the
keynote address at the 15th annual Human Rights Campaign
(HRC) National
Dinner on Saturday, October 1.
HRC, the nation's largest gay rights
advocate, announced on Wednesday that the president will address its
annual fundraiser at the Washington Convention Center in Washington
D.C.
“We are honored to share this night
with President Obama who has a tremendous record of accomplishment
for LGBT people,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese.
The announcement comes a day after the
military officially ended “Don't Ask, Don't Tell,” the policy
that banned gay and bisexual troops from serving openly.
“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,” Solmonese
added.
In 2009, Obama attended the event,which
draws nearly 3,000 attendees.
Gay rights activists who have called on
the president to endorse gay marriage ahead of next year's general
election are certain to renew their pleas ahead of the event.
(Related: Obama
to United Nations: 'We must stand up for the rights of gays &
lesbians.')