MassEquality Launches Book, Lobby Days
MassEquality is gearing up for a celebration of three years of marriage equality in Massachusetts. This week’s events include a book launch, an anniversary party, and civil rights lobby days at the State House.
"Since May 17th, 2004 the Commonwealth has celebrated over 8,500 same-sex weddings," MassEquality said in an email to members and supporters. "This week is a time to rejoice before the next Constitutional Convention on June 14th. Marriage equality has been good for the LGBT community and good for Massachusetts."
The email invited MassEquality supporters to join the civil rights organization for the launch party of Courting Equality, a Beacon Press publication chronicling the road to marriage equalty in the Bay State. The launch party is scheduled for Wednesday, May 16, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Hannum Hall at the Cambridge YMCA, 7 Temple Street in Cambridge.
"Combining powerful images and riveting text, Courting Equality takes readers through the divisive cultural debate, the political struggles, and the marriage celebrations that have made Massachusetts a beacon of hope for gays and lesbians and their allies across the country," reads the MassEquality description of the book, which features text by Patricia A. Gozemba and Karen Kahn and photographs by Marilyn Humphries.
Two rallies are scheduled at the State House for the third anniversary of marriage equality on Thursday, May 17th. The Religious Coalition for the Freedom to Marry will celebrate the 1,000th member of the clergy to sign a petition to defend marriage equality at an assembly scheduled to take place in Nurses Hall at the State House at 11:00 a.m.
Then, starting at 11:30 a.m., Marriage Equality Rally Day kicks off at the State House. "Visit your legislators and tell them how important equal marriage is to you and your family!" MassEquality exhorts its members and supporters.
Thursday evening sees an anniverary party at Mansion Boston, 1 Boylston Street. The MassEqualty-sponsored party starts up at 7 p.m., and features a speech by Governor Patrick Deval, as well as acts by area comedians. Tickets to the event coast $20 and are available to the general public through MassEquality.
"As we prepare for the next Constitutional Convention on June 14th, your involvement is key to protecting marriage equality," the MassEquality email states, going on to invite supporters to "Celebrate equal marriage this week and share what it means to you and your family."
