Atlantans to Gather to Support Gay Equality

PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer community will be joined by friends, families, and allies to support gay marriage equality at two events scheduled for Saturday, November 15, 2008. At 1:30 p.m. a protest will take place at the Georgia State Capitol. A candlelight vigil will follow at 5 p.m. at the corner of 10th St. and Piedmont Ave.

The protest and vigil will be part of the nation-wide efforts coordinated by grassroots-organization Join the Impact. The events will show solidarity in support of LGBTQ equality and in opposition to Proposition 8, the proposed amendment to the California State Constitution that would eliminate same-sex couples' right to marry.

For the LGBTQ community and its supporters, last week's historic election was undercut by the disheartening reality that 52% of Californians voted to take away civil rights for same-sex couples. Currently in the United States, same-sex couples in long-term, committed relationships are denied over 1,000 benefits and protections granted to their married counterparts. For example, they are denied the right to visit a hospitalized partner, the right to Social Security survivor benefits, and the right to unpaid leave from work to take care of an ill spouse.

Vigil organizer, Scott Touchstone, stated, "It is fundamentally unfair and unconstitutional to deny to some citizens the rights and protections given to others."

Organizers want both the protest and the vigil to be peaceful shows of support for California's LGBTQ community and a step in the right direction for ensuring that all Americans are treated fairly.

Join the Impact invites all Atlantans who believe in justice for the LGBTQ community to bring a sign (less than 2"x2") to the protest at the State Capitol at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 15th and a candle to the vigil at 5 p.m. at the corner of 10th St. and Piedmont Ave.

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