NEWS RELEASE
Monday, Mar. 22, 2004                       

EQUALITY MARYLAND
Contact: Dan Furmansky, Executive Director
Phone:    Office 410-685-6567
Cell    301-461-4900
Email:    dan@equalitymaryland.org

EQUALITY MARYLAND HOSTS FIRST ANNUAL CLERGY LOBBY DAY IN ANNAPOLIS

Religious Leaders Speak to Maryland Legislators on Issues of Equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Marylanders and their Families

ANNAPOLIS -- State governments should issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples as a matter of equality under the law, a group of 40 Maryland religious leaders told state lawmakers Monday. Equality Maryland, Maryland's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights group, convened clergy in the Lowe House Office Building for its first-ever clergy lobby day in Annapolis. Those present represented congregations from across the state, including Unitarian, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, and Freedom Fellowship Churches; the Franciscan Friars of Divine Providence (FFP); and Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist Synagogues.

"If heterosexual unions or marriage are recognized by the state, a lack of similar recognition of same-sex unions or marriage is an unambiguous discrimination based on sexual orientation," said Sister Jeannine Gramick, co-founder of New Ways Ministry and member of the National Coalition of American Nuns, at a press conference preceding lobbying efforts. "Such discrimination is politically and morally wrong."

Several clergy spoke out at the press conference against discriminatory "defense of marriage" legislation that may spring up as amendments to other bills in the remaining weeks of the legislative session. Others publicly urged lawmakers to pass the Hate Crimes Penalties Act and the Medical Decision Making Act of 2004. Speakers included: Rabbi Joel Alter, a Conservative rabbi and Director of Judaic Studies at the Shoshana S. Cardin Jewish Community High School from Baltimore city; Rev. Michael W. Hopkins of St. George's Episcopal/Anglican Church in Glenn Dale; Rev. David Flaherty, an Equality Maryland board member and Pastor of Saint Sebastian Parish in Baltimore; and Revs. Phyllis Hubbell and John Manwell of First Unitarian Church of Baltimore.

Participants agreed that many legislators needed to hear from faith leaders in Maryland who understand that it is wrong to deny individuals and families basic human rights in the name of religion.

"It is vitally important to show Marylanders that people of faith also believe in equal rights and equal protection under the law for all, including families headed by same-sex couples," said Rev. Flaherty. "This is an ongoing dialogue, and social progress on this issue may take time, but we are committed to changing hearts and minds, and we will persevere."

###

Equality Maryland is Maryland's largest civil rights organization, focused on making life better for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens of Maryland.   Equality Maryland works to secure and protect the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Marylanders by promoting legislative initiatives on the state, county and municipal levels and educating the public about the issues faced by our diverse community.

Equality Maryland can be found online at www.equalitymaryland.org