Gay Rights National Lobby (U.S.)

Historical Note

Created in Chicago in 1975, the Gay Rights National Lobby was "registered in Washington, D.C., as a civil rights lobby dedicated to obtaining federal legislation which will guarantee equal protection under the law to all men and women, whatever their affectional or sexual preference." GRNL's activities included serving as an advocate for gay and lesbian civil rights issues such as housing and employment discrimination; building alliances with other civil/human rights organizations; building a grassroots constituency of members/"field workers"; and preparing issue- or legislation-oriented press releases and briefs. GRNL was prominent in coordinating opposition to the Reagan administration's Family Protection Act, 1981-1982. GRNL merged with an associated lobbying organization, the Human Rights Fund (now the Human Rights Campaign) in 1985.