MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution last night proclaiming June 2021 Pride Month that recognizes vital contributions made to the nation and county by LGBTQ+ individuals and encourages the inclusion of all people in our society.
Resolution 472 was adopted unanimously by the board at their public meeting.
“We wish to celebrate and encourage diversity, acceptance, and inclusion within our community, and we include the LGBTQ+ community by proclaiming June as Pride Month. Equality, respect, and inclusion are for everyone, and it is an attainable goal,” said Commissioner Kathryn DeFillippo, the board liaison to Human Services planning.
“But the need for education and awareness is vital to end discrimination, bias and prejudice — and specifically this resolution tonight is for the LGBTQ+ community. So we ask our Morris County community to embrace these principles, and together foster a warm and hospitable place for all, irrespective of one’s sexual orientation or gender identity,” she added.
The proclamation is included below:
Pride Month 2021 Resolution
Adopted June 9, 2021
Morris County Board of County Commissioners
Whereas, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners recognizes that the pursuit of equality, respect and inclusion for all individuals is an attainable goal; and
Whereas, all human beings should be equal in dignity and rights, and no one should live in fear or face persecution and violence due to their sexual orientation or gender identity; and
Whereas,the County of Morris celebrates and encourages diversity, acceptance and inclusion within our community and supports the self-affirmation, equality and increased visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people; and
Whereas, LGBTQ+ individuals have made and continue to make vital contributions to our county and nation, including cultural, scientific, political, civic, educational, economic, and in many other areas; and
Whereas, it is essential to acknowledge that the need for education and awareness remains vital to end discrimination, biases, and prejudice; and
Whereas, the County of Morris calls upon residents of our community to embrace this principle and work together to foster a warm and hospitable place for all to live; and
Whereas, celebrating Pride Month influences awareness and provides support and advocacy for Morris County’s LGBTQ+ community, and fosters dialogue to build understanding and acceptance and advance equal rights for all Morris County residents.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, in the State of New Jersey, that June 2021 be proclaimed Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and Plus (LGBTQ+) Pride Month in Morris County and that our residents continue to respect all fellow human beings, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.