Hoyer Statement on LGBT Pride Month

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today in recognition of LGBT Pride Month, which is observed throughout the month of June:

“Today, I join in marking the start of LGBT Pride Month 2015.  It is a time not only for LGBT Americans to celebrate how much has been achieved toward equality but also for the parents, children, siblings, friends, and extended families of LGBT individuals to express pride in their loved ones’ courage and determination to live their lives openly.

“I have been proud to stand with LGBT Americans for many years to demand full equality, through our efforts to repeal the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy in 2010, to end legal discrimination in the workplace and in the classroom, and to extend the right to marry to everyone. 

“It was only a few years ago when the first same-sex couples were able to marry legally in our country; today more than 70% of Americans live in places where this right is recognized.  I hope that the Supreme Court will issue a ruling this month making that figure 100%, and wherever equal marriage is the law we must continue working together to oppose measures that would permit discrimination against same-sex married couples and their families. 

“All who grow up in America ought to know with certainty that their lives are – and will always be – valued and protected no matter who they are or who they love. As we celebrate LGBT Pride Month, let us honor the trailblazers who have brought us to this moment by further strengthening our resolve to see the full measure of equality achieved in our day and for generations to come.”