LGBT advocate Beau Biden dies after battle with brain cancer
The son of of Vice President Joe Biden has died aged 46.
Beau Biden was a long standing advocate for marriage equality and LGBT rights.
He leaves behind his wife Hallie and two children.
Mr Biden was a strong supporter of protection for transgender people, and worked with Delaware Jack Markell to successfully introduce non-discrimination laws in 2013.
He said: “I support providing protections from violence and discrimination based on gender identity and expression under Delaware law.
In a statement, Vice President Joe Biden said: “It is with broken hearts that Hallie, Hunter, Ashley, Jill and I announce the passing of our husband, brother and son, Beau, after he battled brain cancer with the same integrity, courage and strength he demonstrated every day of his life.
“Beau’s life was defined by service to others. More than his professional accomplishments, Beau measured himself as a husband, father, son and brother. His absolute honor made him a role model for our family.”
President Barack Obama said: “Michelle and I are grieving tonight. Beau Biden was a friend of ours. His beloved family – Hallie, Natalie, and Hunter – are friends of ours. And Joe and Jill Biden are as good as friends get.
“Beau Biden believed the best of us all. For him, and for his family, we swing our lanterns higher.
“Michelle and I humbly pray for the good Lord to watch over Beau Biden, and to protect and comfort his family here on Earth.
