On October 12, 2003, President George Bush, the Christian Coalition, The American Family Association, Concerned Women for America, Family Research Council, Focus on the Family, Southern Baptist Convention and a number of other anti-gay extremist evangelicals fanatics and right-wing organizations will

be celebrating "Marriage Protection Week, 2003". One would have to question if the selection of this date was intentional, so it will serve to overshadow an events of importance and one of remembrance to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Americans. Not only does it immediately follow "National Coming Out Day." a day of where GLBT's can feel pride and be proud. But, this date has particular significance to many

of us, as it is the date that Matthew Shepard died. By selecting this date for this anti-gay proclamation, it blatantly desecrates the memory of Matthew's life and death.

On October 3, 2003, President Bush issued a proclamation declaring October 12th., "Marriage Protection Week, 2003". The first paragraph of the proclamation reads, "Marriage is a sacred institution, and its protection is essential to the continued strength of our society. Marriage Protection Week provides an opportunity to focus our efforts on preserving the sanctity of marriage and on building strong and healthy marriages in America."

Marriage is a union between a man and a woman, and my Administration is working to support the institution of marriage by helping couples build successful marriages and be good parents.

The intent of Bush's proclamation is to launch a full-scale political attack on the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender, GLBT, community and use the "Gay Marriage Issue" as a rallying call for the 2004 presidential election. And to serve as a organized political campaign to bash and vilify GLBT's. Along with those elected officials who defend and/or support GLBT equality. In a desperate attempt to win re-election, Bush has once again aligned himself with anti-gay extremist evangelicals fanatics and right-wing organizations. But, in doing so, he has made a grave mistake. Because, most Americans will see this as a threat of separation of church

and state. And, will no longer accept their rights and the rights of others being dictated by extremist religious right-wing groups and organizations.

Which reads in part, ""The DNC has already declared opposition to this amendment, [Federal Marriage Amendment] which legal experts from both ends of the political spectrum have acknowledged would be used to repeal hundreds of laws enacted by state legislatures to provide basic benefits and rights to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) Americans". [Read Oct. 6, Democratic National Committee Chairman McAuliffe "Statement".]

The Human Rights Campaign calls, Bush's endorsement of the "Marriage Protection Week," a mean-spirited attack on gay families orchestrated by ultraconservative, anti-gay organizations. [Oct. 3. Media Release]

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) called on media to scrutinize President Bush's endorsement of anti-gay organizations' so-called "Marriage Protection Week" and examine the hateful intolerance of the groups with which the president has now formally aligned his administration. [Read Oct. 6, GLAAD Calls on Media to Examine President Bush's Alignment with Anti-Gay Extremists "Press Release"]

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force says, that President Bush's proclamation in support of 'Marriage Protection Week' is "shocking and appalling" and is a weapon of mass discrimination and fear-mongering.

Tampa Bay Coalition joins with other anti-hate and pro-gay rights groups and organizations in condemning President Bush's proclamation, declaring October 12th ~ 18th., "Marriage Protection Week, 2003". TBC strongly encourages its members, supporters and friends to contact President Bush and urge him to rescind

Marriage Protection Week, 2003, proclamation. We would also suggest, sending messages of thanks to the Democratic National Committee Chairman McAuliffe and Democratic Party .