Bill Clinton: “Rights and Liberation April 25, 1993 Welcome to Washington, DC, your Nation's Capital. During my campaign and since my…”

“Rights and Liberation April 25, 1993 Welcome to Washington, DC, your Nation's Capital. During my campaign and since my election, I have said that America does not have a person to waste. Today I want you to know that I am still committed to that principle. I stand with you in the struggle for equality for all Americans, including gay men and lesbians. In this great country, founded on the principle that all people are created equal, we must learn to put aside what divides us and focus on what we share. We all want the chance to excel in our work. We all want to be safe in our communities. We all want the support and acceptance of our friends and families. Last November, the American people sent a message to make Government more accountable to all its citizens, regardless of race, class, gender, disability, or sexual orientation. I am proud of the strides we are making in that direction. The Pentagon has stopped asking recruits about their sexual orientation, and I have asked the Secretary of Defense to determine how to implement an Executive order lifting the ban on gays and lesbians in the military by July 15. My 1994 budget increases funding for AIDS research, and my economic plan will fully fund the Ryan White Act. Soon I will announce a new AIDS coordinator to implement the recommendations of the AIDS Commission reports. I met 9 days ago with leaders of the gay and lesbian community in the Oval Office at the White House.…”