WASHINGTON - January 15 - The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force honors the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on this, the day of his birth, as well as on Monday's official holiday commemorating the civil rights leader.

Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
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"We honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s enduring message of courage, hope and equality. Dr. King is one of history's towering beacons of inspiration to people around the world who struggle and strive each day to show our common humanity. The global outpouring of support and care expressed following the devastating earthquake in Haiti is an example of how people from everywhere, and all walks of life, can share in compassion and kinship, even in the most challenging times. Dr. King knew we were capable of this human connection, and spoke beautifully of its promise.

"Dr. King's legacy is everlasting. His words - 'injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere' - continue to resonate deeply worldwide. We believe that were he alive today, he would be standing side by side with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community as we too reach for equality.

"Fortunately, we continue to have Dr. King's wisdom to lift us, even in the face of setbacks. As he said, 'We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.' We never will, because we are on the right side of history."

Statement by Darlene Nipper, Deputy Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
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"Sharing a birthday with Dr. King has helped me to stay focused on the dream and to fight for equitable and just treatment of all people in society. I am profoundly thankful for his words and inspired by his actions."