Report On OutFront Minnesota's
GLBT Lobby Day
Thursday, March 25th, 2004
State Capitol Building
Thursday, March 25th, 2004 was an historic day for our GLBT and allied
communities in Minnesota! A special "thank you" goes to every single
person who attended any part of our day on the hill, or helped to make
it happen. More than 4,000 people surrounded the steps of the
State Capitol building in St. Paul for OutFront Minnesota's "Rally for
Fairness." The enormous crowd listened, cheered, and chanted approval as
speaker after speaker expressed their concern and support for our GLBT
citizens as the state Legislature wastes time considering a proposed
Anti-Marriage Amendment to the state Constitution. In addition to the
Rally, nearly 2,000 constituents met with their legislators to
let them know in person the impact any anti-GLBT legislation would have
on their lives. Hardworking OutFront Minnesota volunteers and staff had
secured appointments with an amazing 75% of Legislators.
The Rally opened with the beautiful sounds of the Twin Cities Gay
Men's Chorus, directed by Dr. Stan Hill, as they moved the crowd to
tears with their signature song, "Walk Hand in Hand." Ann DeGroot
(OutFront Minnesota's Executive Director) and Russ King (a.k.a. Miss
Richfield 1981) then led into a powerful line-up of speakers, ranging
from: internationally known polar explorer Ann Bancroft; to Cheryl
Jacques, incoming national executive director of the Human Rights
Campaign; to PFLAG parents, sons and daughters; out gay Minneapolis City
Council members; transgender activists; young people; and, most notably,
former and current members of Minnesota's Legislature. Past President of
the Senate Allan Spear introduced current members, Rep. Karen Clark and
Sen. Scott Dibble, who in turn spoke and called on colleagues Rep. Matt
Entenza and Sen. Mee Moua for their comments. At least a dozen other
legislators took time from their busy schedules to stand there as well.
So congratulations, folks, and again, thanks to every single person
who attended any part of our day on the hill, or helped to make it
happen! Check back here for more details to come next week.
While OFM's GLBT Lobby Day
2004 has ended, we do encourage you to sign-up
with our Public Policy Department to keep informed about legislative
events affecting the Minnesota GLBT community.
News Coverage:
Minnesota Public Radio:
Opponents rally against gay marriage ban
Page includes link to radio
news reports.
KSPT TV:
Opponents rally against gay marriage ban
Page includes link to
video news report.
WCCO:
Opponents Rally Against Gay Marriage Ban
Page includes link to video news report.
Pioneer Press:
Equal crowd rallies for an equal right
StarTribune:
Kit Briem: call of equality for all has been heeded before
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