With
referendums
on marriage equality in four states this November, PFLAG chapters are
working hard to change hearts and minds, and ensure equality for all. In
Maryland,
Maine,
and
Washington,
voters will decide the fate of marriage equality, and in
Minnesota,
voters will determine the outcome of a state constitutional amendment
prohibiting same-sex marriages.
 |
PFLAG Baltimore promotes marriage equality
through Light Brigade | |
This year, Governor Martin O’Malley of Maryland signed into
law the
Civil
Marriage Protection Act, granting same-sex couples the right to marry in
Maryland. In July, opponents of marriage equality gathered enough signatures to
put
the measure on the ballot this November. With less than two months until
the election, PFLAG Baltimore is working hard to ensure that the law is upheld
and Marylanders vote
For
Question 6. To get the word out to the community, several PFLAG Baltimore members
are phone banking with a Catholic group for Marylanders for Marriage Equality
and collecting signatures at the Fells Point Farmers Market. The chapter has
also designed, printed, and distributed over 100 purple t-shirts bearing the
message “Vote for the Civil Marriage Protection Act,” as well as red buttons which
read “Vote for Question 6.” Another innovative way PFLAG Baltimore is informing
Maryland voters about the proposition is through Light Brigade. This creative
project uses “lighted panels at dusk on highway over passes to communicate our message. The
message will change but the intention is to bring attention to the need to vote
in favor of the Civil Marriage Protection Act,” according to
Light Brigade Maryland’s
Facebook page. It is
the “most exciting visual thing we are doing,” said PFLAG Baltimore President
Mark Patro.
PFLAG Mora-East Central Minnesota is also doing great work
to ensure people vote
“No”
on the proposed constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage in
that state. The chapter is holding a public event featuring a play done
with professional actors entitled “Families Valued.” The 45-minute play will
“deal with the concept of six same sex couples and all of the complex situations they
have faced as they struggle with equality for all families. The play is written
by Randy Beard who will be present,” said PFLAG Mora-East Central Minnesota
member Gary Skarsten. The event will also feature a panel discussion. Panelists
include Reverend Anita Hill of
ReconcilingWorks and
 |
PFLAG East Central Minnesota members
at Pine City Pride in the Park |
|
Denny Smith,
author of God Did Too Make Adam and Steve. In addition to
this exciting event, the chapter has also featured editorial opinions in local
newspapers focusing on what PFLAG stands for and highlighting individuals’
stories. One of the editorials was about a child who courageously wore a button
to school that said “Give gay youth hope for the future--vote no on the
marriage amendment.” All of these efforts are to “get people to understand why
they must not support the marriage amendment and how it will hurt a group of
people in society,” said Gary.
We congratulate these chapters and the great efforts they are making
to move equality forward. We are continuously inspired by the hard work PFLAG
chapters are doing around the country and are optimistic that these efforts
will pay off in November.
To learn more about PFLAG Mora-East Central Minnesota, visit their
website by clicking here or their
Facebook page by clicking here. The play and
panel discussion will take place at the Isanti Community Center on September 29
from 2-4 PM.
We want to hear what your chapter is doing! Email us at
fieldfocus@pflag.org and send us updates about your chapter.
Married name change can be done fast by SimpleNameChange service
ReplyDelete