Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson delivered the following remarks in a message observing National LGBT Pride Month, “This month marks the 43 anniversary of the Stonewall Riots,
an event largely regarded as the birth of the modern LGBT movement for civil
rights in the United States. Since then enormous advancements in gay rights
have been made including the passage of the Matthew Shepard & James Byrd
Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act and the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. These
laws strengthen our commitment to value every American life equally, both
publically and privately. The law of the land must protect every American’s
Civil Rights, and we must continue to value every American life in law and in
practice. As a stand against intolerance, I am a proud member of the LGBT
Equality Caucus. I will continue to promote sensible legislation in Washington
that ensures a more unified fight against discrimination and intolerance. While
great progress has been made more work needs to be done. As a Member of
Congress I will continue to work in pursuit of equal rights for all.”
Congresswoman Johnson has been a tireless advocate for the LGBT community in the fight for civil rights and is an original co-sponsor of the repeal of both 'Don't Ask Don't Tell" and the Defense of Marriage Act. Congresswoman Johnson is an original cosponsor of the Employment Non Discrimination Act and is an original co author of The Matthew Shepard & James Bryd Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
