Thurman Honors PRIDE Month; Reaffirms Democrats' Commitment To GLBT Equality

From the FDP:

As Floridians honor the contributions on the of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) Community by celebrating PRIDE Month, Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen Thurman released the following statement:

"During this month-long celebration of PRIDE and throughout the year, Florida Democrats are fighting for equality and civil rights for all residents of the Sunshine State.

"As the Party of inclusion, Democrats know that all are created equal and we have fought against discrimination based on race, sex, ethnicity, national origin, language, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, and disability.

"Over the past several years, Democrats stood up to change Washington. In doing so, the cause of ending discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans has taken a giant leap forward.

"With a Democrat in the White House and Democratic Majorities in Congress who are committed to equality and justice, we have reached significant milestones. President Obama and our Democratic Congress are concentrating on a number of measures to ensure equality for all-such as supporting federal rights for GLBT couples, stronger hate crimes laws, ridding our military of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' in a way that both ensures national security and strengthens our Armed forces, banning discrimination in the work place, fighting HIV/AIDS and ensuring adoption rights. And while the debate over marriage equality takes different forms across the country, Democrats support recognizing same-sex couples so all of Florida's families are able to receive the same rights and protections.

"While there have been great strides made in promoting equal rights for all Americans, we still have much more to do especially here in Florida.

"As Democrats we are fighting to ensure that Florida's children have safe and secure homes and receive care from families who love them, regardless of their sexual orientation.

"Our Democrats in the Legislature are fighting for domestic partnerships to ensure committed, unmarried couples throughout Florida have access to basic legal rights, like hospital visitation. And Democrats in Tallahassee are fighting to stop work-place discrimination at the state level.

"As Democrats, we look forward to a nation where discrimination of any kind is a thing of the past. GLBT Pride month is a reminder that we still have a way to go."