Dear Alfredo,

Next Tuesday, loving gay and lesbian couples in California will take their marriage vows.

Their faces are an emotional reminder of all we have to fight for this year – unfortunately, they're also a rallying cry for proponents of discrimination.

Here's the ugly truth: the voices of hate are using the lives of loving GLBT families to stir up fear and bigotry in this election year.

But you can fight back. You can help HRC defend equality and fight hatred in statehouses, schools, boardrooms, hospitals...Join HRC at this critical time and your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar!

Double your power to end GLBT discrimination. Give by June 16 »

2008 is the rare election year in which our country can vote for a fundamental change in direction.

But the past few weeks have added a new set of challenges. Our opponents, emboldened by the historic decision in California, are throwing every punch they can, and seeing what lands.

They petitioned the California Supreme Court to stop the marriages from happening – a petition the Court denied.

They're throwing millions of dollars behind anti-gay ballot measures in Florida, Arizona, California and right-wing extremist candidates at all levels of government.

Right-wing lawmakers have even reintroduced an amendment to write discrimination into the U.S. Constitution.
We've already committed $600,000 and six staffers specifically to the fight in California. But it doesn't end there. In order to fill in the financial gap and step up to the challenges we face elsewhere across the country, your support right now is absolutely critical. And with a double-your-dollars challenge on the table, this is the best time to donate.

Become a member today and make your message for equality TWICE as loud.

Thanks so much for your support.

Warmly,


Joe Solmonese
President