US President Joe Biden marked the beginning of Pride Month with a reaffirmation of his administration’s support for the advancement of LGBTQI+ rights.

“During Pride Month, we honor the resilience of LGBTQI+ people who are fighting to live authentically and freely. We reaffirm that LGBTQI+ rights are human rights,” Biden wrote on Twitter.

Also read | Derek Chauvin, who killed George Floyd, slapped with new federal lawsuits

“And we recommit to delivering protections, safety, and equality so everyone can realize the full promise of America,” the 79-year-old added.

Biden’s comments on his administration’s support for LGBTQI+ rights comes at a time when the Equality Act, a bill seeking to impose a nationwide ban on anti-LGBTQI+ discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and other aspects of life, is awaiting the Senate’s approval, having been cleared by the House.

Also read | United States to send long range advanced rocket systems to Ukraine: Report

The President’s statement was preceded by a proclamation from the White House, which highlighted steps to be taken by the Biden-Harris administration this month.

“The President, Vice President, White House, and Cabinet reiterating calls on Congress to pass the Equality Act, and championing full freedom and equality for LGBTQI+ people at home and around the world,” the White House statement read.

Also read | Joe Biden, New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern talk gun control, extremism

Additionally, the White House said that both federal agencies and US embassies around the world would fly Pride flags to “celebrate our commitment to equality.”

Cabinet members are also expected to hold meetings with members of the LGBTQI+ community as well as LGBTQI+ families this month, with the White House saying that it was “laser-focused on fighting back against the onslaught of anti-LGBTQI+ legislation” that is popping up across state legislatures in the country.