WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich joined a group of 46 Senate Democrats in introducing a Senate resolution recognizing June as LGBTQ Pride Month. The resolution highlights the contributions that 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. Udall and Heinrich previously cosponsored a similar resolution in 2017 and 2018.
“This month, and every month, I’m proud to stand with our LGBTQ friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors in New Mexico and across the country.” said Udall. “Pride Month is a time for all of us to celebrate how far we’ve come as a country, and recognize the historic achievements of the civil rights leaders who fought for that progress. In honor of their trailblazing work, we renew our commitment to the fight for equality and a world in which everyone can live without fear – and with the pride, dignity, and respect they deserve.”
“Our LGBTQ peers deserve not only recognition, but also support for their steadfast advocacy and visible progress towards equal protection. I am proud to stand with New Mexico's LGBTQ community and recommit to the effort to advance equality for every single American, no matter who they are or who they love,” said Heinrich.
In March, Udall and Heinrich joined Senate Democrats to re-introduce 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 unequivocally ban discrimination in a host of areas, including employment, housing, public accommodations, jury service, access to credit, federal funding assistance, and education.
This June also marks the 50-year anniversary of the Stonewall uprising in New York City, which helped to ignite the modern-day LGBTQ civil rights movement.
The full text of the resolution is available here.