MEDIA ADVISORY                       

For Immediate Release

Contact:
Chuck Smith
Interim Executive Director, Equality Texas
O: 512-474-5475 x2

Local Civil Rights Groups call on Austin City Council to Support Marriage Equality in the State of Texas

Council resolution seeks to ensure that all persons enjoy the freedom to marry

WHAT:     Join Equality Texas, the Anti-Defamation League, the Human Rights Campaign, the   Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund, the NAACP and allgo as they stand together in support of marriage equality and call on Austin city leadership to support equality for all. 

On September 27, the Austin City Council will vote on a Council resolution sponsored by Mayor Pro Tem Cole and co-sponsored by Mayor Leffingwell and Council Member Morrison proclaiming their support for marriage equality.  This is the first time in recent history that so many local advocacy organizations in Austin have united in support of equality. 

The Council resolution recognizes that marriage is a powerful and important affirmation of love and commitment and a source of social support and recognition.  Passage of this resolution will send the message to state and national leaders that Austin is a community that values equality for all its citizens.   The resolution will also send the message that the City of Austin believes all couples in loving and committed relationships should be given the opportunity to create stronger and more successful families through civil marriage. 

WHERE:  Austin City Hall, Media Room 1034, 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, TX 78701

WHEN:   Thursday, September 27th at 9:30 a.m.

WHO:     Mayor Lee Leffingwell
              Mayor Pro Tem Sheryl Cole
              Council Member Place 4 Laura Morrison
              Chuck Smith, Interim Executive Director Equality Texas
              Nelson Linder, President NAACP Austin Chapter
              Jeff Lutes & Gary Stein, Married couple whose marriage is not recognized in Texas
              Representatives from ADL, HRC, MALDEF, allgo and the Austin/Travis County  Hate Crimes Task Force and more.

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Equality Texas advocates and lobbies for the elimination of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.

Equality Texas Foundation educates and engages the public about policies and their effect on Texans of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.

Lobby Day 2013 is March 11, 2013! 

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