Human Rights Campaign (U.S.)

Steve Endean established the Human Rights Campaign Fund (HRCF) in 1980 to raise money for gay-supportive congressional candidates. In 1982, the HRCF incorporated, adopting bylaws stating their purpose is to "advance the cause of lesbian and gay civil rights by supporting and educating candidates for federal elective office." In 1985, HRCF merged with the Gay Rights National Lobby to increase its effectiveness and influence on Capitol Hill. In 1995, the organization changed its name to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and adopted an equal sign logo. In 1998, HRC's PAC contributed over $1 million to 200-plus congressional races, achieving a 91 percent success rate, and with significant aid from HRC, Tammy Baldwin became the first open lesbian elected to Congress. In August 2000, HRC Executive Director Elizabeth Birch spoke before the Democratic National Convention, becoming the first head of a national gay and lesbian organization to address a convention of a major political party.

From the description of Human Rights Campaign records, 1975-2005. (Cornell University Library). WorldCat record id: 73965850

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