Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-31) released the following statement in recognition of LGBT Pride Month, which is celebrated during the month of June.

“During LGBT Pride month, we celebrate the heroic men and women who have tirelessly fought for equality and human rights across our nation and world. Too many of our friends, neighbors, sons, and daughters have been victims of grave injustices simply because of who they love—this needs to stop. No one should ever be denied the right to marry who he or she loves. No one should ever be fired because of who he or she loves—No one should ever be treated any differently under the law because of who they are,” said Rep. Aguilar

He continued, “I’m proud to stand with the LGBT community to honor our heroes and leaders who have pushed this movement forward, and today I recommit myself to confronting and wiping out hate and prejudice in California and throughout our nation. Our country has come a long way, but we have much further to go. I look forward to working with the Inland Empire community, the state of California, and my colleagues in Congress so every man and woman can enjoy full equality under the law.”

Rep. Aguilar has been a staunch supporter of the LGBT community. Only weeks after taking office in January he co-sponsored H.R. 197, the Respect for Marriage Act, which officially repeals the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) to ensure that LGBT couples are treated equally under federal law.  In March, Rep. Aguilar, along with 210 other Members of the House and Senate, filed an amicus brief at the Supreme Court supporting marriage equality in the cases to be decided later this month. Also in March, Rep. Aguilar called on the California State Bar to conduct an inquiry into the homophobic ballot proposal submitted by a California lawyer, which would allow the murder of gays and lesbians in California. The brief can be read here and the letter can be found here.

LGBT Pride Month is celebrated throughout the month of June, honoring those who have fought for human rights and worked to advance the gay rights movement so all men and women can enjoy full equality under the law.