Talkin' Marriage Equality with Sarah Reece

On the warm evening of 24 June 2008, the Political Sub-Committee for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Los Angeles Steering Committee (LA SC) hosted Sarah Reece, Field Director of the Equality for All coalition for Marriage Equality.

Sarah shared with HRC members and supporters of equality the importance of winning the California Constitution ballot amendment fight in November 2008. Opposition groups continue to rally those adhering to an agenda of intolerance to raise money and spread a message of bigotry. The loss of marriage equality in California would provide those opponents an opening to roll back the hard won rights from the past 30 years, across the nation.

This is the most important battle of our generation. We will win it by having conversations with voters in the ‘persuadable universe’, who understand that freedom to choose who we marry is a fundamental right. Sarah explained that these fair minded citizens will agree that we should not change the constitution to treat people differently.

Sarah outlined three important ways you can help in the fight to keep marriage equality:
1. Sign up for a volunteer shift to have conversations with voters
2. If you are planning to marry, register so friends and loved ones can donate as a gift
3. Obtain endorsements by individuals and organizations to fight for marriage equality.

“We are pleased to see how many of the folks who attended the event heard Sarah's message and took action by signing up for a volunteer shift,” said Varo Asorian and Bob Mason, co-chairs of the HRC LA Political Sub-Committee. “The next 134 days are crucial, and we need all members of the GLBT community enlisted in the fight for equality.”

Several GLBT media advocates attended the Talkin' Q Politics to demonstrate their support, including:
- Aline Allegra, who created the YouTube video "Absolutely, I Do", a wonderful look at committed, loving gay and lesbian couples on Marriage Day.
- Lisa Borrelli, who directed the documentary "We The People", about the lives of nine gay and lesbian led families.

Other ways you can get involved include:
- Sign the Million for Marriage petition
- Attend the Talkin’ Q Politics event in July on marriage equality
- Donate to the HRC California Marriage PAC to help fund the effort
- Talk to your straight friends and colleagues about love, fairness and equality; and challenge them to Vow to Vote No on Proposition 8!'