What is The Human Rights Campaign?

Formation of the Human Rights Campaign Fund

The Human Rights Campaign Fund (HRCF) was founded in 1980 as the first gay and lesbian political action committee in the United States. Like other political action committees, HRCF started raising and contributing money to the campaigns of candidates likely to advance the group’s mission: to advocate for gay and lesbian civil rights “by supporting and educating candidates for federal elective office.”

“Human Rights Campaign Fund: An Introduction.” HRC Records.
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“Human Rights Campaign Fund” Gold Lapel Pin, n.d. HRC Records.
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“HRC By-laws Original, Amended, Restated.” HRC Records.
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As an early brochure explained, “The Campaign Fund’s mission is simple: to provide financial support on behalf of the gay and lesbian community to candidates of both parties, Republicans and Democrats, who pledge their support of gay civil rights legislation.”

“Human Rights Campaign Fund: An Introduction.” HRC Records.
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The brochure quotes Rep. Bill Green (R-New York): “I have been proud to work with the HRCF in seeking increased funding for AIDS research and insuring human rights for all Americans. My campaigns have been enhanced by the active support I have received from the HRCF.”

“Human Rights Campaign Fund: An Introduction.” HRC Records.
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This publication also describes HRCF’s work as aggressively pursuing “the goal of basic human rights through modern political methods. It has helped bring the gay movement into the mainstream of the American political process.”

“Human Rights Campaign Fund: An Introduction.” HRC Records.
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In July 1980, HRCF registered with the Federal Election Commission, and in November 1980, it made its first campaign contribution to Jim Weaver (D-Ore.), who defeated his Moral Majority-supported opponent.

“Human Rights Campaign Fund: An Introduction.” HRC Records.
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The organization was officially incorporated in the District of Columbia as a non-profit political committee on April 14, 1982. Incorporators included Steve Endean, Gilberto Gerald, and Farley Peterson and a Board of Directors consisting of Virginia Apuzzo, Jerry Berg, John Campbell, Dallas Coors, Steve Endean, Gilberto Gerals, Ethan Geto, Rev. Elder Jerri Ann Harvey, Jim Hormel, Paul Kuntzler, Bettie Naylor, Lois Galgay Reckitt, Jerry Weeler, and Kerry Woodward.

“Articles of Incorporation HRCF,” 1982. HRC Records.
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