While our president doesn't speak about the LGBT community anymore, Hillary Clinton does. This is Secretary of State Clinton's statement on Pride Month:
Forty years ago this month, the gay rights movement began with the Stonewall riots in New York City, as gays and lesbians demanded an end to the persecution they had long endured. Now, after decades of hard work, the fight has grown into a global movement to achieve a world in which all people live free from violence and fear, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
In honor of Gay and Lesbian Pride Month and on behalf of the State Department, I extend our appreciation to the global LGBT community for its courage and determination during the past 40 years, and I offer our support for the significant work that still lies ahead.
At the State Department and throughout the Administration, we are grateful for our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees in Washington and around the world. They and their families make many sacrifices to serve our nation. Their contributions are vital to our efforts to establish stability, prosperity and peace worldwide.
Human rights are at the heart of those efforts. Gays and lesbians in many parts of the world live under constant threat of arrest, violence, even torture. The persecution of gays and lesbians is a violation of human rights and an affront to human decency, and it must end. As Secretary of State, I will advance a comprehensive human rights agenda that includes the elimination of violence and discrimination against people based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Though the road to full equality for LGBT Americans is long, the example set by those fighting for equal rights in the United States gives hope to men and women around the world who yearn for a better future for themselves and their loved ones.
This June, let us recommit ourselves to achieving a world in which all people can live in safety and freedom, no matter who they are or whom they love.
In honor of Gay and Lesbian Pride Month and on behalf of the State Department, I extend our appreciation to the global LGBT community for its courage and determination during the past 40 years, and I offer our support for the significant work that still lies ahead.
At the State Department and throughout the Administration, we are grateful for our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees in Washington and around the world. They and their families make many sacrifices to serve our nation. Their contributions are vital to our efforts to establish stability, prosperity and peace worldwide.
Human rights are at the heart of those efforts. Gays and lesbians in many parts of the world live under constant threat of arrest, violence, even torture. The persecution of gays and lesbians is a violation of human rights and an affront to human decency, and it must end. As Secretary of State, I will advance a comprehensive human rights agenda that includes the elimination of violence and discrimination against people based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Though the road to full equality for LGBT Americans is long, the example set by those fighting for equal rights in the United States gives hope to men and women around the world who yearn for a better future for themselves and their loved ones.
This June, let us recommit ourselves to achieving a world in which all people can live in safety and freedom, no matter who they are or whom they love.
UPDATE: A few hours after Mrs. Clinton's statement, President Obama released his own proclamation regarding Gay Pride Month.
UPDATE 2: Obama's 'Proclamation' was a rehash of all the promises he made to the gay community before and immediately after the election. Nothing new there.
I know that our President has disappointed you so far concerning gay rights. I still think he's the best person for the job, and I hope that he will rectify the inequities sooner rather than later. Hang in there, my friend...it will happen, I'm confident of that! XO Beth
ReplyDeleteme too, Beth
ReplyDeleteMe, too. I know it's disappointing, though. Good speech from Hillary and what I'd expect from her. I'm giving Obama time since he does have more to deal with than any President since FDR.
ReplyDeleteI find Clinton's and Obama's "proclamations" a bit empty when I remember that BOTH OF THEM publicly stated during the presidential campaigns that they did/would NOT support gay marriage. They can "proclaim" all they want. I'll believe it when they advance marriage equality legislation for ALL citizens (not just those who work for Clinton) on a federal level. I'm waiting.
ReplyDelete