Shaheen, Hassan Introduce Senate’s First Ever Resolution Recognizing June as Pride Month

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) are joining a group of 19 Senators in introducing the first-ever Senate Resolution recognizing June as LGBTQ Pride Month. The resolution notes major milestones in the fight for equal treatment of LGBTQ Americans and resolves to continue efforts to achieve full equality for LGBTQ individuals. Today, June 28, marks the 48^th anniversary of the Stonewall riots in New York City.

“Pride Month is a celebration of the LGBTQ community and the tremendous progress that has been made in the fight for equality,” said Senator Shaheen. “No American should ever face discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Now more than ever we must stand with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and establish once and for all that LGBTQ rights are human rights.”

“Pride Month is an important opportunity to recognize our LGBTQ community, while recommitting ourselves to ensuring that all Americans – regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity – can fully participate in the social, civic, and economic life of our communities,” said Senator Hassan. “I am proud to cosponsor the resolution recognizing June as LGBTQ Pride Month and will continue to fight for progress and to advance the rights of LGBTQ Americans.

“Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate the history, progress, diversity, and contributions of the LGBTQ community,” said HRC Government Affairs Director David Stacy. “And with 50 percent of LGBTQ Americans living in states without state non-discrimination laws, leaving them at risk of being fired, denied housing, or refused service simply because of who they are, it's is also an important time for the community to unite together with our allies and recommit to the progress we have yet to achieve. We thank Senator Brown for his leadership on this resolution that lifts up the importance of Pride Month.”

Shaheen and Hassan are also co-sponsors of the Equality Act, legislation to expand civil rights laws to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The Equality Act would prohibit discrimination in public accommodations, education, federal financial assistance, employment, housing, credit determinations and federal jury service.

Full text of the resolution is available here.