Hawks Addresses Crowd at Pride Festival

Press Release

U.S. House candidate Paula Hawks spoke Saturday, June 18th at the Sioux Falls Pride Festival in Terrace Park to discuss LGBT issues including the recent Orlando mass murder attack.

First, Hawks thanked those in attendance for their activism defeating discriminatory legislation like House Bill 1008. "I don't think a single legislator has ever seen a cracker barrel more packed than what we experienced last session. We need to keep that pressure on."

Hawks then continued, "Galvanized into action by hateful legislation--this community stood up to ignorance, bigotry, and discrimination...We made economic arguments. We made legal arguments. Most of all, we made moral arguments. The most important--equality is a South Dakota value."

Next, Hawks addressed the attack in Orlando and argued legislation limiting firearms from landing in the hands of suspected terrorists, lone wolves or the mentally ill "isn't gun control, but mass murder prevention. It should not be controversial to stop a terrorist from obtaining a weapon in South Dakota. That's not taking away my gun, it's not taking away your gun, it's just a common-sense, practical step we can take to improve safety."

Hawks concluded with a call to those in the crowd to make their voices heard. "Each and every one of your voices deserves recognition--we all have our own stories to tell. Even though our experiences are unique--our shared humanity is what connects us. Together, we'll ensure no community is left behind."

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