Fridae

Breaking a tradition established by President Bill Clinton since 1999, President Bush will not issue a proclamation for June being Gay Pride Month, reports the Associated Press.

While cities across the US celebrate gay pride in June, the administration will not be engaging in any activity, which officially recognises the hundreds of events that will be held over the next several weeks.

Neither will the executive office of the president sponsor an observance, according to a White House statement.

"The president believes every person should be treated with dignity and respect but he does not believe in politicizing people's sexual orientation. That's a personal matter,'' said White House spokesman Scott McClellan.

The managers within the administration were advised by an email memo: "The executive office of the president will not sponsor an observance for Gay and Lesbian Pride Month. The executive office of the president will continue to observe, in some form or manner, the special emphasis programs that are traditionally recognized through the Affirmative Employment Program. Those programs recognize minorities and women that have been traditionally underrepresented in the work force."

Gay activists have spoken out against the decision. David Smith, spokesman for the Human Rights Campaign, the country's largest gay and lesbian advocacy group, told the news agency, "His refusal to reach out to our community calls into question his promise to be president of all the people."

He also noted that since Bush became president in January he has "reached out to other constituencies" and signed proclamations designating Black History Month, Women's History Month, and Irish-American Heritage Month.

However, some executive branch offices, including the Interior and Transportation departments, are still planning their own observances regardless of White House endorsement.