Governor Wes Moore Speaks on LGBTQIA+ Rights at Human Rights Campaign Event

Washington, D.C. – Maryland Governor Wes Moore delivered the keynote address at the 2025 Human Rights Campaign (HRC) National Dinner on Sunday, underscoring his administration’s commitment to protecting LGBTQIA+ rights and urging continued national leadership to advance equality and inclusion.

A Clear Commitment to Equality

Governor Moore opened his remarks by positioning Maryland as a leader in protecting LGBTQIA+ communities.

“I stand before you as governor of a state that is proud and unapologetic about the fact that we are a safe haven for the LGBTQIA+ community,” Moore said. “And I want to be clear, that is a reputation we intend to keep. It isn’t just a question of protecting our people, it’s a question of basic humanity.”

He emphasized that safeguarding civil rights requires collective effort, declaring: “We don’t get to pick the times we live in, the times pick us. So the only question left is, when the moment comes, do we run, or do we lead?”

Recognition of the Human Rights Campaign

Moore praised the Human Rights Campaign for its decades of work in advancing equality, describing the organization as a driving force for progress. “I know the Human Rights Campaign. I know what you’re made of. You lead us toward greater equality, toward greater unity, toward greater hope, and toward our greatest aspirations. This moment will be no different,” he said.

Legislative and Policy Advances in Maryland

Since taking office, Moore has pushed forward an ambitious agenda to expand protections and access for LGBTQIA+ residents in Maryland:

Gender-Affirming Care: Signed legislation safeguarding access to gender-affirming care and procedures.
Hate Crime Protections: Doubled funding for initiatives to prevent and respond to hate crimes.
Inclusive Education: Strengthened policies making it harder to ban LGBTQIA+ books in schools.
Health and Family Planning: Expanded contraceptive access and family planning services statewide.
HIV Decriminalization: Enacted the Carlton R. Smith Act, repealing Maryland’s outdated HIV criminalization law, making Maryland the fifth state to do so and advancing public health and justice for LGBTQIA+ communities.

A Call to Lead Nationally

Moore’s keynote framed Maryland’s progress as part of a broader call to action for leaders across the nation. He urged policymakers and advocates to resist backsliding and to prioritize unity over division.

“The work ahead will not be easy,” Moore said, “but together we can lead toward a future defined by equality, dignity, and humanity.”

Looking Ahead

The governor’s speech comes at a time when LGBTQIA+ rights face challenges in several states. Moore positioned Maryland as a model of inclusive governance, signaling that his administration will continue to prioritize policies that protect vulnerable communities and uphold civil rights.

As the evening closed, attendees responded with applause, signaling support for Moore’s message: leadership rooted in compassion, progress, and unwavering commitment to equality.