MADISON, Wis. — Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler and Second Vice Chair Lee Snodgrass released the following statements in celebration of Pride Month.
Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler:
“Today, as Wisconsin celebrates the beginning of Pride Month, the Progress Pride Flag will fly over the Wisconsin State Capitol – a reminder of the vibrancy and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. Wisconsin’s rich LGBTQ+ community includes elected officials, business owners, veterans, and so many other valued community members of all walks of life. LGBTQ+ Wisconsinites help make our state the best it can be.
“As we celebrate all those who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community, we recognize that these celebrations come at a pivotal moment in the fight for equality. Across the country – including right here in Wisconsin – far-right politicians are pushing legislation to restrict personal freedoms and demonize kids, while the Supreme Court appears to be laying the groundwork to overturn basic protections for the LGBTQ+ community. The very simple idea that someone should be able to live as their complete self or marry the person they love is under attack.
“We’ve come too far to turn back. Love is love – and we will not stop fighting until that very basic principle is enshrined in the laws of our country and state, and in a culture in which all are treated with respect and dignity.”
Democratic Party of Wisconsin Second Vice Chair Lee Snodgrass:
“As we raise the Progress Pride Flag at the Capitol today and begin our celebration of Pride Month, we recommit ourselves to the work of building a Wisconsin in which everyone has a place and feels at home.
“Across our country and state, far-right politicians are pushing a radical agenda that threatens the inherent dignity of LGBTQ+ Americans. From dangerous attacks on trans youth, to refusing to rule out rolling back full marriage equality, GOP politicians continue to threaten decades of hard-fought progress. Those who seek to bully and exploit a politics of fear and hate have no place in our great state, and we must always fight for the right to live and love as our whole selves.
“We have come so far as a state in our work for equality and fairness. This session the legislative LGBTQ Caucus introduced the Equality package of bills which codify rights and remove discrimination for LGBTQ+ individuals in our state. Wisconsin was the first state to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation, and the first state to elect an LGBTQ+ senator. As we lift up the queer community in joy and celebration, let’s recommit to the work of making Wisconsin welcoming and inclusive for all.”
