California Governor Jerry Brown on
Saturday joined President Barack Obama in proclaiming June Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month.
In a statement, the Democratic governor
called the Stonewall Riots a “historic turning point” in the
history of the gay rights movement.
“In the movement toward equal rights
for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, a historic
turning point occurred on June 28, 1969, in New York City, with the
onset of the Stonewall Riots. During these riots, LGBT citizens rose
up and resisted police harassment that arose out of discriminatory
criminal laws that have since been declared unconstitutional. In the
four decades since, civil rights for LGBT people have grown
substantially and LGBT pride celebrations have taken place around the
country every June to commemorate the beginning of the Stonewall
Riots,” he wrote.
Brown noted that “California has been
a leader in advancing the civil rights of its LGBT citizens” and
lauded President Obama's recent endorsement of gay marriage.
Obama
issued a proclamation and video on Friday.
“While further progress is needed, it
is proper and important to recognize and celebrate the substantial
and important gains that have been achieved,” Brown added.