Date: Mon, 09 Feb 98 20:04:12 EST From: "NGLTF" Subject: NGLTF Observes Freedom To Marry Day NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE PRESS RELEASE Contact: Mark F. Johnson, Media Director mfjohnson@ngltf.org 202/332-6483 x3314 pager 1-800-757-6476 2320 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 http://www.ngltf.org ................................................ NGLTF JOINS IN OBSERVING "NATIONAL FREEDOM TO MARRY DAY" WASHINGTON, DC---February 9, 1998-- The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has joined with several other gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) organizations throughout the country to observe February 12, 1998 as "National Freedom to Marry Day." The Day, observed nationally for the first time, is a celebration of love and liberation, the theme of Valentine's Day and Abraham Lincoln's birthday. The purpose of the observance is to highlight the effort to attain equal marriage rights for same-gender couples. Events in observance of National Freedom To Marry Day are scheduled around the country, including press conferences, symbolic weddings, and religious observances. "The day falls on Abraham Lincoln's birthday and two days before Valentine's Day. Since it draws upon the symbolism of both observances, it is a perfect time to celebrate the freedom to marry. All Americans ought to have the right to marry the person they love. The nation's marriage laws treat GLBT people as second class citizens," said Kerry Lobel, NGLTF executive director. However, at least one state may soon allow same-gender couples to legally marry. The Supreme Court of Hawaii is now considering a challenge to the marriage laws in that state which have been used to deny equal marriage rights to same-gender couples. A favorable decision in the case could be handed down within the next few months. In the meantime, 26 states have anti-same gender marriage laws on the books. To find out more about events scheduled in observance of National Freedom to Marry Day visit the website at http://www.freedomtomarry.org. -30- The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has worked to eliminate prejudice, violence and injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people at the local, state and national level since its inception in 1973. As part of a broader social justice movement for freedom, justice and equality, NGLTF is creating a world that respects and celebrates the diversity of human expression and identity where all people may fully participate in society. _________________________________________ This message was issued by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Media Department. If you have any questions regarding this post, please direct them to one of the contacts at the top of this message If you wish to UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, please send an email with "UNSUBSCRIBE PRESSLIST" in the subject and body of your email message to .