From: Laurie McBride Date: Wed, 11 Feb 1998 11:08:08 Subject: National Freedom to Marry Day PRESS ADVISORY February 10, 1998 Contact: Laurie McBride, 916 444 0424 Ellen McCormick, 916 444 0424 LIFE: California's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, & AIDS Lobby National Freedom to Marry Day WHO: Assemblymember Sheila Kuehl (D-Encino) Assemblymember Carole Migden (D-San Francisco) Spokescouples: Laurie McBride, LIFE: California's LGBT & HIV/AIDS Lobby Donna Yutzy, Community Development Specialist, Ryan White CARE Act partnered for 13 years Sam Ciraulo, Sacramento County Human Rights Fair Housing Commissioner John Copley, Chair, Sacramento County Democratic Party partnered for 5 1/2 years And other supporters of the freedom to marry WHAT: National Freedom to Marry Day is a day dedicated to increasing public awareness of marriage as a fundamental civil right which should be available to all, regardless of sexual orientation. We are joining organizers across the nation to speak out for our right to marry and take responsibility for our loved ones. Assemblymembers Migden and Kuehl will speak to legislative concerns, and the spokescouples will speak on the importance of marriage to their lives. WHY: February 12 was chosen because it is Lincoln's Birthday and because it is close to Valentine's Day, thus emphasizing the two driving forces behind the campaign for the Freedom to Marry: equality and love. Educating the public about equal marriage rights is crucial. A decision on the right to marry is expected soon from the Hawaii State Supreme Court. WHEN: Thursday, February 12, 1998 at 11:00 am WHERE: State Capitol Press Room, Room 1190