Press Briefing on Same-Sex Marriage: The Current Legislative, Legal and Political Landscape 5/10/2004
From: Roberta Sklar, 917-704-6358, Sheri A. Lunn, 202-393-5177 ext 8751, both of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force News Advisory: WHAT: The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force invites you to a press briefing on the current legislative, legal and political landscape regarding same-sex marriage. Directors of the Task Force, its Policy Institute and Organizing & Training department will provide a succinct presentation on the current nationwide situation, as well as specifics about New York and Massachusetts. Q&A to follow. WHERE: Southgate Hotel Emerald Room, 371 Seventh Avenue (at W. 31st Street) WHEN: Wednesday May 12, 2004, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Presentation from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Q&A from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED: Call Roberta Sklar at 917-704-6358 WHO: -- Matt Foreman, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Overview: The proposed federal marriage amendment, the nationwide battleground, the status of ongoing court lawsuits, the New York perspective -- Dave Fleischer, Task Force Director of Organizing and Training Speaks on: the nationwide landscape, critical battles in the states, implications for the 2004 elections -- Sue Hyde, Task Force New England Field Organizer, Executive Cmte., MassEquality. A unique perspective from Massachusetts -- Sean Cahill, Task Force Director of the Policy Institute, and author, "Same Sex Marriage in the United States: Focus on the Facts" Speaks on: the anti-gay marriage movement WHY: The legislative, legal, and political landscape regarding equal marriage rights for same-sex couples in the United States is in constant flux. On May 17, Massachusetts will begin granting marriage licenses to same-sex couples. In reaction to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's legalization of same- sex marriage, state lawmakers approved a constitutional amendment to come before voters in 2006, that if passed would ban gay marriage in MA. Lawmakers in other states also seek to amend state constitutions to prohibit equal marriage rights for same- sex couples. Congress is considering a federal constitutional amendment that would define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. The Task Force seeks to provide journalists with information, clarity and perspective regarding the impact of these historic events. Media contacts: Roberta Sklar, press secretary, 917-704-6358 or Sheri A. Lunn, director of communications, 202-393-5177 ext 8751. ------ Founded in 1973, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force was the first national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights and advocacy organization and remains the movement's leading voice for freedom, justice, and equality. We work to build the grassroots political strength of our community by training state and local activists and leaders and organizing broad-based campaigns to defeat anti-LGBT referenda and advance pro-LGBT legislation. Our Policy Institute, the community's premiere think tank, provides research and policy analysis to support the struggle for complete equality. As part of a broader social justice movement, we work to create a world that respects and makes visible the diversity of human expression and identity where all people may fully participate n society. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with offices in New York City, Los Angeles, and Cambridge. Visit http://www.thetaskforce.org |