Press Releases

 

Contact: 

Staci Cox

(202) 225- 4572

 

 

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-4) released the following statement commemorating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month.

 

“Each year in June we celebrate the LGBT community and our progress towards realizing full equality for all people regardless of whom they love. This year, I was honored to celebrate with my LGBT friends as we learned that Wisconsin’s same-sex marriage ban was ruled unconstitutional. 

 

“Unfortunately this victory was only temporary, and same-sex marriages have been halted until a final ruling is made. In response, my Wisconsin colleagues Sen. Baldwin (D-WI), Rep. Kind (W-3), Rep. Pocan (WI-2) and I asked U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to federally recognize same-sex married couples in my state. I eagerly await his response. 

 

“While we wait on this and other cases in legal limbo, let us celebrate our marriage equality and workplace victories. One year ago today, the Supreme Court ruled that the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional and upheld California's Proposition 8 lower court ruling. I am also excited by President Obama’s recent executive order prohibiting federal contractors from discriminating against LGBT employees. While I am pleased by these decisions, Congress must act as well. 

 

“I was so proud to introduce the Runaway and Homeless Youth Inclusion Act (RHYIA) last year. Among other important provisions, RHYIA would help ensure that LGBT youth have equal access to services and that grant recipients have the cultural competency to effectively serve these youth. However, this legislation is not enough. I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to come together and do our part to fight prejudice and discrimination. 

 

“This month and always, I urge everyone in my district and across our nation to fully recognize and appreciate that our differences, including whom we love, do not weaken our nation; they strengthen it.” 

 

###