wfn.org | Metropolitan Community Churches Hail US Supreme Court Decision

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NEWS RELEASE		    
For Immediate Release: June 26, 2003	       

Predominantly Gay Metropolitan Community Churches
Hail US Supreme Court Decision
Striking Down State Sodomy Laws For Gays
MCC, the World's Largest Church Group Serving Gays and Lesbians

________________________________________________________

"For US residents, this is the single most significant legal victory for
the GLBT community in US history. This is more than a legal victory --
it is a powerful reminder that love and sexual expression are of equal
importance and value to both heterosexual and homosexual families."
								 -- Rev. Troy

D. Perry
__________________________________________________________

West Hollywood - Calling it "The most significant victory for gay and lesbian

rights in my lifetime," veteran human rights activist and founder of the 
predominantly gay Metropolitan Community Churches Rev. Troy D. Perry hailed 
today's Supreme Court decision striking down state sodomy laws.

In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in the 
case of Lawrence and Garner vs. Texas today, striking down the state 
legislature's right to criminalize sodomy for homosexuals. The ruling
effectively 
upholds a right to "privacy and liberty interest" in the constitution for all

people, heterosexual and homosexual alike.

"This is a great victory in the fight for equal civil rights for 
homosexuals," said Perry. Metropolitan Community Churches had filed an amicus
brief with 
the Supreme Court urging that sodomy laws be abolished. "What a fantastic day

this is! The work Metropolitan community Churches have done for over 30 years

to gain equal civil rights for homosexuals makes this celebration all the
more 
sweet."

"For US residents, this is the single most significant legal victory for the 
GLBT community in US history. It's more than a legal victory -- it is a 
powerful reminder that love and sexual expression are of equal importance and
value 
to both heterosexual and homosexual families," Perry added.

According to Perry, "Laws that have been used to justify discrimination 
against gay people are no more. Laws that have been used to intimidate gay
people 
are no more. Laws that have been used to harass the gay community are no
more. 
Sodomy laws in the United states are no more."

"This marks a new the beginning," Rev. Perry said. "We must take pride in 
this victory, but we must not rest. There are still battles for equality that

must be won."

Perry points out, for example, that gays and lesbians still do not have equal

rights under marriage laws. MCC conducts 6,000 marriage ceremonies each year.

To date, however, none of these unions are recognized under state laws in the

US. Perry said MCC will now have even greater fortitude and determination to 
change that.
 
With 46,000 members and adherents in 300 congregations in 22 countries, 
Metropolitan Community Churches is the world's largest church group providing

positive, supportive ministry to gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender 
persons. Additional information is available at <A
HREF="www.MCCchurch.org">www.MCCchurch.org</A>.

(END)

    
For Additional Information, Contact:
Jim Birkitt, MCC Communications Director
or
Roman Cardenas, Associate Communications Director
8704 Santa Monica Boulevard, Second Floor
West Hollywood, CA  90069
Tel. (310) 360-8640, Ext. 226 or 228
E-Mail: info@MCCchurch.org
Website: <A HREF="www.MCCchurch.org">www.MCCchurch.org</A>