Marriage Equality Week October 12-19 2003...

A C T I O N A L E R T from the MCC Communications Department
There is a movement underway that is gaining increasing political support from social and religious conservatives -- the movement to deny civil rights and equal benefits to GLBT people by using the anti-gay Federal Marriage Amendment...I am inviting you to participate in Marriage Equality Week by taking five relatively simple and concrete actions...

All MCC congregations (both nationally and internationally) with specific outreach to U.S. military personnel located in their areas are requested to contact Tony Smith of the Military Community Services Network (MCSD), MCCDC Military Support Services Ministry Leader. One of the major program initiatives of MCSN is to create a central website with references for LGBT service members, veterans their partners and families. These references will include counseling services, community/cultural organizations, spiritual communities, transition assistance (continuing eduction, career development, job assistance etc.), same-sex couples domestic violence rererrals/support etc. Churches may contact Tony Smith by email at WishiwrnUK@aol.com

OCTOBER 6 2003
ACTION ALERT!

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force strongly urges you to contact the White House and express your disappointment in President Bush's decision to endorse 'Marriage Protection Week' and also contact your elected representatives and ask them to come out against the hateful and hurtful tactics of those behind the so-called "Marriage Protection Week."

Now is the time to tell your family and friends that these attacks directly affect you and your loved ones. They are coming after us with full force, and we simply cannot fight back alone.

Info and addresses at: National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
http://www.ngltf.org/news/release.cfm?releaseID=584

OCTOBER 11, 2003
OAKLAND, CA: Come Out For Equality: An Interfaith and Ecumenical Event

Come Out For Equality- "We are all God's Children!"

9:30 AM-5:00 PM at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave

An Interfaith and Ecumenical Event: A gathering of clergy, straight, and LGBT allies in communities of faith to meet and discuss the current state of same sex marriage. Conference is Free to all interested clergy and communities members. To RSVP e-mail Davina at Drkotulski@aol.com

OCTOBER 18, 2003
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in San Francisco
SF GLBT Community Center 1800 Market St. at Octavia.

Marriage Equality CA (MECA) will be holding a retreat for all who are interested in getting involved with the civil marriage for same-sex couples movement in the state of CA. We will be discussing plans for next year, strategies, action ideas and much more. This is an open meeting for anyone who wishes to attend and get involved. It is necessary to RSVP to the following e-mail address: scottflyer@pacbell.net

These materials have been designed for U.S.-based activists as a positive countervoice to a right-wing attack on same-sex marriage scheduled for mid-October. These materials may be easily adapted for use in other countries and cultures.