Brooklyn, N.Y. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement on the decision by organizers of the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Manhattan to allow lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender organizations to march openly in the parade.

“I commend the Ancient Order of Hibernians for ending the policy of discrimination toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who want only to celebrate their Irish heritage on St. Patrick’s Day. I also want to thank Mayor Bill de Blasio, other elected officials, and LGBT organizations who worked to open the parade to the people of New York City,” said Congresswoman Clarke. “The methods of nonviolent resistance such as the boycott worked, as these methods have previously worked, in demonstrating the commitment of the community we share to the value of inclusiveness and respect for the dignity of each individual person.”

U.S. Representative Yvette D. Clarke is a member of the House Committee on Small Business, Ethics, and Homeland Security, where she is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies. She represents many neighborhoods in central and southern Brooklyn, NY which include Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Gerritsen Beach, Madison, Midwood, parts of Park Slope and Flatlands, Prospect Heights, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, Sheepshead Bay, and Windsor Terrace.