Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community leaders praised Russell Feingold, following the announcement of his full support of marriage equality for same sex couples. Feingold becomes the fourth U.S. senator to support marriage equality, along with Lincoln Chafee (R-R.I.), Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

"Senator Feingold's public support for marriage fairness is the type of leadership this country so desperately needs and deserves," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese.

Jo Wyrick, Interim Executive Director of the National Stonewall Democrats stated: "Senator Feingold understands that religious institutions should have the freedom to marry adherents according to their interpretation of their faith, and not the dictates of politicians. American families will be strengthened by tasking couples with the legal responsibilities that come through civil marriage. Americans are quickly moving towards full support for marriage equality, and we are seeing a new generation of Democrats emerge"

According to the National Stonewall Democrats, the platforms of state Democratic parties of California, Colorado, Iowa, Massachusetts, New York and Washington State call for full marriage equality for same-sex couples. Numerous county and local Democratic parties have also called for marriage equality, as have Democratic organizations like the College Democrats and Young Democrats of America. For the first time, 2006 will also see Democratic gubernatorial nominees champion full marriage equality in California, Massachusetts, New York and Oregon.

Matt Foreman, Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force stated: Senator Feingold's announcement today is more than an important step forward in the struggle for equal rights. At long last, progressive and fair-minded Americans have a leader taking the ethically and morally correct stand for marriage equality — no equivocation, waffling or hairsplitting."

In recognition of Feingold's announcement, the Task Force will present its 2006 National Leadership Award to the senator at its national dinner in Washington, D.C., on May 6, 2006.

Feingold has also been recognized for his leadership HIV/AIDS in the Senate. As the ranking Democrat on the Senate subcommittee on Africa, Feingold has gained firsthand knowledge of the scourge of AIDS in his many visits to that continent. It was the domestic AIDS crisis, however, that brought Feingold to Madison recently, to serve as keynote speaker at the annual AIDS Network Banquet.