Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 18:54:38 -0500 From: NGLTF Subject: RELIGIOUS LEADERS JOIN EQUALITY WEEK ************************************************ EQUALITY BEGINS AT HOME PRESS RELEASE Contact: Tracey Conaty, Communications Director 202-332-6483 ext. 3303 800-757-6476 pager tconaty@ngltf.org http://www.equalitybeginsathome.org ************************************************ EQUALITY BEGINS AT HOME UPDATE; RELIGIOUS LEADERS JOIN EQUALITY WEEK WASHINGTON, DC --- February 12, 1999 --- Hundreds - possibly thousands - of religious leaders across the country will devote their sermons during the week of March 21-27, 1999 to calling for equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people. Congregations across the country will be called upon to support the full equality and dignity of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people and to challenge the anti-gay attacks of the religious right. Equality Begins at Home is the first-ever coordinated political campaign of actions in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender equality. Religious-themed actions and organizing will be a major component of the week's events. "For many of us faith fuels our passion for social justice, while others of us feel forced to choose between our faith and our sexual orientation," said National Gay and Lesbian Task Force executive director Kerry Lobel. "These Equality Begins at Home faith-based events and coalitions are critical to countering the homophobia and misinformation of the religious right. We thank all religious leaders and faith-based activists who join us in this historic week," added Lobel. As part of Equality Beings at Home faith-based organizing, Equal Partners in Faith is developing a Proclamation of Equality for religious people - of all faiths - to sign. This proclamation will be read at prayer vigils, rallies, and worship services during Equality Begins at Home week. Equal Partners in Faith is a multi-racial, multi-faith national network of religious leaders and people of faith committed to equality and diversity. "We are going to show mainstream America that this is not a polarization issue. There are many people of faith who support the full equality of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people," said Reverend Steven Baines of Equal Partners in Faith and an ordained Southern Baptist minister. In Michigan, houses of worship across the state will fly rainbow flags during EBAH week, and religious leaders will speak out against hate violence. In California, there will be an interfaith service at the capitol building. Other states planning worship services and other faith-based activities for equality include Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Virginia, and Wyoming. Equality Begins at Home is coordinated by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and organized by the Federation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Statewide Political Organizations. -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. The Federation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Statewide Political Organizations facilitates cooperation and communication among organizations whose primary mission is to seek state legislative change that benefits the GLBT community._________________________________________ This message was issued by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Media Department. If you have a question regarding this post, please direct it to the contact 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 . You may also unsubscribe by visiting http://www.ngltf.org.