MEDIA RELEASE

Citizens for Equal Rights is inviting people to include themselves in a photo booklet of supporters of civil unions and H.B. 444. The booklet will be given to state House members to show mainstream community support for passage of civil unions legislation this session.

“Citizens for Equal Rights was formed last month to solicit general public support for House Bill 444,” CFER president Rachel Orange said. “We believe the booklet will show broad community support for civil unions. Through it, we hope to bolster the confidence of House members who have previously voted for H.B. 444.”

“We believe it’s important to show mainstream community support for civil unions until we get a bill passed,” Orange said.

“CFER stands for positive change. It’s a simple stand for equality,” said Kat Brady, the group’s vice president. “We believe the photo booklet is an opportunity for people in the community to show their support for equal rights, while respecting the sincerely held beliefs of those who oppose civil unions.”

“CFER believes in equal rights for all, including for gay and lesbian couples,” Brady said. “In Hawaii, those who came before us took bold steps towards passing on a legacy of equal rights and opportunity for all. Passing H.B. 444 will build on that legacy. This booklet will help House members feel confident of community support for the bill.”

Those who plan to lobby legislators are expected to use the booklet as evidence of community support to ask House members to vote on H.B. 444 before the session adjourns.

CFER invites anyone who wants to be included in the equal rights booklet to e-mail their name, photo, and affiliation to equality808@gmail.com. CFER plans to group the photos by community categories such as realtors, lawyers, paddlers, faith groups etc.

For more information, send an e-mail to equality808@gmail.com, or visit the CFER/Equality 808 group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=114455535245510&v=info