«Twenty-five years ago, there were no companies that offered same-sex domestic partner benefits. Today, there are more than 8,000. Twenty-five years ago, there were no states with laws that banned discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Today, there are 16 that ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Twenty-five years ago, the Human Rights Campaign endorsed only one candidate for Congress. Last year, we endorsed 201. We were proud to have to opportunity to celebrate those and so many other benchmarks with some of our strongest allies in the fight for equality.»

«When others have shied away, our awardees have shown great commitment in their advocacy for equal rights, ... It is our pleasure to say, 'Thank you for never backing down. Today, we are closer to equality because of your work.'»

«Being out and open about our lives is not just for gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender people, but for everyone who cares about equality, ... These ten leaders for fairness represent millions of family members, people of faith, friends and co-workers who are helping make America fairer and more equal.»

«People say that the fight for equality is a marathon. The Gay Games brings that to life. Our goal is equality. Like any athlete knows, the harder you work, the closer you are to reaching your objective. As we look back at our progress since the 1994 New York Gay Games, we mark the return of the games to the United States with an even stronger commitment to the future fight. HRC is proud to play a partner role in helping the Gay Games change the world for the better.»

«Signs that Ford may have capitulated to right-wing extremist groups are deeply troubling.»

«It looks pretty clear that they have bowed to the American Family Association's demands.»

«We asked them to disavow any relationship with the American Family Association. As a group, we were pretty united in our extreme disappointment at Ford's willingness to even take a meeting with this right-wing extremist group.»

«Any effort to appease a handful of vocal extremists backfired and offended millions of fair-minded consumers instead. At a time when corporate America leads on fairness, we hope Ford will shift back into drive.»

«I don't think there is any evidence to say that boycotts are particularly effective. All these groups do is alter reality and make people think they're effective.»

«She saw justice as a birthright and lent her voice as a relentless advocate for all fair-minded Americans, gay or straight, black or white. We join the nation in mourning the loss of a great hero and give enormous gratitude for all that she's left behind.»