Lay Led Groups Rainbow EqUUality Advocates
The purpose of the Rainbow EqUUality Advocates (formerly Freedom to Marry) Lay Led Ministry was originally to educate ourselves, our congregation, and our community about all aspects of the right to marry, and explore ways to let it be known that this ministry supports the right of same sex couples to marry. However, in Pennsylvania, gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgender individuals currently lack equal rights in employment, lending, housing and public accommodations; in addition, only those lucky enough to have enlightened employers have access to health care benefits for domestic partners. Although we will continue to advocate for marriage equality, we must focus our efforts on equal rights in these crucial areas first.
Rainbow EqUUality Advocates and UUPLAN still need your help! Although the House passed the first federal ban on employment discrimination for gays, lesbians and bisexuals, Pennsylvania has a much more inclusive bill before its House and Senate right now that needs your support. HB 1400 and SB 761 will provide protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual AND transgender individuals, not only in employment, but housing, public accommodations and lending. Timing for HB 1400 is most important – we need more co-sponsors on the House Bill as soon as possible. In February, we’ll be planning a UU lobby day with UU’s from all over Pennsylvania, so the sooner you start talking with your Representatives, the easier it will be to make those connections in February.
Lobbying HB1400
Talking Points 2007
Sample Letters
LINKS
Gay Marriage Ban Moves to the PA State Senate
Harrisburg Fox News report on the Gay Marriage Ban
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The decision to form such a Lay Led Ministry at UCH was inspired in part by the historical support of the UUA for Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, and Transgendered persons (http://www.uua.org/news/2004/freedomtomarry/), the fact that the UCH is a Welcoming Congregation (http://www.uua.org/obgltc/wcp/wc1expln.html) and finally, President Sinkford's Freedom to Marry initiatives (http://www.uua.org/giving/ftmfund.html)
View photos from the Freedom to Marry Rally in Harrisburg on Valentine's Day 2006!
View photos from Pridefest 2006!Visit Silent Witnesses of Central PA, or contact Alanna Berger if you would like to help.