A bill passed by New York state lawmakers aims to rename a NYC subway station in recognition of the pivotal Stonewall riots that sparked the LGBTQ+ rights movement, honouring the historical significance of the event.
New York State Bill Proposes Renaming Subway Station to Honor Stonewall Riots
A bill has been approved by New York state lawmakers to rename a New York City subway station in honor of the Stonewall riots, a pivotal event in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. The legislation was passed as part of the state legislature’s recent session.
The bill directs the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to change the name of the Christopher Street-Sheridan Square subway station in Greenwich Village. The new name proposed is Christopher Street-Stonewall National Monument Station. State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, a Democrat from Manhattan who sponsored the proposal, announced the bill’s passing on Twitter/X.
The legislation now awaits the approval of Governor Kathy Hochul. Her office has yet to comment on the proposal.
The Stonewall Inn was the site of a police raid on June 28, 1969, which led to riots and days of protests, marking a significant moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. During that period, public displays of same-sex affection and gender nonconformity could result in arrests, and bars serving LGBTQ+ patrons risked losing their liquor licenses.
The Stonewall Inn is now a National Historic Landmark and a focal point for annual LGBTQ+ pride celebrations. Additionally, a Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center, to be managed by the National Park Service, is planned for opening next door.
This legislative move aims to honor the historical importance of the Stonewall riots in the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights.
