Peters Recognizes LGBT Pride Month

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement in recognition of June as LGBT Pride Month:

“Each June, we celebrate Pride Month and honor the tremendous contributions of the LGBT community, and their perseverance in the face of bigotry and discrimination. Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall Riots, a watershed moment in American history that ushered in the LGBT rights movement. Now, 46 years later, we recognize Pride Month and the strides our country is making toward equality.

“Every year, we move closer and closer to fulfilling the ideals our nation was founded on—equality, freedom and justice. I was proud to vote to end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” call for the end of the Defense of Marriage Act and cosponsor legislation to support equal rights for LGBT Americans. But the fight for full equality is far from over. LGBT Americans across the country still face discrimination and lack legal protections afforded to other Americans.

“This year during Pride Month, gay and lesbian couples in Michigan are waiting for the U.S. Supreme Court to finally decide the fate of Michigan’s same-sex marriage ban. I firmly believe that no American should face discrimination simply because of who they love. Throughout our nation’s history, Americans from all walks of life have come together to stand up for our own rights and those of our friends, neighbors and loved ones. Our Constitution guarantees equal protection under the law, and as a Senator, I firmly believe it is my duty to defend the rights of all Americans. It is simply the right thing to do. I will keep fighting for equal rights so we can say with confidence that America is a place where anyone can have the chance to succeed.”

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