New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson

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A Welcome Message from Governor Bill Richardson

As Governor of New Mexico, it is my pleasure to welcome each of you to 32nd Annual Albuquerque Pride Parade and Pridefest. For over three decades. this event has been instrumental in promoting diversity awareness, educating citizens about the dangers of intolerance and bigotry, and providing a platform for friends of the New Mexico GLBT community. I commend the organizers and participants of this year’s event as you gather together to “Live, Love and Be.”

Discrimination of any kind is a detriment to democracy and has no rightful place in the lives of Americans, no matter their race, creed or sexual orientation.

Guided by those beliefs, I have long been an advocate for the GLBT community, fighting for domestic partner rights and working to protect the civil rights of gay and lesbian couples and their families. In fact, during my first year as Governor of New Mexico I signed the first hate crimes law in New Mexico history, as well as legislation extending civil rights protections to citizens based on sexual orientation and gender identity. These are significant steps toward equality, but together we can achieve even more.

Again, I welcome everyone to this year’s Pride Parade and Pridefest and I extend a special thanks to those who have helped make it a success for so many years. This event is but one small example of how GLBT individuals have helped contribute significantly and productively to New Mexico’s past and will continue to do so for years to come.

With Warmest Regards,

s/ Bill Richardson

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