For Immediate Release:
The Equality Campaign, Inc.
July 27, 2004
FLORIDA ATTORNEY ELLIS RUBIN JOINS NATIONAL LESBIAN & GAY CIVIL RIGHTS
ORGANIZATION AS SENIOR LEGAL COUNSEL
Ellis Rubin has joined The Equality Campaign, Inc.-DontAmend.com, as
Senior Legal Counsel.
The famed Florida attorney, who once supported Anita Bryant's anti-gay
crusade in the 70's, has become a staunch supporter of equal legal rights for
gays and lesbians.
"During the past few months, lesbian and gay couples in Florida who have
wanted to sue for equal marriage rights, have approached the Equality
Campaign, to help them seek legal representation," said
Robin Tyler, Executive Director of the organization.
"Because of his national stature and tenacious commitment to his legal
clients, we approached Mr. Rubin to represent these couples. To date,
he has taken every case presented by The Equality Campaign on behalf of
same-gender Florida couples and has done so pro bono," noted
Tyler.
"To have an attorney of Mr. Rubin's stature, willing to fight in the legal
system on behalf of equal marriage rights for our community has been a
tremendous asset to this civil rights struggle," said Tyler. "Three decades ago,
Mr. Rubin and I were on the opposite sides of this issue. Along the way,
he experienced a genuine change of heart and now supports full equal
rights for lesbian and gay people. He has not just made public
amends for his anti-gay actions, but is working actively on our
behalf.
"We welcome him as such a staunch ally in this struggle. He has the
courage, wisdom, and tenacity to be one of our greatest legal advocates.
To date, Mr. Rubin has filed cases in 6 counties, 4 state cases and 2 historic
Federal cases, and plans to file 5 more next month,
seeking equal marriage rights for our community. We are honored that
he has joined our
Organization."
One of the organizations main projects has
been- www. dontamend.com, a successful effort
to stop an anti-gay Federal Marriage Amendment from being
added to the Constitution.
Ellis Rubin is the second attorney from Florida who serves
as Senior Advisor to
The Equality Campaign. Patricia Ireland, formally the President
of the National Organization for Women, was the first.
Robin Tyler, Executive Director
The Equality Campaign, Inc.
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