SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ- The Sussex County LGBTQ Democrats have moved to condemn the recent refusal to
recognize the month of June as Gay Pride Month by the Sussex County Board of Commisioners. This
refusal was made official Wednesday night when the commissioners were asked directly about
recognizing Pride month at their meeting.

The commissioners blamed the Democratic party for their refusal, citing that they received too much
negative feedback from them for declaring June Pride month last year after using quotes from former
President Trump in their proclamation.

They also stated that they had not received a resolution from the public early enough. However, it
is important to note that the board did receive a resolution from Sussex County Pride, and that a
resolution is not needed to issue a declaration, as the board moved to issue a declaration for
Holocaust day of Rememberance without a resolution when their meeting fell on that date.

Commissioner Fantasia backed the rest of the board’s decision. “Shame on you for making this
political. The Democratic Party does not have a lock on love or who you love…”

Multiple other counties and municipalities have issued Pride month declarations, including Union
and Somerset counties, as well as the New Jersey State Government. The practice has become
commonplace in recent years. and is generally viewed as non-partisan and a recognition of
tolerance, human rights and freedom. One can only wonder why such a small and common practice would
be refused.

“There is no valid reason to refuse Pride” stated Carl Contino, vice-chair of the Sussex LGBT
Democrats. “Pride is not an issue of right or left, it’s an issue of right and wrong. Refusing to
recognize Pride month is as ignorant as it is wrong.

This is not the first time the Sussex County board of Commissioners has been indifferent towards
the Gay community, as they outright refused to recognize Transgender day of Visibility earlier this
year when their meeting fell on the same date and they were asked to issue a declaration.

The board of Commissioners should elaborate their reasoning behind this refusal, especially to the
LGBT community of Sussex County.

This news comes just days before Sussex County Pride and TriVersity host the annual Pride Rally on
Saturday, 6/12
at Newton on the Green. All are welcome to come and show their support.