WASHINGTON — Today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released a video ad featuring actress Cybill Shepherd for its Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. In the ad, Shepherd says "I believe we are all equal in the eyes of the law, and therefore we all deserve marriage equality." The video can be viewed online at www.hrc.org/marriageequality.
"When the government tells gay and lesbian couples they can't get married, they're sending a resounding message that somehow straight couples are better, and more deserving of marital rights and protections," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "Love and commitment are universal ideals that pertain to all people — not just straight people. Cybill Shepherd is a tremendous ally to the LGBT community and the fight for marriage equality nationwide."
Cybill Shepherd is an award winning American actress, singer and former model. She is perhaps best known for her many film roles including "The Last Picture Show" and "Taxi Driver," as well as "Moonlighting," "Cybill," "The L Word," and "The Client List" which will debut on Lifetime this Sunday.
This is the seventeenth video released by HRC for the Americans campaign. Past videos feature Kristen Bell, Jason Mraz, Rossana Rosado, The Rev. Al Sharpton, U.S. Sen. Al Franken, Michael K. Williams, Aisha Tyler, Scott Fujita, Josh Charles, John Leguizamo, Julian Bond, Mo'Nique, and Mayor Cory Booker.
About 53% of the American public supports marriage for same-sex couples, according to a number of nonpartisan polls, including Gallup, CNN, and Washington Post/ABC News.
Americans for Marriage Equality is a public engagement campaign featuring prominent Americans who support committed gay and lesbian couples getting married. The campaign draws from a cadre of supportive professional athletes, film and music celebrities, and political and civic leaders.
For more information on the campaign or to see the videos, visit www.hrc.org/marriageequality.
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.