senator edward m. kennedy
photo credit // kennedy.senate.gov/senator
U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), a true champion for LGBT rights, died early Wednesday morning after a yearlong battle with brain cancer. He was 77.
During his 47 years served in the Senate, Kennedy scored a 100 percent rating from the Human Rights Campaign, introducing historic pieces of pro-LGBT legislation and making critical votes. He was one of only 14 senators who voted against the 1996 Defense of Marriage of Act that prohibits the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages.
The Kennedy Family issued this statement: "Edward M. Kennedy – the husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle we loved so deeply – died late Tuesday night at home in Hyannis Port. We've lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever. We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice, fairness and opportunity for all. He loved this country and devoted his life to serving it. He always believed that our best days were still ahead, but it's hard to imagine any of them without him."
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During his 47 years served in the Senate, Kennedy scored a 100 percent rating from the Human Rights Campaign, introducing historic pieces of pro-LGBT legislation and making critical votes. He was one of only 14 senators who voted against the 1996 Defense of Marriage of Act that prohibits the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages.
The Kennedy Family issued this statement: "Edward M. Kennedy – the husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle we loved so deeply – died late Tuesday night at home in Hyannis Port. We've lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever. We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice, fairness and opportunity for all. He loved this country and devoted his life to serving it. He always believed that our best days were still ahead, but it's hard to imagine any of them without him."
More from Advocate.com
