MILWAUKEE, WI – The following is a statement from Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley on the conclusion of Pride Month 2022, in light of recent major Supreme Court decisions that put the rights of women and the LGTBQI+ community at risk:
“Last week, the United States Supreme Court issued a betrayal to the American people in its decision to reverse nearly 50 years of precedent and overturn Roe v. Wade. As a father and husband, I thought about the millions of women who would now have fewer rights than their mothers and grandmothers. I thought about how people of color, who already see some of the worst outcomes in our health care system, will be forced to seek out dangerous, unregulated, and unsafe medical care.
“The decision not only was an attack on reproductive rights, but also an attack on the right to privacy. Justice Thomas wrote a clarion call for those seeking to further curtail the rights of people of color and members of the LGBTQI+ community. He wrote that the court should reconsider rulings that protect access to contraception, same-sex relationships, and same-sex marriage.
“The signal from the court is a further betrayal of the promise of equal rights and protection made to every American. At a time when LGBTQI+ members of our community are under threat of violence, it is unacceptable for the highest court in the land to embolden bigotry and hatred by putting a target on the rights of millions of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender brothers and sisters.
“Today, my heart is broken with news of the death of Brazil Johnson. Hate, discrimination, and violence have no place in our community or in American society. The fight for LGBTQI+ rights is a fight for human rights.
“Milwaukee County is on a mission to achieve race and health equity. Denying the fundamental rights of any American is a slap in the face to what we are trying to accomplish here by dismantling decades of systemic racism to serve historically underserved residents.
“As we close Pride Month, let us not forget its roots, as a celebration and recognition of members of the LGBTQI+ community who had enough of the mistreatment, disenfranchisement, and discrimination. There is much fear given recent events, but we at Milwaukee County stand in solidarity with our LGBTQI+ community and our LGBTQI+ employees.
“I encourage members of the community to engage with the many trusted advocates, partners and resources available locally and nationally, such as the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, the Human Rights Campaign and Lambda Legal.
“I want all Milwaukee residents to know that you are accepted, you are loved, you are supported, and we are proud that you are here. Milwaukee County is committed to equity, inclusion, and empowering every resident to unlocking their true power and potential.
“I will always stand up to defend residents of our community from hate, discrimination, and violence. And I welcome any fight that undermines that commitment.”
