Pelosi Statement on Harvey Milk Day

May 22, 2017
Press Release
Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today in observance of Harvey Milk Day in the state of California, in honor of what would have been the 87th birthday of the slain civil rights leader and San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk:

"Each Harvey Milk Day, we remember a man who built a movement and changed a nation.  In San Francisco and across America, Harvey shattered barriers and destroyed prejudice, challenged us to live with strength and courage, and gave a green light to the voiceless and disenfranchised.  And above all, he gave us hope.

"Harvey believed that ‘hope must never be silent.'  He inspired a generation of LGBT leaders who make their voices heard each day in our statehouses, military bases, embassies, and U.S. Congress.  His legacy is carried on in their work.  The journey is not complete, but we face down each new challenge with the power of hope that Harvey inspired in us.

"Today, we draw strength from Harvey's courage and conviction to proudly continue the fight for equality and justice.  That's why House Democrats are fighting to pass the Equality Act, which removes all doubt that sexual orientation and gender identity belong in the protections of the Civil Rights Act that guards our democracy.  We will continue to reject Republicans' agenda of discrimination in Congress and in the White House, and to fight for a future where all can lead authentic lives, no matter who they are or who they love."