GAY MARRIAGE BUS CARAVAN TO CROSS USA

Lesbian & Gay Activists Rally For Equal Marriage Rights from coast to coast as Part of National Bus Caravan

Beginning October 4^th, Lesbian and Gay activists will take their demand for the equal right to marry to the nation's capital in a 10 city tour featuring rallies across the heartland.  Many of those aboard the bus had their marriages annulled when California's courts ruled that San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom could not issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.  The tour will culminate with a rally in Washington, D.C. on Monday October 11th, National Coming Out Day. (UPPER SENATE PARK - ONE BLOCK FROM THE CAPITAL-11 AM)

"What's at stake is even greater than the 1300-plus rights that come with marriage," said Molly McKay, a caravan participant and Associate Executive Director of Marriage Equality California, a project of Equality California - the main sponsor of the caravan and rally.  "At issue is whether or not our community will become official legal second-class citizens - carved out of the protections afforded all other Americans in this country. We will have riders who are directly impacted by discriminatory marriage laws including long-time together couples, bi-national couples, military reservists, parents and clergy who will put a human face to this issue and tell our stories to better educate the public about why we seek the right to marry."

Caravan participants note that the journey through America's heartland is itself a major highlight of the trip.  Partnering with local organizations en route, caravan participants will co-host rallies and other events in ten cities between Oakland to D.C., all with the aim of taking the message of equal rights for Lesbians and Gays to many places where it most needs to be heard.  Besides Oakland and DC, the cities hosting rallies are: Sacramento, CA (Oct. 4); Reno, NV (Oct. 4); Laramie, WY (Oct. 6); Cheyenne, WY (Oct. 6); Denver, CO (Oct. 7); St. Louis, MO (Oct. 8); Indianapolis, IN (Oct. 8); Columbus, OH (Oct. 9); Akron, OH (Oct. 9); and Pittsburgh, PA (Oct. 9).  For details on local events, go to http://www.marriageequalityca.org/events/2004/national-rally/schedule/index.php

In Washington D.C., the caravan will culminate with a rally from 11 am to 4 pm, Monday, October 11th at the Upper Senate Park on Louisiana and Constitution Streets, one block from the Capitol Building.  Speakers include:

·  Dr. Davina Kotulski, rally producer and author of Why You Should Give A Damn About Gay Marriage

·  Robin Tyler, Executive Director of DontAmend.com and Main Stage Producer of the first three Lesbian and Gay marches on Washington

·  Chrissy Gephardt, lesbian daughter of former Presidental candidate Dick Gephardt

·  Board President Sam Thoron, and caravan riders Eve and Jim Lubalin of Parents, Family and Friends of Gays and Lesbians (PFFLAG)

·  Mandy Carter of Southerners on New Ground & National Black Justice Coalition

·  California Assemblymember Mark Leno, author of the Marriage License Non-Discrimination Act.

· Shannon Minter, Esq., National Center for Lesbian Rights

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