A C T I O N A L E R T For US-Based Activists
From Roman Cardenas, Associate Director of Communications
The Communications Department of Metropolitan Community Churches
There is a movement underway that is gaining increasing political support from social and religious conservatives--the movement to deny civil rights and equal benefits to GLBT people by using the anti-gay Federal Marriage Amendment. This amendment proposes a constitutional ban on same-sex marriages. Not since Prohibition has a constitutional amendment been proposed that would take rights away from Americans, rather than protect their freedoms.
Adding fuel to the fire is Marriage Protection Week (Oct. 12-18) a week being organized by Jerry Falwell, James Dobson, and the Southern Baptist Convention and which is dedicated to "preserving the sacred institution of marriage" and defining marriage as solely between a man and a woman.
To make matters worse, President George W. Bush recently signed on as a supporter. In his proclamation, the president states: "Marriage Protection Week provides an opportunity to focus our efforts on preserving the sanctity of marriage and on building strong and healthy marriages in America. ... We must support the institution of marriage and help parents build stronger families. And we must continue our work to create a compassionate, welcoming society, where all people are treated with dignity and respect." Despite his words, President Bush's endorsement denies compassion, dignity and respect to millions of GLBT couples.
MCC is responding to these growing attacks with Marriage Equality Week (Oct. 12-19). That's right, the same exact week--a week we are dedicating to same-sex marriage recognition.
Here is where your help is needed!
I am inviting you to participate in Marriage Equality Week by taking relatively simple and concrete actions.
Take a few minutes to learn more about the movement for same-sex marriage rights. A great starting place is the MCC website. Click on "Same-Sex Marriage" and take a look at the resources available to you. Some other excellent and helpful websites include: Alliance for Same-Sex Marriage, Human Rights Campaign, Freedom to Marry and NGLTF.
Sign the on-line petitions in support of our community. There is power in our unified actions. Check out the following on-line petitions: Don't Amend, Million for Marriage and Alliance for Same-Sex Marriage.
Forward this Action Alert to your friends, your e-mail lists, and LISTSERVS to which you belong. Print this information and place it on bulletin boards at community centers, bookstores, etc. Insert this action alert in your Sunday worship folder. Send it to open and welcoming congregations in your area. Help us get this message out.
What it comes down to...
...is the same thing you hear every Sunday in your MCC congregation: WE ARE ALL MINISTERS. These five action steps are vital ways you can minister on behalf of everyone in our community. Please take some time today and do your part. We can all make a difference!
P.S. Let me encourage you to take one additional step.
I have created the Same-Sex Marriage Propeller, a PDF file which is posted on the MCC website. This is one of the many resources MCC is offering to our allies to gain speed and distance in the movement for the legalization of same-sex marriage. This document can be easily downloaded, printed and reproduced for use in your community.
Thursday, October 09, 2003
Uhuru Movement to Announce Planned Response to Racial Profiling at Baywalk
What: Press Conference
Where: BayWalk, corner of 2nd St & 2nd Ave N
When: Thursday, October 9, 2003 at 11:00am
Contact: International People's Democratic Uhuru Movement) 1245 18th Ave S, St Petersburg, FL 33705 (727) 502-0575 / inpdum_international@hotmail.com
On Friday, October 3, 2003, St Petersburg police arrested the son of International People's Democratic Uhuru Movement (InPDUM) leader, Alvelita Donaldson. Keith Stewart, who is also a member of InPDUM, was arrested on charges of "inciting to riot" and "resisting arrest without violence."
InPDUM has received reports that at least 8 people were arrested for verbally complaining about excess force used by police against a couple of young Africans at the mall.
The next day, the St. Petersburg Times ran a story that characterized the young African mall-goers as a criminal mob and slandered Stewart.
On Thursday at 11am InPDUM will hold a press conference in front of BayWalk to discuss its plans to mount an organized response to these events.
by email from CUSP
What: Press Conference
Where: BayWalk, corner of 2nd St & 2nd Ave N
When: Thursday, October 9, 2003 at 11:00am
Contact: International People's Democratic Uhuru Movement) 1245 18th Ave S, St Petersburg, FL 33705 (727) 502-0575 / inpdum_international@hotmail.com
On Friday, October 3, 2003, St Petersburg police arrested the son of International People's Democratic Uhuru Movement (InPDUM) leader, Alvelita Donaldson. Keith Stewart, who is also a member of InPDUM, was arrested on charges of "inciting to riot" and "resisting arrest without violence."
InPDUM has received reports that at least 8 people were arrested for verbally complaining about excess force used by police against a couple of young Africans at the mall.
The next day, the St. Petersburg Times ran a story that characterized the young African mall-goers as a criminal mob and slandered Stewart.
On Thursday at 11am InPDUM will hold a press conference in front of BayWalk to discuss its plans to mount an organized response to these events.
by email from CUSP
Wednesday, October 08, 2003
Marriage Equality Week October 12-19, 2003
from Rev. Troy Perry, MCC Founder and Moderator
This is a powerful opportunity for every MCC congregation to provide a positive countervoice to the so-called "Marriage Protection Week" being organized at the same time by Jerry Falwell, James Dobson, the Family Research Council, the Southern Baptist Convention and 18 other conservative and right-wing groups.
I am writing today to encourage you to take two very specific steps:
1) Visit the MCC website at www.mccchurch.org. Click on "Marriage Equality Week," and you'll find a resource kit and background materials you can use to promote your event in your community.
2) While you are at the site, click on the button marked "Participation." Take a moment to fill out the form that will notify us that your church is taking part in cause.
Let me emphasize that there is an urgency to this. The Religious Right has launched a massive campaign to oppose same-sex marriage rights. Stories are beginning to show up in newspapers and media outlets--they are putting major effort to oppose the GLBT communities and deny us equality under the law.
I am pleased to report that many GLBT groups are following our lead on this issue. Just a few days ago, PFLAG forwarded the MCC same-sex marriage resource kit to their entire e-mail list, and they wrote to all the major GLBT groups asking them to support MCC's "Marriage Equality Week." The Human Rights Campaign has agreed to take out full page ads in mainline newspapers--and DontAmend.com is preparing ads in key media markets to support MCC's Marriage Equality week.
To directly register your church's participation, or if you need an e-mail version of the "Marriage Equality Week" resource kit, you can e-mail Roman Cardenas, MCC's Associate Director of Communications, at romancardenas@mccchurch.org and he will make sure your involvement is recorded for MCC's historical archives.
I hope you sense the urgency of this project. For 35 years, MCC has been involved in the struggle to achieve equality under the law--and your church's participation will inspire hope throughout our community and help to mobilize our allies.
God bless you for your tireless work and efforts.
from Rev. Troy Perry, MCC Founder and Moderator
This is a powerful opportunity for every MCC congregation to provide a positive countervoice to the so-called "Marriage Protection Week" being organized at the same time by Jerry Falwell, James Dobson, the Family Research Council, the Southern Baptist Convention and 18 other conservative and right-wing groups.
I am writing today to encourage you to take two very specific steps:
1) Visit the MCC website at www.mccchurch.org. Click on "Marriage Equality Week," and you'll find a resource kit and background materials you can use to promote your event in your community.
2) While you are at the site, click on the button marked "Participation." Take a moment to fill out the form that will notify us that your church is taking part in cause.
Let me emphasize that there is an urgency to this. The Religious Right has launched a massive campaign to oppose same-sex marriage rights. Stories are beginning to show up in newspapers and media outlets--they are putting major effort to oppose the GLBT communities and deny us equality under the law.
I am pleased to report that many GLBT groups are following our lead on this issue. Just a few days ago, PFLAG forwarded the MCC same-sex marriage resource kit to their entire e-mail list, and they wrote to all the major GLBT groups asking them to support MCC's "Marriage Equality Week." The Human Rights Campaign has agreed to take out full page ads in mainline newspapers--and DontAmend.com is preparing ads in key media markets to support MCC's Marriage Equality week.
To directly register your church's participation, or if you need an e-mail version of the "Marriage Equality Week" resource kit, you can e-mail Roman Cardenas, MCC's Associate Director of Communications, at romancardenas@mccchurch.org and he will make sure your involvement is recorded for MCC's historical archives.
I hope you sense the urgency of this project. For 35 years, MCC has been involved in the struggle to achieve equality under the law--and your church's participation will inspire hope throughout our community and help to mobilize our allies.
God bless you for your tireless work and efforts.
ACLU Wants to Stop Congress from Hindering Law Enforcement
From: Matt Howes, National Internet Organizer, ACLU
Congress should not hinder law enforcement agencies' ability to do their job nor create laws that will inevitably lead to civil rights violations of American citizens. Unfortunately new legislation before the House of Representatives will do both.
The proposed legislation would put state and local law enforcement agencies in the business of enforcing federal immigration laws--a role for which they lack training and resources. This would also lead to inevitable civil rights violations as "foreign-looking" citizens and others would face inevitable questioning by local police officers trying to do the job of federal immigration officials.
Numerous law enforcement agencies have indicated that this new role would destroy hard-won trust between them and the local immigrant populations. They argue this would lead to lower success in investigating and solving crimes.
Click here for more information. For more information on other issues and the latest ACLU news, please visit the ACLU website
From: Matt Howes, National Internet Organizer, ACLU
Congress should not hinder law enforcement agencies' ability to do their job nor create laws that will inevitably lead to civil rights violations of American citizens. Unfortunately new legislation before the House of Representatives will do both.
The proposed legislation would put state and local law enforcement agencies in the business of enforcing federal immigration laws--a role for which they lack training and resources. This would also lead to inevitable civil rights violations as "foreign-looking" citizens and others would face inevitable questioning by local police officers trying to do the job of federal immigration officials.
Numerous law enforcement agencies have indicated that this new role would destroy hard-won trust between them and the local immigrant populations. They argue this would lead to lower success in investigating and solving crimes.
Click here for more information. For more information on other issues and the latest ACLU news, please visit the ACLU website
President Bush Rejected the Kyoto Protocol and Now Proposes Voluntary Standards for Polluters
from the True Majority
President Bush proposed voluntary limits that allow annual greenhouse gas emmissions to continue to increase. Congress will vote on an alternative global warming bill, the Climate Stewardship Act by Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Joe Lieberman (D-CT). This bipartisan bill would require real reductions in America's greenhouse gas emissions.
Environmental Defense is mounting a campaign to support this bill and is looking for one million people to sign its online petition in support of the act. If you'd like to join the over 150,000 people who've already signed, just click this link.
from the True Majority
President Bush proposed voluntary limits that allow annual greenhouse gas emmissions to continue to increase. Congress will vote on an alternative global warming bill, the Climate Stewardship Act by Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Joe Lieberman (D-CT). This bipartisan bill would require real reductions in America's greenhouse gas emissions.
Environmental Defense is mounting a campaign to support this bill and is looking for one million people to sign its online petition in support of the act. If you'd like to join the over 150,000 people who've already signed, just click this link.
Tuesday, October 07, 2003
ERA Success Is Up to All of Us!
Sandy Oestreich, president of ERA Inc., Florida announced a major Florida ERA 2004 ratification kickoff event cosponsored by the League of Women Voters and Florida's Equal Rights Alliance on Sunday, October 12, 2003 from 1:30-4:00pm at the Karen Steidinger Auditorium (USF Florida Marine Research Institute) at 100 8th Ave SE, St Petersburg.
Speakers will include Rep. Lou Lang of Illinois, the leader of the successful spring 2003 vote for ratification of the ERA by the Illinois House of Representatives; Florida Rep. Arthenia Joyner, sponsor of the ERA in the Florida House; Dr. Dorie Rothman, representing the (national) ERA Campaign Network -- she is a cofounder, a New Jersey Coordinator, and Women's Studies Outreach Coordinator; and Sandy herself. The event will be free, and ERA supporters from all over Florida -- and the nation -- are invited.
Sandy adds: "ERA in Florida is a broad-based effort, attracting both sexes, both political parties and all ethnicities. Forty-six ERA bill cosponsors are expected to recommit for the 2004 Florida Legislature, and others are stepping up. Former Congresswoman and ERA stalwart Patricia Schroeder has joined other notables on Florida's ERA Inc. Advisory Board."
For more information, e-mail SandyJOestreich@cs.com, telephone 727-393-0932, website www.ERACampaignFL.net.
Sandy Oestreich, president of ERA Inc., Florida announced a major Florida ERA 2004 ratification kickoff event cosponsored by the League of Women Voters and Florida's Equal Rights Alliance on Sunday, October 12, 2003 from 1:30-4:00pm at the Karen Steidinger Auditorium (USF Florida Marine Research Institute) at 100 8th Ave SE, St Petersburg.
Speakers will include Rep. Lou Lang of Illinois, the leader of the successful spring 2003 vote for ratification of the ERA by the Illinois House of Representatives; Florida Rep. Arthenia Joyner, sponsor of the ERA in the Florida House; Dr. Dorie Rothman, representing the (national) ERA Campaign Network -- she is a cofounder, a New Jersey Coordinator, and Women's Studies Outreach Coordinator; and Sandy herself. The event will be free, and ERA supporters from all over Florida -- and the nation -- are invited.
Sandy adds: "ERA in Florida is a broad-based effort, attracting both sexes, both political parties and all ethnicities. Forty-six ERA bill cosponsors are expected to recommit for the 2004 Florida Legislature, and others are stepping up. Former Congresswoman and ERA stalwart Patricia Schroeder has joined other notables on Florida's ERA Inc. Advisory Board."
For more information, e-mail SandyJOestreich@cs.com, telephone 727-393-0932, website www.ERACampaignFL.net.
'Marriage Protection Week' a Weapon of Mass Discrimination and Fear-Mongering
Says National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
- President Bush's proclamation in support of 'Marriage Protection Week' is "shocking and appalling" according to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.
"Marriage is a sacred institution, and its protection is essential to the continued strength of our society. Marriage Protection Week provides an opportunity to focus our efforts on preserving the sanctity of marriage and on building strong and healthy marriages in America."
- President George W. Bush, October 3, 2003
Statement by Matt Foreman, Executive Director National Gay and Lesbian Task Force:
"We are shocked, appalled and immensely saddened that President Bush has sanctioned the so-called 'Marriage Protection Week' with an official proclamation. Contrary to his statement, this 'week' has nothing to do with 'building strong and healthy marriages in America.' Rather, it is a bald campaign to demonize and defame gay people and our families, a shameful mixing of religion and politics. This attack is about even more than denying our families equal civil rights and responsibilities that are associated with marriage, but also seeks to deny any legal recognition whatsoever to our families.
"The stated purpose of the week on the Alliance for Marriage Web site makes these goals abundantly clear: "The sacred institution of marriage is under attack. There are those who want to redefine marriage to include two men, or two women, or a group of any size or mix of sexes: One man and four women, one woman and two men, etc. If they fail to secure legal protection classifying these arrangements as 'marriage,' they want to include all these mixtures under the definition of 'civil union,' giving them identical standing with the marriage of one man and one woman."
Through his proclamation, the President is adopting the politics of division and prejudice. He is catering to wealthy and politically powerful organizations intent on permanently relegating a minority to second class citizenship. He is using the civil office of the presidency to support an unprecedented and coordinated drive to use pulpits across the nation to win support for vindictive legislation. Our nation knows from long and painful experience that these tactics only divide and shame our great nation.
We call upon our families, friends, neighbors and co-workers to stand beside gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender America in this terrible and frightening time.
Together, we can prevail."
NGLTF MEDIA CONTACT:
Sheri A. Lunn, Director of Communications
media@ngltf.org; 323-857-8751
Says National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
- President Bush's proclamation in support of 'Marriage Protection Week' is "shocking and appalling" according to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.
"Marriage is a sacred institution, and its protection is essential to the continued strength of our society. Marriage Protection Week provides an opportunity to focus our efforts on preserving the sanctity of marriage and on building strong and healthy marriages in America."
- President George W. Bush, October 3, 2003
Statement by Matt Foreman, Executive Director National Gay and Lesbian Task Force:
"We are shocked, appalled and immensely saddened that President Bush has sanctioned the so-called 'Marriage Protection Week' with an official proclamation. Contrary to his statement, this 'week' has nothing to do with 'building strong and healthy marriages in America.' Rather, it is a bald campaign to demonize and defame gay people and our families, a shameful mixing of religion and politics. This attack is about even more than denying our families equal civil rights and responsibilities that are associated with marriage, but also seeks to deny any legal recognition whatsoever to our families.
"The stated purpose of the week on the Alliance for Marriage Web site makes these goals abundantly clear: "The sacred institution of marriage is under attack. There are those who want to redefine marriage to include two men, or two women, or a group of any size or mix of sexes: One man and four women, one woman and two men, etc. If they fail to secure legal protection classifying these arrangements as 'marriage,' they want to include all these mixtures under the definition of 'civil union,' giving them identical standing with the marriage of one man and one woman."
Through his proclamation, the President is adopting the politics of division and prejudice. He is catering to wealthy and politically powerful organizations intent on permanently relegating a minority to second class citizenship. He is using the civil office of the presidency to support an unprecedented and coordinated drive to use pulpits across the nation to win support for vindictive legislation. Our nation knows from long and painful experience that these tactics only divide and shame our great nation.
We call upon our families, friends, neighbors and co-workers to stand beside gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender America in this terrible and frightening time.
Together, we can prevail."
NGLTF MEDIA CONTACT:
Sheri A. Lunn, Director of Communications
media@ngltf.org; 323-857-8751
Sunday, October 05, 2003
President Bush has officially declared Oct. 12-18 as "Marriage Protection Week" from Seth Kilbourn - HRC National Field Director
"At a press conference yesterday in Washington, D.C., the Family Research Council, Concerned Women for America, Focus on the Family and representatives from over 20 other ultra-conservative, anti-gay organizations announced that President Bush has officially declared Oct. 12-18 as "Marriage Protection Week." One of the coalition's goals is to build support for a Constitutional amendment to permanently deny civil marriage to same-sex couples.
"Please join the Human Rights Campaign in urging President Bush not to endorse this politically motivated, mean-spirited attack on gay families.
"We have not heard anything yet from the White House and we have only a short amount of time to influence the President's decision, so please act right now. And after you've sent your e-mail, call the White House switchboard at (202) 456-1414. Ask President Bush not to endorse "Marriage Protection Week." Tell him that this is a false and misleading campaign to 'protect' families by fostering discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans. Ask him to oppose any attempts to build discrimination into the U.S. Constitution.
"It is essential that that we generate as many calls and e-mails as possible into the White House before the President makes an official proclamation. We can influence his decision but only if you, your family and friends take action right away. Thank you for your support of the Human Rights Campaign and thank you for taking action. "
"At a press conference yesterday in Washington, D.C., the Family Research Council, Concerned Women for America, Focus on the Family and representatives from over 20 other ultra-conservative, anti-gay organizations announced that President Bush has officially declared Oct. 12-18 as "Marriage Protection Week." One of the coalition's goals is to build support for a Constitutional amendment to permanently deny civil marriage to same-sex couples.
"Please join the Human Rights Campaign in urging President Bush not to endorse this politically motivated, mean-spirited attack on gay families.
"We have not heard anything yet from the White House and we have only a short amount of time to influence the President's decision, so please act right now. And after you've sent your e-mail, call the White House switchboard at (202) 456-1414. Ask President Bush not to endorse "Marriage Protection Week." Tell him that this is a false and misleading campaign to 'protect' families by fostering discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans. Ask him to oppose any attempts to build discrimination into the U.S. Constitution.
"It is essential that that we generate as many calls and e-mails as possible into the White House before the President makes an official proclamation. We can influence his decision but only if you, your family and friends take action right away. Thank you for your support of the Human Rights Campaign and thank you for taking action. "
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