[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 110 (Thursday, June 7, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 33599-33600]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-13949]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 110 / Thursday, June 7, 2012 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 33599]]


                Proclamation 8834 of June 1, 2012

                
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride 
                Month, 2012

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                From generation to generation, ordinary Americans have 
                led a proud and inexorable march toward freedom, 
                fairness, and full equality under the law--not just for 
                some, but for all. Ours is a heritage forged by those 
                who organized, agitated, and advocated for change; who 
                wielded love stronger than hate and hope more powerful 
                than insult or injury; who fought to build for 
                themselves and their families a Nation where no one is 
                a second-class citizen, no one is denied basic rights, 
                and all of us are free to live and love as we see fit.

                The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) 
                community has written a proud chapter in this 
                fundamentally American story. From brave men and women 
                who came out and spoke out, to union and faith leaders 
                who rallied for equality, to activists and advocates 
                who challenged unjust laws and marched on Washington, 
                LGBT Americans and allies have achieved what once 
                seemed inconceivable. This month, we reflect on their 
                enduring legacy, celebrate the movement that has made 
                progress possible, and recommit to securing the fullest 
                blessings of freedom for all Americans.

                Since I took office, my Administration has worked to 
                broaden opportunity, advance equality, and level the 
                playing field for LGBT people and communities. We have 
                fought to secure justice for all under the Matthew 
                Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention 
                Act, and we have taken action to end housing 
                discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender 
                identity. We expanded hospital visitation rights for 
                LGBT patients and their loved ones, and under the 
                Affordable Care Act, we ensured that insurance 
                companies will no longer be able to deny coverage to 
                someone just because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual, 
                or transgender. Because we understand that LGBT rights 
                are human rights, we continue to engage with the 
                international community in promoting and protecting the 
                rights of LGBT persons around the world. Because we 
                repealed ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell,'' gay, lesbian, and 
                bisexual Americans can serve their country openly, 
                honestly, and without fear of losing their jobs because 
                of whom they love. And because we must treat others the 
                way we want to be treated, I personally believe in 
                marriage equality for same-sex couples.

                More remains to be done to ensure every single American 
                is treated equally, regardless of sexual orientation or 
                gender identity. Moving forward, my Administration will 
                continue its work to advance the rights of LGBT 
                Americans. This month, as we reflect on how far we have 
                come and how far we have yet to go, let us recall that 
                the progress we have made is built on the words and 
                deeds of ordinary Americans. Let us pay tribute to 
                those who came before us, and those who continue their 
                work today; and let us rededicate ourselves to a task 
                that is unending--the pursuit of a Nation where all are 
                equal, and all have the full and unfettered opportunity 
                to pursue happiness and live openly and freely.

[[Page 33600]]

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim June 2012 as Lesbian, 
                Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon 
                the people of the United States to eliminate prejudice 
                everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great 
                diversity of the American people.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand 
                twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of 
                America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2012-13949
Filed 6-6-12; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P