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July 5, 2012

Much to be proud of with North Shore Pride parade

The Salem News

To the editor:

Sunday, I was proud to march in the first North Shore Pride Parade, hosted here in Salem.

As we are set to celebrate the Fourth of July this week, I thought it was a fitting tribute to recognize the many freedoms that make this country great, most notably that these rights and protections shall extend to all Americans — regardless of race, gender, religion or sexual orientation. I could not think of a better time to highlight one of these most fundamental freedoms: the right to choose whom you want to marry. For me, this was one of the easiest and proudest votes of my career as a Massachusetts legislator. Equally as prideful was my vote in favor of the Transgender Equal Rights Bill this session, which is also coincidentally set to take effect this week and will provide legal protection and retribution for those who are discriminated against based on their gender identity.

Each of these successes culminates in our preparation to celebrate our nation’s Independence Day this week, and I stand proud today, and every day, for what this weekend’s Pride Parade recognizes. Congratulations on the first of what will become a great tradition, and a Happy Fourth of July to all!

State Rep. John Keenan

Salem

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