ANNAPOLIS -- Equality Maryland will hold its annual Rally and Lobby Day in Annapolis on Monday, February 12, 2007. In the past, Equality Maryland's rally has been one of the largest -- if not the largest -- rally during the entire legislative session. Past speakers have included Maya Keyes, daughter of Alan Keyes; Kweisi Mfume; and Sister Jeannine Gramick.

This year, State Senator Gwendolyn Britt (D-Prince George's County), a longtime champion of civil rights, will rock Annapolis with her message that if the high court in Maryland does not unequivocally rule to end discrimination in civil marriage, she will sponsor and shepherd a marriage equality bill in the Maryland Senate. She will be joined by Delegate Victor Ramirez (D-Prince George's County), a leader in the fight for immigrant and other vital civil rights, who will declare his intentions to champion the the same efforts in the House of Delegates.

Other speakers will include Fred Mason, Executive Director, Metro DC AFL-CIO with son, Fred Mason III and his son's husband, Philip Lovett and Dr. Dana Beyer. The rally will be emceed by Lisa Polyak and Gita Deane, lead plaintiffs in Maryland's marriage equality lawsuit. Also, the Positive Voices of Baltimore will be performing.

Equality Maryland supporters will primarily be advocating for passage of a Transgender Equality bill and expressing opposition to anti-same-sex marriage constitutional amendments.

Supporters will also be asking legislators to sign a "Civil Marriage Equality Pledge." There are 44 members of the Maryland General Assembly on record as supporting equal marriage rights, and a number of additional state legislators who have stated they support equality in civil marriage over the creation of a separate and unequal institution like civil unions. Constituents will be asking every legislator to reiterate their support by signing the Civil Marriage Equality pledge.

For more information, visit http://www.equalitymaryland.org/2007_lobby_day.htm.