US President Barack Obama Releases Statement of Support for May 17

US President, Barack Obama, has just released an official statement in honour of the International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia.

The White House statement now follows in full:
WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2014
Statement by the President on the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia
Tomorrow, as we commemorate the 10th annual International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, we recommit ourselves to the fundamental belief that all people should be treated equally, that they should have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential, and that no one should face violence or discrimination — no matter who they are or whom they love.
This year, the United States celebrates the 60th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, and the 45th anniversary of the Stonewall riots. In doing so, we reflect on lessons learned from our own civil rights struggles and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that the human rights of all people are universally protected.
At a time when, tragically, we are seeing increased efforts to criminalize or oppress LGBT persons, we call on partners everywhere to join us in defending the equal rights of our LGBT brothers and sisters, and in ensuring they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.