Southlake Press Release

Pathways Unitarian Universalist Church to Hold
SEVEN STRAIGHT NIGHTS FOR EQUAL RIGHTS VIGIL

Prayer Vigil to be held at Southlake Town Center

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 200, 6-9 p.m.

(Southlake, TX) - On Wednesday, September 17th, from 6 -9 p.m., straight men and women will gather at the Southlake Town Center to share a simple but inspiring message: there's never been a better time for straight allies to stand up for their gay and transgender neighbors.
 
The event is part of Seven Straight Nights for Equal Rights 2008, a national project that will spotlight straight equality advocates over the week of September 14-20.
 
In 2007, the project's inaugural year, a week of nighttime vigils lit up 36 American cities providing unprecedented visibility for fair-minded straight people.
 
This year, Seven Straight Nights events will again provide a unique venue for straight Americans to express their support - now, amidst a changing cultural and political landscape. 
 
According to a June Newsweek poll, 57% of adults believe that gays and lesbians should be allowed to marry or form civil unions, up 10% since 2004.  In addition, a July 2008 Washington Post poll found that 75% of Americans now support allowing gay and lesbian soldiers to serve openly in the U.S. military.
 
"After the tragic, in-school murder of 15-year old Lawrence King last February, now, more than ever, is the time to focus on safety and equality for all people," says Beau Heyen, Co-Chiar of the Dallas Chapter of the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network.  "In order to make schools a safe place, communities must step up to the challenge first."
 
Helping the people of North Tarrant County realize the tragic consequences of discrimination and eliminate inequality through meaningful legislative action will be the focus of the Southlake event, which is held in solidarity with the people of the Pathways Unitarian Universalist Church.  "Our goal as a congregation is not to embarrass or frighten the people of Southlake, but to take a nonviolent stand against discrimination and to educate the community about GLBT issues," says Rev. Tony Lorenzen, Minister for the Pathways UU Church.
 
 
Nationally, Seven Straight Nights is sponsored by Atticus Circle and Soulforce.  Local partners include Pathways UU Church, Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network of   Dallas and the Greater Southlake Community. For more information, visit www.sevenstraightnights.org
 
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Atticus Circle is a national organization that educates and mobilizes fair-minded straight people to advance equal rights for LGBT partners, parents, and their children.
 
Soulforce is a national social justice organization that advocates freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance.
 
Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network is a national organization that envisions safe schools for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.