Lambda Legal Mourns the Passing of Nelson Mandela

(New York, December 5, 2013) — Kevin Cathcart, Lambda Legal Executive Director, made the following statement:

"Lambda Legal joins others around the world in mourning the loss of Nelson Mandela, one of the 20th century's giants in the struggle for justice and human dignity. Every one of us who continues the fight for equality and civil rights in our own communities labors in the shadows of this man who withstood imprisonment as a consequence of his courageous leadership and grew only stronger, more resolute and more dignified.

"As South Africa's first elected black president, he led the people of his country toward reconciliation and forgiveness. Under his leadership, the new constitution of South Africa included explicit prohibitions against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation - a degree of legal protection that LGBT people still do not have in the United States.

"We offer our sympathies to Mr. Mandela's family and loved ones, to the people of South Africa, and to freedom fighters around the world. In honor of his memory, we continue the work of securing justice and dignity for all."