N E W S   R E L E A S E
For Immediate Release: June 26, 2003
Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC)

Predominantly Gay Metropolitan Community Churches
Hail US Supreme Court Decision Striking
Down State Sodomy Laws For Gays
MCC, the World's Largest Church Group Serving Gays and Lesbians

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"For US residents, this is the single most significant legal victory for
the GLBT community in US history. This is more than a legal victory --
it is a powerful reminder that love and sexual expression are of equal
importance and value to both heterosexual and homosexual families."
                                                                 -- Rev. Troy D. Perry
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West Hollywood - Calling it "The most significant victory for gay and lesbian rights in my lifetime," veteran human rights activist and founder of the predominantly gay Metropolitan Community Churches Rev. Troy D. Perry hailed today's Supreme Court decision striking down state sodomy laws.

In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in the case of Lawrence and Garner vs. Texas today, striking down the state legislature's right to criminalize sodomy for homosexuals. The ruling effectively upholds a right to "privacy and liberty interest" in the constitution for all people, heterosexual and homosexual alike.

"This is a great victory in the fight for equal civil rights for homosexuals," said Perry. Metropolitan Community Churches had filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court urging that sodomy laws be abolished. "What a fantastic day this is! The work Metropolitan community Churches have done for over 30 years to gain equal civil rights for homosexuals makes this celebration all the more sweet."

"For US residents, this is the single most significant legal victory for the GLBT community in US history. It's more than a legal victory -- it is a powerful reminder that love and sexual expression are of equal importance and value to both heterosexual and homosexual families," Perry added.

According to Perry, "Laws that have been used to justify discrimination against gay people are no more. Laws that have been used to intimidate gay people are no more. Laws that have been used to harass the gay community are no more. Sodomy laws in the United states are no more."

"This marks a new the beginning," Rev. Perry said. "We must take pride in this victory, but we must not rest. There are still battles for equality that must be won."

Perry points out, for example, that gays and lesbians still do not have equal rights under marriage laws. MCC conducts 6,000 marriage ceremonies each year. To date, however, none of these unions are recognized under state laws in the US. Perry said MCC will now have even greater fortitude and determination to change that.

With 46,000 members and adherents in 300 congregations in 22 countries, Metropolitan Community Churches is the world's largest church group providing positive, supportive ministry to gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender persons.

Additional information on the MCC movement can be found at www.MCCchurch.org A free newsletter is available by writing to info@MCCchurch.org    -- END --

For Additional Information, Contact:
Jim Birkitt, Director of Communications
Roman Cardenas, Assoc. Director of Communications
MCC Communications Department
8704 Santa Monica Boulevard, Second Floor
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Tel. (310) 360-8640, Ext. 226 or 228
E-Mail: info@MCCchurch.org 
Website: www.MCCchurch.org