John Kerry

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) on Friday praised the nomination of U.S. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) to be Secretary of State during President Obama's second term.

Obama formally announced the nomination Friday at the White House

Kerry, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, would replace Hillary Rodham Clinton if confirmed by his fellow senators -- he is not expected to face much resistance in the Senate for confirmation.

“We commend President Obama’s decision to nominate Sen. John Kerry to be the next Secretary of State," said HRC President Chad Griffin, in a statement.

"Sen. Kerry has been a trailblazer in the fight for LGBT equality, both domestically and internationally. His leadership in repealing the HIV travel ban, as well as his steadfast support for employment non-discrimination protections and addressing the needs LGBT homeless youth demonstrate his dedication to equality and to the rights of LGBT people worldwide.

“The State Department’s unwavering commitment to LGBT people around the world under the leadership of Secretary Clinton has been exemplary. We look forward to even more progress, including growth of the Global Equality Fund and continued support for the human rights of LGBT people, as Sen. Kerry takes the helm.”