Washington D.C. – Following the news of Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s passing, People For the American Way President Svante Myrick released the following statement:

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sen. Dianne Feinstein. Sen. Feinstein was a hero and an icon to many in the progressive movement from her first days as mayor of San Francisco. Her role as one of the first women to be elected mayor of a major city earned her deep respect.  She was a lifelong champion for LGBTQ equality, dating back to her days in local government.  In the Senate she continued her fight for LGBTQ equality as one of only 14 senators to vote against the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act. She was a champion for women’s rights, and a leader in the fight for the Violence Against Women Act as well as a leader in the effort to ban assault weapons. She was the first woman on the Judiciary committee, and we know that she would want to continue the enormous progress we have made in confirming quality nominees to our federal courts. People For will always be grateful for Sen. Feinstein’s work and for her lifelong dedication to service and improving the lives of others.”

###

About People For the American Way 

People For the American Way, a national progressive advocacy organization, inspires and mobilizes community and cultural leaders to advance Truth, Justice and the American Way. We convene courageous Americans, produce compelling media and organize campaigns to defend our democracy from authoritarian threats and advance America’s promise that everyone will enjoy freedom, safety and a vote that counts. Learn more: http://www.pfaw.org