Same-Sex Marriage: The Political, Legislative and Legal Landscape Post May 17 5/5/2004
From: Roberta Sklar, 917-704-6358 or 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 will provide a succinct presentation on the current situation. Q&A will follow with fuller discussion of key issues. WHERE: National Press Club, 529 14th Street NW, Washington D.C. (Zenger Room) WHEN: 9:30 11 a.m. Thursday May 6, - Registration required Presentation 9:30 10 a.m. / Q&A 10 11 a.m. WHO: -- Matt Foreman, executive director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Overview: The Federal Marriage Amendment, the Nationwide Battleground, and status of ongoing court lawsuits -- Dave Fleischer, Task Force director of organizing and training The Nationwide Landscape: Critical Battles in the States; implications for the 2004 elections -- Sue Hyde, Task Force New England field organizer; Executive Committee, Mass Equality A Unique Perspective from Massachusetts -- Sean Cahill, director of the Task Force Policy Institute The Opposition -- Political/Economic/Cultural (introductions) Rea Carey, Task Force deputy executive director WHY: The legal, political and cultural landscape regarding equal marriage rights for same-sex couples in the United States is in constant flux. On May17, 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 that would ban gay marriage to come before voters in 2006. Lawmakers in other states also seek to amend state constitutions to prohibit same-sex marriage. Congress is considering a federal constitutional amendment that would define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Predictions abound as to what will follow May 17. The Task Force seeks to provide reporters and editors with information and perspective regarding the impact of this historic change. Media Contacts: Roberta Sklar 917-704-6358 OR Sheri A. Lunn 202-393-5177, ext. 8751 To register for the Press Briefing contact Roberta Sklar 917-704-6358 ------ 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 in society. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with offices in New York City, Los Angeles, and Cambridge. Visit http://www.thetaskforce.org |