Leading Democrats Proclaim Gay Pride Month

WASHINGTON, DC (U.S. Newswire) -- Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today joined Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Barney Frank and Wisconsin Democratic Rep. Tammy Baldwin in issuing the following Proclamation marking PRIDE Month:

"Today, on behalf of Democrats across America, we join together in honoring the contributions that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals and their families make to our society and reaffirming our Party's abiding commitment to full equality for all Americans, including the LGBT community.

"Because Democrats value all families, we are committed to the fundamental principle that every American has the right to live in dignity, with equal rights, responsibilities and protections under the law. No American should have to live in fear or be forced to hide their true identity to avoid horrific attacks or discrimination in areas like hiring, housing or health care. That's why Democrats have led the fight for hate crimes legislation at the federal and state levels, and why Democrats continue to fight for laws that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation.

"Sadly, too many of our colleagues on the other side of the political aisle do not share our commitment to equality. This month, as millions of LGBT Americans prepare to march in PRIDE Parades across America, Republicans like Bill Frist are using issues like marriage as political wedges to distract people from their failed leadership and misplaced priorities. Because Americans have lost confidence in their ability to solve challenges like Iraq, immigration, health care, gas prices or homeland security, Republicans in Washington are ripping a page from the Karl Rove playbook by scapegoating LGBT families for partisan gain.

"This is morally wrong, and it hurts LGBT Americans. Democrats are committed to fighting this hateful, divisive amendment and to fighting similarly discriminatory ballot initiatives in states across the country. We strongly oppose any attempt to write discrimination into law -- whether it be at the local or state levels or in the United States Constitution.

"During this month of LGBT PRIDE, we remember the courageous men and women who faced down discrimination at the Stonewall Inn in June of 1969 and ignited a movement that is changing the hearts and minds of the American people. They called on this nation to live up to its promise of equal opportunity, liberty and justice for all. As leaders of the Democratic Party, we stand proudly with the LGBT community and commit ourselves to building a hopeful and optimistic vision of America that is inclusive of all Americans, rejects the politics of fear and division, and renews our commitment to ending discrimination in all its forms."