[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 10830]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      CELEBRATING LGBT PRIDE MONTH

  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of Lesbian, 
Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender, LGBT, Pride Month. This June we 
recognize the efforts of millions of Americans who have fought to 
extend liberty and justice to all, regardless of sexual orientation or 
gender identity. Members of the LGBT community have helped this country 
become a leader in so many fields.
  And today I also rise in celebration as a result of yesterday's 
decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States. Loving families 
across our great Nation have now been made whole, as the Supreme Court 
upheld the core principle that all persons must be treated equally 
under the law.
  By striking down as unconstitutional the provision of the Defense of 
Marriage Act, DOMA, that limited federal marriage benefits to opposite 
sex couples, the Supreme Court has affirmed that there is no place for 
discrimination in America based on sexual orientation. Government 
should not interfere in the ability of men and women to marry the 
person they love, and they should be entitled to the same benefits as 
heterosexual couples, including tax benefits, rights of inheritance, 
health insurance, and legal marriage. The Federal Government--
especially Congress and the executive branch--should act quickly to 
comply with and fully implement this Supreme Court ruling, following 
the lead of a growing number of States including Maryland that give 
full recognition and equality to legal marriages of same-sex couples.
  Alongside their neighbors, LGBT individuals have been integral in 
forging this Nation into what it is today. Sadly, many members of the 
LBGT community encounter prejudice and discrimination on a daily basis. 
We cannot forget the events at the Stonewall Inn in June of 1969. 
Shortly thereafter the modern day gay rights movement began to take 
shape.
  In the years since Stonewall, we have made progress in making ours a 
more just society. I am proud that 13 States--including Maryland by 
both legislative action and popular referendum--and the District of 
Columbia have voted to allow two consenting same-sex adults to enjoy 
all the happiness and privileges that come with marriage. I am proud 
that our men and women in uniform can no longer be told they cannot 
serve the country they love because of who they are in love with.
  I am proud that we passed legislation, the Matthew Shepard and James 
Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, to expand the federal hate crimes 
law to include crimes motivated by a victim's actual or perceived 
gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity. I am proud that 
everyday more and more people support equal rights for all Americans.
  Despite all the progress we have made, we must always work harder to 
maintain the foundation of human rights on which this country is built. 
I believe that every American should have the opportunity to fulfill 
their American Dream. This is only possible when the government can 
provide robust civil rights for all citizens. There is still much that 
only we in Congress can do to make sure that every American enjoys the 
right of equal protection under the law.
  Right now in a majority of States, an individual can be fired for 
their sexual orientation or gender identity and have no legal recourse. 
The fact that someone can be fired for simply being who they are in the 
year 2013 cannot be accepted. I chair the U.S. Helsinki Commission and 
sit on the Foreign Relations Committee, and I can tell you that human 
rights are directly linked to governmental guarantees and enforcement 
of equal protection.
  This June we should recognize the remarkable contributions LGBT 
Americans have made to this Nation. We should also take a moment to 
value all the hard work, sacrifice and determination that has defined 
the LGBT movement.
  The issues facing the LGBT community are important to all Americans. 
We are all harmed when homophobia trumps civility, and similarly we all 
succeed when we find strength in our diversity.
  We have work to do. Members of the LGBT community should feel free 
and safe to be who they are. Now is the time for all Americans 
regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity to come together in 
the spirit of moving the country forward. The LGBT community has been 
part of America's storied past, and will continue to be central to our 
perpetual goal of building a brighter future.
  Fifty years ago this month President Kennedy asked the Nation a 
simple question as the fight for civil rights raged across the country:
  ``The heart of the question is whether all Americans are to be 
afforded equal rights and equal opportunities, whether we are going to 
treat our fellow Americans as we want to be treated.''
  The answer then, as it is now, should be a resounding yes.

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