Gov. Cuomo approves order to establish LGBT Memorial Commission
ALBANY, N.Y. (WHAM) -- Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Sunday that he signed an Executive Order to establish a new LGBT Memorial Commission.
The commission will help build a new monument in New York City honoring the LGBT community, including the Orlando shooting victims and other victims of hate and violence.
Cuomo also announced the "Open Doors Campaign," which will feature New York's role as a national leader in the fight for LGBT rights. Advertisements for this campaign will run in New York, North Carolina, Mississippi and Texas starting Sunday.
It is more important than ever that we stand up for the LGBT community and ensure everyone is treated with dignity, fairness and respect," said Cuomo. "In the wake of tragedy in Orlando, I am establishing a commission to create a monument honoring the fight for equal rights and all victims of hate, intolerance and violence. New York continues to be a beacon for justice and we will never waiver in our commitment to the LGBT community and creating a more just and inclusive society."
In addition, the Stonewall Inn has been named a New York State historic site. The inn is considered to be the birthplace of the LGBT rights movement.
The following are members of the LGBT Memorial Commission, who will begin work immediately on the monument.
Scott P. Campbell, executive director at Elton John Aids Foundation
Rose Harvey, commissioner of the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Cristina Herrera, founder and CEO of Translatina Network
Thomas Krever, chief executive officer of the Hetrick-Martin Institute
Kelsey Louie, executive director of the Gay Men's Health Crisis
Eunic Ortiz, president of the Stonewall Democrats
Christine Quinn, CEO of Women and Need and marriage equality advocate
Melissa Sklarz, a prominent transgender rights activist
Beverly Tillery, executive director of the NYC Anti-Violence Project
Glennda Testone, executive director of the New York LGBT Community Center
The LGBT Memorial Commission will be overseen by counsel to the governor Alphonso David.
Recommendations of the site, design and installation of the memorial will be given to Cuomo no later than December 31, 2016.
"The tragic events in Orlando is another horrific reminder that the LGBTQ community is sadly no stranger to hate," said Ortiz. "While we have made many strides towards equality over the past few years, we still have a long road ahead of us. In New York, we proudly live in a state where our leadership has time and time again fought for our community. From achieving marriage equality, to implementing first-in-the-nation rights and protections for transgender New Yorkers, to making it harder to obtain access to conversion therapy. Governor Cuomo has always fought to build on this state's founding principles of diversity, inclusivity and respect. Today, with the launch of the LGBT Memorial Commission, we are taking another step in our fight for equality and respect."
Cuomo made the announcement before the start of New York City's 46th annual Pride Parade.
