September 18, 2015
Washington, D.C. — The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the business voice of the LGBT community, congratulates Eric Fanning on his historic nomination as the first openly gay civilian secretary of the United States Army.
“America can be proud that yet another glass ceiling has been shattered with the nomination of Eric Fanning to the US Army,” says NGLCC co-Founder and President, Justin Nelson. “The LGBT community, and the entire nation, will be served well by the leadership of Eric Fanning. We join with millions of LGBT & allied business owners who share our enthusiasm and are eager to work with Eric in creating new opportunities and partnerships that strengthen our communities.”
The NGLCC echoes the praises from President Obama during his announcement, “Eric brings many years of proven experience and exceptional leadership to this new role. I am grateful for his commitment to our men and women in uniform, and I am confident he will help lead America’s Soldiers with distinction. I look forward to working with Eric to keep our Army the very best in the world.”
The nomination of Mr. Fanning is another major milestone in the Obama administration’s commitment to advancing the visibility and rights of the LGBT community, especially in the armed services. In addition to ending 18-year ban on gays serving openly in the military, the administration has ensured same-sex partner benefits and workplace protections to federal contractors throughout the service branches.
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The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is the business voice of the LGBT community and is the largest global not-for-profit advocacy organization specifically dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people. NGLCC is the exclusive certification body for LGBT-owned businesses. www.nglcc.org
MEDIA CONTACT:
Adam Shapiro
202-427-3603
Download the statement here.
