Nation’s Largest LGBT Civil Rights Organization Dubs Healey “National Leader” Ready to Build on MA Success
WASHINGTON—The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, announced its endorsement of Democrat Maura Healey for Massachusetts Attorney General.
Healey devised the strategy, built the case and argued the first successful challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act, won a national settlement with Apple to make its devices more accessible for people with disabilities, and led a first-in-the-nation program to keep victims of predatory lenders in their homes. She would be the first openly gay Attorney General in the nation and has made the fight for equality a hallmark of her campaign. She currently holds a narrow lead in public polls.
“Maura Healey’s record as a national leader for civil rights and equality make her the clear choice for Attorney General,” said Marty Rouse, HRC national field director. [pullquote]Healey devised the strategy, built the case and argued the first successful challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act, won a national settlement with Apple to make its devices more accessible for people with disabilities, and led a first-in-the-nation program to keep victims of predatory lenders in their homes.[/pullquote]
“With DOMA’s defeat, Maura helped secure a victory that made all Americans more equal. Across the country, Attorneys General make decisions every day about bullying, hate crimes, and discrimination in employment and housing. As Attorney General, Maura will make the case that equality works. HRC does not often endorse in state primaries, but for Maura, it was important to speak out.”
“Earning HRC’s endorsement is a great moment for our campaign,” said Healey. “I am proud of my record as a consumer advocate and civil rights attorney and for taking on fights to advance equality for LGBT families in Massachusetts. Our state has led the nation, but there is still much work to be done here and across the country to address disparities and discrimination of all kinds. I am ready to take on these challenges and to do so with the help of the Human Rights Campaign.”
Healey and her team filed briefs in the Supreme Court marriage equality cases that declared DOMA unconstitutional and overturned California’s marriage ban. She was instrumental in securing statewide non-discrimination protections in Massachusetts for transgender people in employment, housing, education, credit and hate crimes.[pullquote] “With DOMA’s defeat, Maura helped secure a victory that made all Americans more equal. Across the country, Attorneys General make decisions every day about bullying, hate crimes, and discrimination in employment and housing. As Attorney General, Maura will make the case that equality works. HRC does not often endorse in state primaries, but for Maura, it was important to speak out.” [/pullquote]
Healey has worked extensively to combat bullying in schools, train law enforcement on best practices in preventing hate crimes, ensure women have access to reproductive health care, and fight discrimination in lending and housing. Healey also worked as a litigator for a prominent Boston law firm and was a Special Assistant District Attorney in the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
[From a News Release]
