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People of Faith Gather at U.S. Capitol for Prayer and Action in Support of Equality Act

Media Advisory for May 14, 11 AM
United Methodist Building, 100 Maryland Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002

As the House prepares for historic vote, people of faith and religious leaders gather for interfaith prayer vigil, deliver statement signed by more than 5,000 people of faith urging Congress to pass Equality Act.

WASHINGTON, DC — Tuesday, May 14th, at 11:00 a.m., people of faith and religious leaders will gather in the nation’s capital to raise a strong religious voice in support of LGBTQ equality and expanded non-discrimination protections as outlined in the Equality Act.

The Equality Act would provide consistent and explicit non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people across key areas of life, including employment, housing, credit, education, public spaces and services, federally funded programs, and jury service.

Ahead of an historic Congressional vote on the bill, people of faith will hold an interfaith prayer vigil led by national-level and DC-area religious leaders. Following the vigil, they will hand- deliver a statement signed by more than 5,000 people of faith in support of the Equality Act. The statement articulates why people of faith support the bill, lifting up religious beliefs in the sacred dignity and worth of LGBTQ people, the obligation to treat our LGBTQ neighbors as ourselves, and the right to live free from discrimination. The statement also contends that “it is possible to both protect LGBTQ people from unjust discrimination and uphold the freedom of religion.”

According to a recent study from PRRI, millions of people of faith and majorities of all religious traditions support non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people. Tuesday’s interfaith actions come after religious leaders have offered testimony in both the Judiciary and Education and Labor Committees’ hearings on the Equality Act, and after more than 70 faith groups have formally endorsed the bill—including multiple denominations, graduate theological schools, and faith-based organizations.

WHAT: Interfaith Prayer Vigil and Delivery of a Statement from People of Faith in support of the Equality Act

WHO: Rabbi Jonah Pesner, Religious Action Center of Reform JudaismSister Simone Campbell, NETWORK
Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart, National LGBTQ Task Force
Urooj Arshad, Advocates for Youth
Rev. Michael Crumpler, Unitarian Universalist Association
Mason Dunn, Keshet
Rev. Peter S. Simmons-Scie, Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, DC
Rev. Kentina Washington-Leapheart, Religious Institute
Rev. Angela Flanagan, Silver Spring United Methodist Church

WHEN: Tuesday, May 14th, at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: United Methodist Building, 100 Maryland Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002

Contact:
Sarah Massey, Director of Communications
[email protected]
202 639-6308