FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alan Bounville
407-484-6671
QueerRising@gmail.com

February 4, 2010

QUEER RISING DEMANDS MARRIAGE EQUALITY
Using Valentine’s Day weekend to escalate fight for marriage equality

On Friday, February 12 from 8:00-10:00am, a crowd of impassioned protesters will gather outside the new 24,000 square-foot New York City Marriage Bureau Office (141 Worth Street) to make a powerful statement in support of marriage equality for all LGBT Americans.

This protest, compared to marriage equality protests of the past, will significantly raise the stakes. There will be four components to this protest:

1. A protest group holding signs in support of marriage equality will gather in the park opposite the Bureau
2. Same-sex pairs, with aims of clogging the marriage license line, will subsequently be rejected and gather outside beneath a banner reading “Marriage: Rejected!”
3. A lesbian and gay man, whom according to New York State law may legally marry each other, will apply for a marriage license, get approved and stand outside beneath a banner reading: “Just Married!” This newly-wed couple will also address the crowd and media in regard to the double-standard presented by NY State Law and the segregationist marriage laws throughout the country.
4. A separate group of protestors dramatizing the inequity created by the current New York state law.

“New York City is already a legendary location to tie the knot, but this new location will give customers an even better, smoother experience that is more enjoyable and more memorable,” said First Deputy Mayor Patricia E. Harris in 2009 announcing the new marriage office. Though those who do get married on February 12 are sure to have a memorable experience, it will likely be anything but smooth – and depending on the newlyweds’ support of marriage equality – it may or may not be more enjoyable.

This event is a public protest to highlight the fact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and many transgender individuals in the state of New York and throughout America may not legally bind themselves into the institution of marriage with the person they love.

To be part of this action in any capacity, RSVP your commitment to QueerRising@gmail.com

Queer Rising is a group demanding queer rights through direct action. Queer Rising was responsible for crashing Senator Hiram Monserrate’s holiday party in December 2009, turning it into a One Year Girlfriend Slashing Anniversary Party, chanting things like, “Hiram believes that marriage is between one man, one woman and a broken bottle.” Queer Rising also took to the streets Dr. King weekend at prominent New York City locations chanting, “Dr. King Supported Equality for All!” and in front of a packed playground, “We have families too!”

Join Queer Rising and review videos of our work on Facebook and YouTube: “Queer Rising”

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=325103414675&ref=ts