Politics & Government

LGBT Pride Month in Virginia for First Time

McAuliffe proclamation is a first. "We're getting the ball rolling towards equality," spokesman tells press.

For the first time, a Virginia governor has proclaimed June LGBT Pride Month in Virginia.

Each June, Pride Month recognizes advances in the gay-rights movement and work towards equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Americans.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe reportedly presented the Pride Month proclamation at a reception Tuesday.

Noting the need for acceptance and preventing discrimination, the text of the proclamation notes, "the Commonwealth celebrates its diverse LGBT community, and is committed to ensuring equality for all Virginians."

Equality Virginia executive director James Parrish told CBS 6 that the governor's Pride Month proclamation was, "yet another step in support of an inclusive and welcoming commonwealth."

The Washington Post notes that McAuliffe signed an executive order in January that prohibits workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. “We’re getting the ball rolling towards equality,” McAuliffe spokesman Brian Coy told the paper.


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