WASHINGTON, DC – As millions of Americans celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month during June, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse teamed up with their Democratic Senate colleagues to offer a Senate resolution recognizing June as LGBTQ Pride Month. The senators’ resolution highlights the contributions LGBTQ individuals have made to American society, notes several major milestones in the fight for equal treatment of LGBTQ Americans, and resolves to continue efforts to achieve full equality for LGBTQ individuals.
The resolution also recognizes how the U.S. Supreme Court’s pending decision to overturn Roe v. Wade could potentially undermine and erode other constitutional rights also grounded in privacy, including the right for same-sex couples to marry or engage in consensual relationships without the risk of criminal prosecution.
“Pride Month recognizes the importance of diverse communities and fostering inclusion, acceptance, and justice for all Americans. It’s also a reminder that we must all work together to prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. And it is especially poignant this year in the face of an increasingly partisan Supreme Court that seems intent on reversing precedents that protect health care choices and so many other rights that have made our nation more inclusive and just,” said Senator Reed.
“Pride Month is a celebration of Rhode Island’s vibrant LGBTQ community, which has made so many wonderful contributions to our state,” said Senator Whitehouse. “We have come a long way, but we all have a role to play in continuing to advance equality and justice for members of the LBGTQ community.”
Senate Democrats have offered an official Pride Month Resolution since June 2017, after then-President Trump broke the eight-year tradition of offering an official presidential proclamation recognizing June as Pride Month. On June 1, President Biden issued a presidential proclamation recognizing June as Pride Month.
Both Senators Reed and Whitehouse are cosponsors of the Equality Act, legislation to ensure civil rights laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The Equality Act would unequivocally ban discrimination in a host of areas, including employment, housing, public accommodations, jury service, access to credit, federal funding assistance, and education.
After a two year pause due to COVID-19, the Rhode Island PrideFest and Illuminated Night Parade will return to an in-person celebration on Saturday, June 18, 2022. Details available at: https://prideri.org
Chip Unruh, 202-224-4642
Meaghan McCabe (Whitehouse), 401-453-5294
