Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today joined Massachusetts
Democratic Representative Barney Frank and Wisconsin Democratic Representative
Tammy Baldwin in issuing the following Proclamation marking PRIDE Month:



"Today, on behalf of Democrats across America, we join together in honoring
the contributions that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals and
their families make to our society and reaffirming our Party's abiding
commitment to full equality for all Americans, including the LGBT community.

"Because Democrats value all families, we are committed to the
fundamental principle that every American has the right to live in dignity, with
equal rights, responsibilities and protections under the law. No American should
have to live in fear or be forced to hide their true identity to avoid horrific
attacks or discrimination in areas like hiring, housing or health care. That's
why Democrats have led the fight for hate crimes legislation at the federal and
state levels, and why Democrats continue to fight for laws that would prohibit
discrimination based on sexual orientation.

"Sadly, too many of our colleagues on the other side of the political
aisle do not share our commitment to equality. This month, as millions of LGBT
Americans prepare to march in PRIDE Parades across America, Republicans like
Bill Frist are using issues like marriage as political wedges to distract people
from their failed leadership and misplaced priorities. Because Americans have
lost confidence in their ability to solve challenges like Iraq, immigration,
health care, gas prices or homeland security, Republicans in Washington are
ripping a page from the Karl Rove playbook by scapegoating LGBT families for
partisan gain.

"This is morally wrong, and it hurts LGBT Americans. Democrats are
committed to fighting this hateful, divisive amendment and to fighting similarly
discriminatory ballot initiatives in states across the country. We strongly
oppose any attempt to write discrimination into law - whether it be at the local
or state levels or in the United States Constitution.

"During this month of LGBT PRIDE, we remember the courageous men and
women who faced down discrimination at the Stonewall Inn in June of 1969 and
ignited a movement that is changing the hearts and minds of the American people.
They called on this nation to live up to its promise of equal opportunity,
liberty and justice for all. As leaders of the Democratic Party, we stand
proudly with the LGBT community and commit ourselves to building a hopeful and
optimistic vision of America that is inclusive of all Americans, rejects the
politics of fear and division, and renews our commitment to ending
discrimination in all its forms."