President declares June 'LGBT Pride Month'

The President said he was proud to be the first president to appoint 'openly LGBT candidates.'

Washington, D.C. (CNA) - In a Monday proclamation, President Barack Obama declared June 2009 to be Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, outlining his plan to advance homosexual political concerns.

Instead of acknowledging those who disagree with his stance on such issues, the president called on all Americans to "turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists." His proclamation began by referring to "patrons and supporters" of the Stonewall Inn homosexual bar in New York City who rioted against police.

"Out of this resistance, the LGBT rights movement in America was born. During LGBT Pride Month, we commemorate the events of June 1969 and commit to achieving equal justice under law for LGBT Americans," he said.

The President said he was proud to be the first president to appoint "openly LGBT candidates" to Senate-confirmed positions in his first 100 days in office.

Saying there is "more work to be done" in the LGBT movement, President Obama advocated further protecting LGBT students and strengthening efforts against HIV/AIDS. He said he joined United Nations efforts to "decriminalize homosexuality around the world" and noted his advocacy of enhanced hate crime laws, civil unions, anti-discrimination laws, adoption rights for homosexuals, and ending the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy "in a way that strengthens our Armed Forces and our national security."

"As long as the promise of equality for all remains unfulfilled, all Americans are affected. If we can work together to advance the principles upon which our Nation was founded, every American will benefit," he asserted, saying Congress and the American people should work to promote "equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity."

U.S. advocacy of homosexual issues may be affecting its image overseas.

Last Friday, the Baghdad Embassy employee association hosted a Gay Pride Theme Party at an employee pub. A flyer for the event, reposted on the Washington Post's website, encouraged attendees to "dress in drag or as a gay icon."

A State Department source told the Washington Times that the party "throws gasoline on the fire" of Islamic insurgency and strengthens the perception that America is promoting decadence.

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