Planning Meeting!

Just a reminder. We will be having a planning/meet & greet event on Feb 1st at around 7 pm at Club Deception in Huntington for any that are able to make it. Also, if you are writing letters or spreading the word about this event, feel free to use the 'applyforequality@yahoo.com' email address as a contact. Thanks

WV Senate Bill 14

Folks, just received a very supportive reply from Senate President Jeff Kessler, he suggests that we also take immediate action and contact Senator Corey Palumbo, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Currently Senate bill 14, which would add sexual orientation to the Human Rights Act, thereby guaranteeing housing and employment protections is in his committee. Please contact Senator Palumbo and let him know that this bill needs to pass through his committee and on to the floor! corey.palumbo@wvsenate.gov or (304) 357-7880

Voice of the People

The Herald-Dispatch

Gather to support same-sex marriage

Last fall I traveled to Niagara Falls, Canada, to be with some of my closest friends as a childhood friend got married to his partner. Like all weddings, there were tears of joy not just from the crowd that included both families and close friends, but also from the string quartet sitting quietly in the corner during the ceremony.
The minister, who regularly performs same-sex ceremonies, welcomed everyone to the ceremony, then slowly adding what a shame it is to have to travel such a great distance instead of having the freedom to marry in any state in the United States.
The wedding party traveled over 900 miles round-trip to be a part of the wedding, but I know deep down how much it would have meant for my friend to have been married in West Virginia, his home, in these mountains that I know he loves so much.
To further this cause, we invite you to join us at 10 a.m. Feb. 14 as we gather on the grounds of the Cabell County Courthouse and proceed to "Apply for Equality."
Rachel Sparkman
Huntington

You can view the original letter here.

What We're Planning

This Valentine's day event is planned to be a peaceful & symbolic protest for marriage equality. We will be meeting at the courthouse with as large a group as we can muster. At that point, as many committed same-sex couples as we have in the group will proceed to the clerk's office to apply for a marriage license. While other states are beginning to grant marriage rights for all people, WV is still floating the tired old 'constitutional ban' talk around the legislature. We are starting on a local level and hope to inspire folks statewide to take up similar measures! Please plan to attend and tell all your friends. 

When: February 14, 10am - 2pm

Where: Cabell County Courthouse