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PRINTER'S NO. 1805
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
337
Session of
2020
INTRODUCED BY STREET, FONTANA, COLLETT, SANTARSIERO, DINNIMAN,
HAYWOOD, FARNESE, IOVINO, KEARNEY, A. WILLIAMS, MUTH,
SCAVELLO AND COSTA, JUNE 23, 2020
REFERRED TO STATE GOVERNMENT, JUNE 23, 2020
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of June 2020 as "LGBT Pride Month" in
Pennsylvania in celebration of past, present and future LGBT
accomplishments and contributions to this Commonwealth and in
commemoration of the 51st anniversary of the Stonewall Inn
demonstrations.
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth was founded on the principles of
fairness and tolerance; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvanians have repeatedly shown a strong belief
in the principles of fairness and tolerance with service
defending their principles in wars and in debates,
demonstrations and countless other acts of democracy; and
WHEREAS, Many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)
Pennsylvanians and their allies play a significant role in this
Commonwealth's economic, cultural, spiritual and political
development, while working tirelessly to maintain and promote
their culture and history; and
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth has been the site of many pivotal
moments in LGBT history and has been the location of activism
vital to the growing tolerance and acceptance of the LGBT
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community; and
WHEREAS, In May 1965, borrowing a strategy made famous by the
African-American civil rights movement of the time, a group of
gender-variant individuals of color organized a sit-in to
protest discrimination toward LGBT individuals at Dewey's
restaurant lunch counter in Philadelphia, recognized as one of
the first demonstrations launched with the goal of protecting
the dignity of LGBT people; and
WHEREAS, The "Annual Reminders" protests held in front of the
Liberty Bell, which occurred every Independence Day between 1965
and 1969, drew national attention to the LGBT community's
struggle for liberty and equality; and
WHEREAS, Dewey's restaurant lunch counter and "Annual
Reminders" demonstrations, in conjunction with other activities
across the United States, greatly contributed toward the growing
acceptance and inclusion of LGBT Americans into their respective
communities; and
WHEREAS, The State government has traditionally been on the
forefront of LGBT recognition, regardless of which political
party was in control; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Milton Shapp, former Governor of
Pennsylvania, founded the Council for Sexual Minorities, which
was the first governmental body in the nation to examine the
needs and issues of the LGBT community; and
WHEREAS, In 1975, Governor Shapp issued the first Statewide
executive order in the nation recognizing LGBT equality; and
WHEREAS, Governor Shapp's successor, the Honorable Richard
Thornburgh, became the first Republican in the nation to issue a
Statewide proclamation recognizing LGBT equality in 1979; and
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth remains committed to promoting
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LGBT inclusion and quality of life, as the home of the oldest
continually published magazine devoted to LGBT issues, the
Philadelphia Gay News, and the nation's second most affordable
LGBT elder housing complex, the John C. Anderson Apartments; and
WHEREAS, The month of June is recognized worldwide as "LGBT
Pride Month," in recognition of the Stonewall Inn demonstrations
in New York City which took place 51 years ago on June 28, 1969,
and is widely credited as a catalyst for the national civil
rights movement for the LGBT community; and
WHEREAS, On this 51st anniversary of the Stonewall Inn
demonstrations we remember how on June 28, 1969, the New York
City Police Department began conducting a targeted routine raid
of the establishment, which was known to welcome LGBT community
members; and
WHEREAS, An uprising began against the oppressive police
forces seeking to infringe upon LGBT community members'
immutable civil rights, with patrons, activists and community
members conducting a protest which lasted several days; and
WHEREAS, Within the following years the Gay Liberation Front
and Gay Activists Alliance were created, and in 1970, the first
gay pride parades were held across the United States in New
York, San Francisco and Chicago, in commemoration of the
anniversary of the protests and as a celebration of equality and
empowerment within the movement; and
WHEREAS, "LGBT Pride Month" highlights the work, struggles,
accomplishments and challenges of LGBT people in this
Commonwealth and beyond; and
WHEREAS, This celebration of diversity fits perfectly within
the long and unique story of this Commonwealth and our nation's
constant quest for the equal treatment of all residents; and
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WHEREAS, "LGBT Pride Month" celebrations contribute to a
welcoming atmosphere and add greatly to the social and economic
health and well-being of this Commonwealth; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the month of June 2020 as
"LGBT Pride Month" in Pennsylvania in celebration of LGBT
accomplishments and contributions to this Commonwealth as we
commemorate the 51st anniversary of the Stonewall Inn
demonstrations and make a strong recommitment to fight for LGBT
equality.
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