Congressman Rothman's Statement on LGBT Pride Month

Statement

Congressman Steve Rothman (NJ-9) released the following statement:

On June 28, 1969, nearly 43 years ago in New York City, a group of bold individuals decided that they would no longer take abuse and discrimination brought on by police and society just because of who they were. This historic moment in our nation's history, known as the Stonewall Riot, ignited a national firestorm of activism that brought new visibility to the struggle of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people in our world.

The story of America's LGBT community is the story of our fathers and sons, our mothers and daughters, and our friends and neighbors who continue to fulfill the great American promise that all people have the right to live with dignity and fairness under the law. Each June, we honor those courageous citizens who have fought to achieve this promise for LGBT Americans, and we rededicate ourselves to the pursuit of equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

As a Member of Congress I have been a proud advocate for the LGBT community. I strongly believe that LGBT Americans have the right to employment without discrimination, comprehensive healthcare, marriage, adoption, and any other freedom that heterosexuals enjoy in our nation.

Because of the heroic efforts of the LGBT movement, our nation now has a military where all are free to serve their country openly, we have eliminated discrimination against LGBT Americans in Federal housing programs, LGBT Americans now have the right to visit their loved ones in the hospital, we now have a federal hate crimes law that works to address and eliminate violence against LGBT individuals, and our nation is collectively working to reduce the threat of bullying against young people, including LGBT youth.

This progress is only the beginning and we must never stop fighting for equality of all human beings, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity. This LGBT Pride Month I join with millions of Americans to celebrate the lives, victories, and continued fight for equality for all people.

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