by Rex Wockner
NATIONAL NEWS – June 09, 2008
Presidential candidate Barack Obama said June 6 that his campaign is actively participating in more than 60 gay pride events this summer, as detailed at pride.barackobama.com/pridemonth.
"I am proud to join with our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered brothers and sisters in celebrating the accomplishments, the lives, and the families of all LGBT people during this Pride season," Obama said in a statement.
"It's time to live up to our founding promise of equality by treating all our citizens with dignity and respect. Let's enact federal civil rights legislation to outlaw hate crimes and protect workers against discrimination based upon sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. Let's repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell and demonstrate that the most effective and professional military in the world is open to all Americans who are ready and willing to serve our country. Let's treat the relationships and the families of LGBT Americans with full equality under the law. …
"Generations of LGBT Americans, at once ordinary and extraordinary, have made possible this moment in our history," Obama said. "With leadership and hard work, we can fulfill the promise of equality for all."
