Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Introduce Resolution Recognizing June as LGBTQ Pride Month
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they have joined with colleagues in introducing a Senate resolution recognizing June as LGBTQ Pride Month.
“As we celebrate Pride this month, we must continue the fight for equal rights and justice for LGBTQ people in Oregon and nationwide,” Wyden said. “With extreme right-wing attacks escalating on fundamental rights to health care and bodily autonomy, we must continue to say it loud and proud that members of the LGBTQ community deserve respect and equal treatment. I will keep fighting for equality — like I have throughout my entire career in public service — and I am committed to passing the Equality Act into law.”
“Generations of Americans have marched, voted, organized, and raised their voices to move us closer toward a more perfect union with freedom, equality, and opportunity for all,” said Merkley, who led the Senate introduction of the Equality Act last week. “Today, that vision still remains distant for too many LGBTQ+ Americans who are denied the freedom we all deserve to simply be ourselves without fear or prejudice. Every day, but especially this month, let us celebrate and uplift our LGBTQ+ friends, family, neighbors, and communities, and recommit ourselves to a nation of equality and justice for all—we still have work to do.”
The senators’ resolution highlights the contributions LGBTQ Americans have made to our country, notes several major milestones in the fight for equal treatment of LGBTQ Americans, and resolves to continue efforts to achieve full equality. The resolution also recognizes the progress that has been made with the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act and the legal recognition of workplace protections for transgender people while acknowledging the continued attacks on the rights of LGBTQ people taking place in our legal institutions.
Earlier this month, Merkley led Senate Democrats in reintroducing the Equality Act, legislation to ensure civil rights laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The Equality Act would unequivocally ban discrimination in a host of areas, including employment, housing, public accommodations, jury service, access to credit, federal funding assistance, and education.
Along with Wyden and Merkley, this resolution is co-sponsored by the majority of Senate Democrats.
Full text of the resolution is HERE.
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