Black LGBT Community fights DC Marriage Ban
September 23, 2009
By Anare V. Holmes
In one of the latest moves to counter opposition to the legalization of gay marriage in the Nation’s capital, the International Federation of Black Prides, Inc (IFBP) will host noted civil rights leader and LGBT ally Rev. Eric P. Lee on a weeklong visit to Washington, D.C. from Sept.24th through Oct.1, 2009. IFBP has partnered with the People for the American Way, Human Rights Campaign and the Courage Campaign in the planning of this visit.
Rev. Lee, President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Los Angeles chapter, accepted an invitation from IFBP to participate in a series of forums and mobilization efforts to discuss his support of gay marriage as outlined in his new book, '' Marriage Equality: Proposition 8, The California Divide.'' Rev. Lee made headlines after his decision to take a public stand against Proposition 8, a California ballot initiative that stripped away the rights of same sex couples to marry, divided leadership within the ranks of SCLC's national board.
As the D.C. City Council moves to debate a full same sex marriage bill this fall, Rev. Lee's ability to frame LGBT issues in ways that resonate with African American faith and civil rights leaders is an asset IFBP looks to leverage. ''One of the key lessons we learned from California's Prop 8 decision was how imperative it is for Black LGBT leaders to build bridges with our straight counterparts in the African American community,'' says Earl Fowlkes, IFBP President and CEO.
Rev. Lee will be having a book signing on Tuesday September 29, 2009 at the home of Everett Hamilton and will participate in the Convocation for Marriage Equality hosted by the DC Coalition at 7 p.m. on Wednesday September. 30th at the True Reformer Building, 1200 U St., N.W., Washington, DC. In addition, Rev Lee will be participating in the Congressional Black Caucus events and will attend a meeting of Black clergy at the White House on Friday September 25, 2009.