National Equality March
Come Out on the Side of Love on October 11, 2009
Our Unitarian Universalist faith compels us to call for full social and legal recognition for BGLT people, for our sons and daughters, our mothers and fathers, our friends and neighbors.... On October 11th, we will take one more step towards the day when the laws of this country protect the basic human rights of all Americans. I invite you all to stand with us on the side of love.
—Rev. Peter Morales, President, Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA)
The National Equality March is the face of a growing movement with one demand: full federal equality for bisexual, gay, lesbian and transgender (BGLT) people in all matters governed by civil law.
Here are three ways to participate in the National Equality March:
Sign the Petition for Full Equality
Sign the petition for full equality online! You can also print out copies to circulate in your congregation on October 11th. The Standing on the Side of Love campaign will use the petition at key moments in the struggle for full equality under the law for BGLT Americans.
Host or Attend a Solidarity Event
Not coming to Washington, DC? No problem! Host or participate in a solidarity event in your own community.
Join Us in Washington, DC
Can you join Rev. Peter Morales and thousands of other Unitarian Universalists in this historic march on Washington, DC? Here is a guide to Unitarian Universalist (UU) events happening the weekend of October 9-11th:
- Saturday, October 10, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
National Equality Social Justice Panel at Foundry United Methodist Church. Learn about how you can create and sustain grassroots social justice initiatives for LGBT equality in your local community. We'll also discuss ways that congregations can work with allied organizations to build social justice partnerships.
- Saturday, October 10, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Reception with UUA President Rev. Peter Morales and other special guests at Universalist National Memorial Church. Get ready for the march with other UUs! We'll be selling snazzy, highly visible Standing on the Side of Love T-Shirts (only $15 each), and giving away signs & buttons. And we'll have "make your own sign" stations for all you who want to get creative. RSVP today!
- Sunday, October 11, 9:30 and 11:15 a.m.
Worship at All Souls Church, Unitarian, led by UUA President Rev. Peter Morales. A UU contingent will leave after the first service to join the March, which is scheduled to start at Noon.
The UU Meeting place for the March will be as close as possible to the corner of 15th and L streets NW under the giant, yellow "Standing on the Side of Love" banner. Please your own signs and congregational banners as well!
See a map of the entire March route. Please register here to receive important email updates about the March and Rally!
Another contingent will leave after the second service to either join the March in progress or participate in the Rally, which is scheduled to start at 2:00 p.m. on the West Lawn of the Capitol.
The UU Meeting place for the Rally will be on the left-hand side as you're facing the stage. Look for the giant yellow "Standing on the Side of Love" banner and the sea of yellow T-shirts.
Please register here if you are planning to participate in the March and/or Rally! We want to be able to count UU participation and also pass on any last minute details.
Attention Clergy and Religious Leaders!
Before the rally on the West Lawn of the Capitol begins, there will be a moment of prayer and YOU are invited to join your colleagues of many faiths up on the stage. Robes, stoles, collars and other regalia are welcome and encouraged. Let's show off all the colors of our faith! In order to participate, email Orelia Busch (freedomtomarry @ uua.org), or call (202) 393-2255 x12.
Local Volunteers Needed!
Can members of your congregation or LGBT affinity group volunteer on October 10th or 11th? We are looking for energetic people to help us distribute signs, sell "Standing on the Side of Love" t-shirts, and collect petition signatures before and during the rally. Want to have more fun than anyone else? To volunteer, email Orelia Busch (freedomtomarry @ uua.org), or call (202) 393-2255 x12.
For more information contact la_bglt @ uua.org.
Last updated on Friday, October 2, 2009.
