WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Edolphus “Ed” Towns (NY-10) today issued the following statement in honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month:

“During Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month, in commemoration of the Stonewall Inn protests in Manhattan of June 1969, we honor LGBT Americans for their tremendous contributions to our nation

“The powerful movement for equal rights on behalf of the LGBT community has changed the course of our nation. LGBT Americans have done so much to advance the fundamental principles upon which our country was built – that all people are created equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities. They have fought courageously to live their lives openly, and we take this opportunity to honor and support their struggle.

“This month, I applaud the remarkable steps taken by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to require, for the first time in history, all housing grant programs to comply with state and local anti-discrimination laws that protect LGBT individuals. I am deeply pleased that this historic change in policy will help prevent LGBT discrimination in housing.

“In other areas, more work remains to eliminate the discriminatory policies and practices that still exist. Individuals are still being denied access to certain privileges and opportunities. The policy of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ is damaging to our nation and needs to end, which is why I joined my colleagues last month to repeal the policy, pending a review by the Department of Defense. LGBT Americans deserve the right to serve in our military openly, and I continue to pledge my full support with the Obama Administration and our military leadership to see this goal accomplished.

“Standing up against injustice everywhere it exists requires the strength of an entire nation. This month, we join LGBT Americans in their fight, and we renew our commitment to equality and justice. Let us support the fight against injustice by ending prejudice and discrimination in our own lives and in all areas of society.”

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