Statement from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force on 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the March on Washington

“Today’s commemoration of the march on Washington was in the spirit of Bayard Rustin — the openly gay man who was the lead organizer of the march 50 years ago — and an extraordinary and magnificent showing of support for Dr. King’s dream of jobs, justice, freedom and equality: a dream that is yet to be fulfilled,” said Rev. Darlene Nipper, Task Force Deputy Executive Director, who marched with a group of Task Force supporters from across the nation.

“On jobs, LGBT people can be fired for who they are and who they love. Congress must pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). On freedom, Congress must restore the Voting Right Act gutted by the Supreme Court just a few weeks ago. You only had to watch the voter suppression tactics against people of color in the last election to see why this landmark law is still absolutely essential to deliver justice and a free and fair democracy. On jobs and freedom, Congress must pass comprehensive and inclusive immigration reform.”

You can view photos from today’s march here.