President Barack Obama on Tuesday
signed a proclamation recognizing June as LGBT Pride month.
“This month, we recognize all [the
LGBT community has] done to bring us to this point, and we recommit
to bending the arc of our Nation toward justice.”
Obama noted last year's marriage
equality ruling but said that more needs to be done.
“Last year’s landmark Supreme Court
decision guaranteeing marriage equality in all 50 States was a
historic victory for LGBT Americans, ensuring dignity for same-sex
couples and greater equality across State lines,” Obama said. “For
every partnership that was not previously recognized under the law
and for every American who was denied their basic civil rights, this
monumental ruling instilled newfound hope, affirming the belief that
we are all more free when we are treated as equals.”
“Despite the extraordinary progress
of the past few years, LGBT Americans still face discrimination
simply for being who they are.”
Obama also called on Congress to
approve LGBT protections, saying that “no one should live in fear
of losing their job simply because of who they are or who they love.”
“There remains much work to do to
extend the promise of our country to every American, but because of
the acts of courage of the millions who came out and spoke out to
demand justice and of those who quietly toiled and pushed for
progress, our Nation has made great strides in recognizing what these
brave individuals long knew to be true in their hearts – that love
is love and that no person should be judged by anything but the
content of their character. During Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and
Transgender Pride Month, as Americans wave their flags of pride high
and march boldly forward in parades and demonstrations, let us
celebrate how far we have come and reaffirm our steadfast belief in
the equal dignity of all Americans,” the president added.