Mark Kirk questioned the Iraq war veteran's family's ties to the American Revolution, and later apologized for his comments. | AP Photo Human Rights Campaign revokes Mark Kirk endorsement

The Human Rights Campaign on Saturday revoked its endorsement of Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk following his comments to Democratic challenger Rep. Tammy Duckworth that questioned the Iraq war veteran's family's ties to the American Revolution.

"I forgot your parents came all the way from Thailand to serve George Washington," Kirk said during a debate Thursday with Duckworth. He later apologized.


In a post published on Medium, Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said Kirk's comments on Duckworth's heritage were "deeply offensive and racist."

"Attacking someone because of her race and ethnicity is inexcusable for anyone, but especially for a sitting U.S. Senator," Griffin wrote. "The diversity of our movement is our greatest strength, and Senator Kirk’s remarks were an affront to our most fundamental values."

Duckworth lost both her legs fighting in the Iraq War. She was born in Bangkok to a Thai mother, Lamai, and an American father, Frank, a U.S. Marine who traced his family’s military roots to the Revolutionary War. Frank Duckworth died in 2005.

It's the first time the Human Rights Campaign has revoked an endorsement. Griffin wrote that Kirk had a score of 100 percent on the group's most recent Congressional Scorecard. The group will endorse Duckworth instead.

Eleni Demertzis, spokeswoman for Kirk's campaign, said Kirk is "incredibly proud of his leadership to fight discrimination at every level."

"The HRC decision today is unfortunate because it was based on politics instead of reality and further exemplified just how uncomfortable HRC was in supporting a Republican who was a leader for their efforts, including eradicating discrimination," Demertzis said.

Americans for Responsible Solutions PAC, a gun violence prevention organization founded by Gabby Giffords and her husband retired NASA astronaut Captain Mark Kelly, also revoked their endorsement for Kirk.

"Senator Kirk's racist attack on Congresswoman Duckworth is unacceptable and represents a low point, even in this election season," Peter Ambler, executive director of the group, said in a statement. "While we believe the path to responsible change and communities safer from gun violence must include Republican champions, we cannot continue to support Senator Kirk. A man who is not worthy of your vote cannot be worthy of our endorsement."