President Obama has officially proclaimed June to be Lesbian Gay Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month in America, just as opponents of same-sex marriage in this Washington prepared to turn in signatures to force a referendum in November.
The 44th President noted the nation’s past movements for civil rights and equal rights and emancipation, and said the LGBT’s fight for rights is a “proud chapter” in the tradition of challenging “unjust laws” and marching on Washington.
“This month, we reflect on their enduring legacy, celebrate the movement that has made progress possible, and recommit to securing the fullest blessings of freedom for all Americans,” Obama said.
The Obama administration has, at times after initial hesitation, walked its talk for the LGBT community. The last three years have seen:
–Passage by Congress of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act;
–Passage of the Affordable Care Act, which assures the rights of LGBT patients to visits from loved ones, and says sexual orientation cannot be used as reason to deny health care coverage;
–Repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell by Congress, meaning that gays and lesbians can now serve openly in the armed forces.
“And because we must treat others the way we want to be treated, I personally believe in marriage equality for same-sex couples,” said Obama’s proclamation, echoing a stand taken by the President on May 9.
The President added:
“More remains to be done to ensure that every single American is treated equally, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identification.”
President Obama, on Friday, also designated June as Great Outdoors Month in America.
In contrast to what he has done for the LGBT community, the 44th President’s record on protecting America’s public lands and creating national monuments is decidedly lacking.