Dear DontAmend Tampa Bay Friends and Supporters
 
First, I'm happy to report that the latest efforts by the opponents of same-sex marriages to prevent the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling to sanction same-sex marriages from taking effect on may 17th., have failed. Also, Senate Democrats have launched an effort to repeal a 1913 law that would block out-of-state gay couples from marrying in Massachusetts. Should they succeed, then proof of residency would not be required and out-of-state same-sex couples could be allowed to get married in Massachusetts. This could expand the Massachusetts ruling to sanction same-sex marriages, to include same-sex couples
from throughout the nation to marry. Although this is good news, states such as Florida, which have statutes or laws that ban same-sex marriages from taking place and/or same-sex marriages from other states from being recognized for any purpose in these states, it does represent a major step forward for marriage equality. [Posted on DATB's website are recent news articles
on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling, as well as other news articles related to marriage equality.] 
 
Along with the information on DontAmend Tampa Bay's May 15th. rally is additional information on a second action planned by Metropolitan Community Church and DontAmend Tampa Bay to take place on May 17th. We ask any couples who may wish to participate in the May 17th. action to contact us.
 
DATB wishes to thank the local organizations for their support and for co-sponsoring the May 15th. rally. And as always, your continued support and participation in our actions, events and rallies is very much appreciated. Your participation is of the utmost
importance in bringing awareness that Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender people deserve the same rights and protections our non-GLBT counterparts receive and are protected by law. Together we are making a difference in preventing passage of the Federal Marriage Amendment and in achieving our goal of equal civil rights and marriage equality for GLBT Americans.
 
Take Good Care My Friends
Zeke  
 
For Immediate Release
May 10, 2004
Contact:
DontAmend Tampa Bay
R. Zeke Fread - Coordinator & Organizer
dontamend@tampabay.rr.com
Phone: (813) 251-0693
Jan Lowe - Co-Organizer
Phone (727) 421-4067
Rev. Phyllis Hunt, Pastor
Metropolitan Community Church of Tampa
Phone: (813) 239-1951
Church Fax: (813) 239-3091
 

Rally to Support Massachusetts Sanction of Same-Sex Marriages and Tampa Couples Appling for Marriage Licenses 

 

As part of actions, celebrations, protests and rallies being held throughout the nation to show support for the landmark ruling which will make Massachusetts the first state to sanction same-sex marriages. Two events are scheduled to take place in the Tampa Bay Area.

 

May 15th. DontAmend Tampa Bay has scheduled a rally to celebrate and show local community support for the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling to sanction same-sex marriages. This rally is being co-sponsored by GLBT Parents of Tampa Bay, Couples National Network. Equality Florida, Florida Gulf Coast Couples, Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network of Tampa, Metropolitan Community Church of Tampa, Parents & Friends of Lesbian and Gays of Pinellas, Florida West Coast Triangle Caucus and Rainbow Law.

 

The purpose of this rally, is to not only show support for Massachusetts becoming the first state to sanction same-sex marriages. But, to show our support to the same-sex couples attending the rally, who will be participating in the May 17th. protest action to

take place at the Hillsborough County Court House, Tampa, Florida .

 

Location: Lowery Park, Picnic Shelter # 118, 7525 North Boulevard Tampa, FL 33604
Date: Saturday, May 15th. 2004
Time: Noon - 4 pm.
[Please Note: That "Rain or Shine We're Covered", the picnic shelter is covered and will protects us from inclement weather.] 

 

On May 17th., the day that the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling to sanction same-sex marriages, will go into effect. Metropolitan Community Church and DontAmend Tampa Bay are joining together to hold a protest action of the Florida Statute 741.212, which not does not recognize same-sex marriages with-in the state or those sanctioned in any other state. Several local same-sex couples will go to the Hillsborough County Court and apply for a marriage license.

 

The purpose of this action is to protest the ban on same-sex marriages in Florida. And to point out that if such marriages are

legally sanctioned in another state, they should be recognized in the state of Florida as well.

 

Location: Hillsborough County Court House, Tampa, Florida
Date: Monday, May 17th. 2004
Time: 2 pm. 

 

For additional information please contact, R. Zeke Fread, dontamend@tampabay.rr.com phone: (813) 251-0693, Jan Lowe,

jandontamend@tampabay.rr.com phone: (727) 421-4067 or Rev. Phyllis Hunt, Pastor@mcctampa.com, phone: (813) 239-1951.
 
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