CA-GOV: Brown Declares June LGBT Pride Month

PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

Since its founding, our Nation has endeavored to fulfill the Constitution’s promises of liberty and equality. In the struggle for equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people, a historic turning point occurred on June 28, 1969, in New York City, with the onset of the Stonewall Riots. During these riots, LGBT citizens rose up and resisted police harassment that arose out of discriminatory criminal laws that have since been declared unconstitutional. In the four decades since, civil rights for LGBT people have grown substantially, and LGBT pride celebrations have taken place around the country every June to mark the beginning of the Stonewall Riots.

California has been a leader in advancing the civil rights of its LGBT citizens. And while further progress is needed, it is proper and important to recognize and celebrate the substantial and important gains that have been achieved.

NOW THEREFORE I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim June 2011 as "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month."

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 8th day of June 2011.

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EDMUND G. BROWN JR.

Governor of California