Governor Wolf Proclamation for June 2018 as Pride Month

Gov. Tom Wolf has issued a proclamation declaring June 2018 as Pride Month. You can see a video here from Gov. Wolf and you can also see a PDF of the proclamation here. The text of the proclamation is below.

PROCLAMATION
PRIDE MONTH
June 2018
WHEREAS, the United States Declaration of Independence proclaims that all people are created equal, and William Penn founded Pennsylvania on the principles of fairness, tolerance, and inclusion for all individuals; and
WHEREAS, many LGBTQ individuals and allies have played significant roles in Pennsylvania’s economic, cultural, spiritual, and political development while working tirelessly to maintain and promote their culture and history; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania remains committed to equality, demonstrated through actions like the signing of the Non-Discrimination Executive Orders of 2016, which ensure that state government practices and procedures support greater diversity, inclusion, and fairness in employment opportunities within the commonwealth’s workforce; and
WHEREAS, despite broad bipartisan support, Pennsylvania is the only state in the northeastern U.S. without legislation protecting LGBTQ individuals from discrimination due to the stalling of the PA Fairness Act in our legislature; and
WHEREAS, the PA Fairness Act would extend current protections against discrimination based on an individual’s race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, education status, handicap, or disability to include sexual orientation, and gender expression or identity; and
WHEREAS, PRIDE MONTH is a time to take a positive stance against discrimination and violence toward LGBTQ individuals, to promote self-affirmation, dignity, and equality, and to build community and celebrate diversity; and
WHEREAS, the commonwealth is proud to honor the history and contributions of the LGBTQ community in our state and throughout the nation.
THEREFORE, in recognition of the unwavering dedication of advocates and allies to promote equality, I, Tom Wolf, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim June 2018 as PRIDE MONTH. I encourage all Pennsylvanians to celebrate this important observance and to continue to work toward the goal of liberty and justice for all.