Kerry makes statement regarding National Day of Silence (12150)

Presumed Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry issued the following statement Wednesday regarding the National Day of Silence as thousands of students across the United States take a vow of silence today to protest discrimination and harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered youth in the country's schools.

"I want to recognize the efforts of the youth across America who are participating in the National Day of Silence. Too many LGBT students are skipping school because they feel unsafe. Too many LGBT students are threatened or attacked for being gay. We cannot and must not forget the lessons of Matthew Shepard's tragic death. We need an America where every child--gay or straight--feels safe."

For more information on the National Day of Silence, go to www.dayofsilence.org.