Stonewall Up for Landmark Status

The Stonewall Inn will be the first landmark granted for significance to the LGBT community, if approved next week by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC).

The Greenwich Village bar is famous amongst the community for the June 1969 riots which contributed to the beginning of the LGBT rights movement in the United States.

RELATED: 10 Years Before Stonewall, There Was The Cooper's Donuts Riot in L.A.

Gay City Council member Corey Johnson is in disbelief that the bar, located in his district, has not yet received landmark status:

"It's shocking that in 2015 the Stonewall Inn was never recognized as an individual landmark given its hugely important symbolism and history. LPC recognition is stronger than federal or state recognition. It brings with it more protection."

Various public officials, such as openly gay State Senator Brad Hoylman (also of Stonewall's district) have been pushing for landmark designation for years, especially in preparation for the riots' coming 50th anniversary. He told Gay City News:

"The landmarks law has not permitted buildings that have cultural significance but minimal architectural or aesthetic significance to be individual landmarks. I am pleased to see the shift in how landmarks will be considered generally and that it is starting with Stonewall, which is a human rights icon across the globe."

The LPC will meet on Tuesday June 2 to discuss The Stonewall Inn's potential landmark status. They will then decide whether or not to open the decision to a public hearing.

Photo: Spencer Platt / Getty