| Releases
& Statements
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 7, 2007
Contact: John Collins
(212) 669-4193; (917) 496-4587
Statement
by Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum on President Bush's Nomination
of Dr. Holsinger for U.S. Surgeon General
Public Advocate
Betsy Gotbaum said, “Next week is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual
and Transgender Pride Week in the city, a time when New Yorkers
will stand together to celebrate the rich history and culture
of New York's gay community. And yet, in the face of this unity,
President Bush has chosen to divide us. The President's nomination
for United States Surgeon General, Dr. James Holsinger, holds
a series of beliefs and values that are deeply offensive to the
LGBT community and all New Yorkers who believe in the freedom
of choice and the value of diversity. The Surgeon General is our
country's highest official responsible for educating and advancing
health in America. So why would President Bush nominate an individual
who believes that a large portion of our population needs to be
‘cured’ from being gay or lesbian? That certainly
does not celebrate the diversity that is the strength of our city."
"When
it comes to standing up for equal rights, New Yorkers have always
been at the forefront of progressive, fair-minded policy. This
time is no different. Let us stand together - and against this
nomination - to protect the rights of all New Yorkers.”
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