Seattle -
Hundreds walked from Seattle's Volunteer Park to the Federal Courthouse as part of the National Equality March on Washington.
Members of the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender community are demanding equal rights under the law in all 50 states.
"Everything from immigration to queer youth to hate crimes, we are covering all our bases," says Seattle march organizer Carmen Rivera. "Staying silent and not recognizing our rights is the worst thing we could possibly do so we're here to stand up be loud be proud."
After the march, speakers talked about national and local issues including Referendum 71. The ballot measure asks voters if they want to approve or reject the "Everything But Marriage" measure which would give domestic partners the same rights as married couples.
"We are here to support gay marriage," says Larry Stickney. "All families should have the same rights as other people."
Others aren't supportive of Referendum 71, including Washington Values Alliance President Larry Stickney.
"Marriage is between husbands and wives so children can have fathers and mothers," says Stickney. "We feel homosexuals have a right to live how they choose but they don't have a right to redefine marriage for all of us."
Another topic discussed at the rally was the military and the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy. At a Human Rights Coalition dinner Saturday, October 10, 2009, President Barack Obama promised to end the 16 year-old policy.
"We cannot cut people from our ranks with the critical skills to fight. Legislation has been introduced in the House and I will end 'Don't Ask Don't Tell', that's my commitment to you."
On Monday, October 12th, Edmonds Community Collge will host a town hall form on Referendum 71. The event will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the college's Black Box Theater. Doors will open at 7:00, and the forum has room for about 200 people. Tickets are free, but are required for entrance. For ticket information, contact Jolee Cano at 425-361-2118 or email jolee@wilsonstrategic.com.
Members of the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender community are demanding equal rights under the law in all 50 states.
"Everything from immigration to queer youth to hate crimes, we are covering all our bases," says Seattle march organizer Carmen Rivera. "Staying silent and not recognizing our rights is the worst thing we could possibly do so we're here to stand up be loud be proud."
After the march, speakers talked about national and local issues including Referendum 71. The ballot measure asks voters if they want to approve or reject the "Everything But Marriage" measure which would give domestic partners the same rights as married couples.
"We are here to support gay marriage," says Larry Stickney. "All families should have the same rights as other people."
Others aren't supportive of Referendum 71, including Washington Values Alliance President Larry Stickney.
"Marriage is between husbands and wives so children can have fathers and mothers," says Stickney. "We feel homosexuals have a right to live how they choose but they don't have a right to redefine marriage for all of us."
Another topic discussed at the rally was the military and the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy. At a Human Rights Coalition dinner Saturday, October 10, 2009, President Barack Obama promised to end the 16 year-old policy.
"We cannot cut people from our ranks with the critical skills to fight. Legislation has been introduced in the House and I will end 'Don't Ask Don't Tell', that's my commitment to you."
On Monday, October 12th, Edmonds Community Collge will host a town hall form on Referendum 71. The event will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the college's Black Box Theater. Doors will open at 7:00, and the forum has room for about 200 people. Tickets are free, but are required for entrance. For ticket information, contact Jolee Cano at 425-361-2118 or email jolee@wilsonstrategic.com.
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