LGBT Rights Group Under Fire

The Human Rights Campaign is again coming under fire for its controversial endorsement of a supposedly moderate Republican U.S. Senator with a questionable record on LGBT rights after he attacked his Democratic challenger Thursday evening with a racially-charged remark.

HRC endorsed U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) in March, instead of Democratic U.S. Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth, who is challenging Kirk for his Senate seat. Kirk has a 78% rating from HRC, Duckworth has a 100% rating.

Many are calling on HRC, the nation’s largest LGBT civil rights group, to rescind its endorsement of Kirk and throw its weight to Duckworth, after the Illinois Senator’s ugly remarks.

On Thursday at a town hall debate between the two candidates, Duckworth, a veteran who lost both her legs and damaged her right arm in the Iraq war, spoke about her and her family’s long history of militaryÂ service.

“My family has served this nation in uniform, going back to the Revolution,” Duckworth told voters Thursday.Â “But I still want to be there in the Senate when the drums of war sound. Because people are quick to sound the drums of war, and I want to be there to say this is what it costs, this is what you’re asking us to do,” she continued. “Families like mine are the ones that bleed first.”

Sen. Kirk’s response has become headline news.

“I had forgotten that your parents came all the way from Thailand to serve George Washington,” Kirk said, mocking Duckworth’s biracial heritage.Â

HRC is refusing to rescind its endorsement, even after Kirk’s remarks.

RELATED:Â GOP Senator Uses Racially-Charged Attack Questioning Military Service of Democratic Opponent’s Family

“Mark Kirk’s comments were wrong and inappropriate,” HRC told The New Civil Rights Movement via email.Â “HRC endorsed Senator Kirk based on the strength of his record on LGBTQ equality, and while that remains unchanged, we believe he should rescind his comments immediately.”

Friday on Twitter many shared their upset over HRC’s endorsement of Kirk after his ugly comment:

I wonder if Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) stands by their endorsement of Mark Kirk after he attacked Tammy Duckworth’s ancestry tonight. https://t.co/bWl4ffIIhR â€” Dennis Mersereau (@wxdam) October 28, 2016

With Kirk’s blatantly racist attack on Duckworth tonight, another reason why @HRC should be ashamed of this endorsement https://t.co/ayN0VN95s1 â€” Joe Sudbay (@JoeSudbay) October 28, 2016

Not good enough @HRC. Plus, Duckworth had 100% rating vs. Kirk’s 78% https://t.co/uC9ARNWxVh â€” Joe Sudbay (@JoeSudbay) October 28, 2016

Someone should tell @HRC they endorsed a racist. They should have endorsed Tammy Duckworth over Mark Kirk. â€” Matthew Mendez (@MattyMendez) October 28, 2016

Reminder that @HRC is still endorsing Mark Kirk in IL, over Tammy Duckworth. â€” Kyle Bella (@quixoticblazes) October 28, 2016

Oh hey @HRC remember that time you endorsed this guy? Do you rescind your endorsement yet? https://t.co/cwcyIiitu5 â€” MarlaMaplesVEVO (@appelbomb) October 28, 2016

. @HRC This is who you endorsed over a decorated veteran woman of color with a perfect scorecards on LGQBT issues https://t.co/RTjuEDbqp5 â€” Jed Sorokin-Altmann (@jedsalawyer) October 28, 2016

The time is NOW to rescind your endorsement, @HRC!

https://t.co/vRYGVNn7yX â€” Neil Pople (@NeilPople) October 28, 2016

Reminder: @HRC still endorses Mark Kirk. The LGBT community should demand that they withdraw it after this or stop donating to the group. https://t.co/5BYcsdqJE4 â€” Adam McMahon (@adammc123) October 28, 2016

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