"The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force mourns the loss of Senator Edward Kennedy, a true champion of the people and a dear friend to our community." stated Rea Carey, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

The Task Force statement further pointed out that Senator Kennedy was a strong supporter of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. He played a central role in enactment of legislation outlawing discrimination in housing, prohibiting gender discrimination, the Age Discrimination Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. He also authored amendments strengthening enforcement of key provisions of the Civil Rights Act.

Kennedy led opposition to a federal marriage amendment and opposed an anti-marriage measure in Massachusetts. He fought to end funding of abstinence-only education programs. Kennedy was an outspoken supporter for the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and increased funding for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.

The Human Rights Campaign, one of the largest gay and lesbian civil rights organizations in teh United States issued this statement:

"The nation has lost its greatest champion and strongest voice for justice, fairness, and compassion," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "The loss to our community is immeasurable. There was no greater hero for advocates of LGBT equality than Senator Ted Kennedy. From the early days of the AIDS epidemic , to our current struggle for marriage equality he has been our protector, our leader, our friend. He has been the core of the unfinished quest for civil rights in this country and there is now a very painful void. Our hearts go out to the Kennedy family."

"Good men serve others but great men take care to serve the least fortunate," Victory Fund President and CEO Chuck Wolfe said.

Kennedy was one of only 14 Senators who voted against the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996, Sen. Kennedy was an early and strong supporter of lesbian and gay and lesbian equality. In 1993, Kennedy replaced the retired California Democratic Sen. Alan Cranston as the chief sponsor of the “gay rights bill” in the Senate.

Congressman Brian Higgins D—Buffalo, offerred the following statement on the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy:

"Today one of America’s iconic families lost their patriarch, Congress lost a conciliator and this nation lost a leader and pioneer on issues like health care that reach to the core of American values. I had the opportunity to meet Senator Kennedy on a number of occasions in Washington, DC and during his visit to Buffalo, NY. The lawmaker whose tenure stretched nearly five decades and ten presidencies was respected for his ability to put people before politics and purpose before partisanship. Perhaps the greatest tribute we as a nation can provide is to forge ahead on the issues important to America the Senator so passionately pursued. As Kennedy himself said nearly 30 years ago, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dreams shall never die."

United States Senator Kristen Gillibrand, D—NY, released the following statement today on the passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy:

"Senator Kennedy's dedication for over four decades to help millions of our nation’s children, seniors and families is an inspiration to me, and I am honored to have had the opportunity to serve with him in the United States Senate.

"While we have lost an American treasure today, Senator Kennedy's rich legacy, historic legislative record and deep commitment to positive change for all Americans will continue to be felt for generations to come."

"My thoughts and prayers are with the Kennedy family as they grieve over their loss."

New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo offered this statement on the passing of Senator Kennedy.

"Senator Edward Kennedy fearlessly challenged this country to be better. His loss is tragic, but his legacy will forever endure. It will survive in the generations he transformed, the people he helped, and the country he adored." —Staff