Senator Booker Cosponsors Legislation Creating First-Ever National Historic Site Honoring LGBTQ Movement

Press Release

Today, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), cosponsored legislation that would designate the Stonewall Inn as a national historic site and the nation's first national park site dedicated to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) history.

The Stonewall Inn was and continues to be a haven and popular gay bar in the neighborhood of Greenwich Village in New York City. On June 28, 1969, police raided the Inn and in the subsequent six days that followed, protests and demonstrations erupted. The Stonewall Uprising is now regarded as the catalyst and definitive turning point in the ongoing movement for LGBTQ civil rights.

"Brave men and women in every generation throughout America's history courageously fought for freedom and equality against all odds - from abolitionists and suffragettes to civil rights activists," Booker said. "The Stonewall Uprising was a critical moment that helped change the course of American history and helped to shape a more perfect union. We owe it to those who stood up for equality and justice in our society to honor the moment that served as a catalyst for the LGBTQ rights movement. I'm proud to support legislation that would designate Stonewall Inn as a national historic site, recognizing the struggles, subsequent victories, and ongoing fight to recognize and respect the humanity in everyone."

Last week, President Obama, under his executive authority, designated a new national monument commemorating the Stonewall Uprising of 1969. However, future administrations can reverse the president's actions. Congressional action to make the Stonewall Inn a national historic site will help secure this fitting tribute.

Last December, Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) helped lead the national campaign to create a new unit of the National Park Service at Stonewall and was the author and lead sponsor of H.R. 4230, to establish a national historic site at the Stonewall Inn. U.S. Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer (both D-NY) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate, S.2386.

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