For more information:
mlazin@equalityforum.com; 215-732-7375
Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 3, 2007

GOVERNOR BILL RICHARDSON TO RECEIVE
EQUALITY FORUM’S 2008 INTERNATIONAL ROLE MODEL AWARD

Wachovia Corporation to receive 2008 International Business Leadership Award

PHILADELPHIA, PA—Equality Forum, a national and international GLBT civil rights organization, announced that New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson will receive its 13th annual International Role Model Award, and that Wachovia Corporation will receive its 2008 International Business Leadership Award.  The awards will be presented at the International Equality Dinner at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on Saturday, May 3 during Equality Forum 2008.

As Governor of New Mexico Richardson has expanded anti-discrimination laws to include sexual orientation and gender identity; signed into law the state’s first hate crimes legislation for acts including those based on sexual orientation and gender identity; provided health insurance for domestic partnerships; signed the Billy Griego HIV and AIDS Act, which was designed to ensure that consumers are the focus of the funding and services provided in all the state's HIV and AIDS cases; and created the state’s HIV and AIDS Policy Commission charged with reviewing and making recommendations on state HIV and AIDS policies.  His Presidential campaign platform includes the promise to end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and to name his Vice-President as the Chair of the HIV/AIDS Commission.

“Throughout his career in public service, Governor Richardson has been a strong supporter and friend of the GLBT community.  Governor Richardson has repeatedly used his political standing to champion GLBT civil rights,” stated Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director of Equality Forum.

Prior International Role Model recipients include former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien, Martina Navratilova, Phil Donahue, MTV, Chinese Gay Pioneer Zhou Dan, among others.  The International Business Leadership Award has been previously awarded to Comcast, IBM, M.A.C Cosmetics, among others.

“Wachovia has been at the vanguard of FORTUNE 500 Companies in providing workplace equality and in its support of GLBT organizations,” said Lazin.

Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell is the Honorary Dinner Chair.  John Alchin, EVP and Co-CFO of Comcast Corporation serves as the Dinner Chair.

Equality Forum presents the largest annual national and international GLBT civil rights forum.  Equality Forum 2008, its 16th year, will be April 28 to May 4 in Philadelphia.  There is no registration fee and all substantive programs are free.

ABOUT EQUALITY FORUM

Equality Forum is a national and international GLBT civil rights organization with an educational focus.  Equality Forum coordinates GLBT History Month, produces documentary films, undertakes high impact initiatives and presents the largest annual national and international GLBT civil rights forum. www.equalityforum.com

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