“Fairness for ALL Rally” Celebrates Same-Sex Couples and their Families in Billings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: (212) 549-2666; media@aclu.org

BILLINGS, MT — Families from across Montana will gather in Billings Saturday to celebrate fairness for same-sex couples and their families with “Equality” pita sandwiches, a rally, kite making, face painting, hula hooping, photos of support, music and more. The event will be a clear declaration that love is the most traditional family value.

The celebration is in response to an event sponsored by the Montana Family Foundation, which is trucking in Chik-Fil-A sandwiches to raise money for its work advocating discrimination against same-sex couples and their families.

“All people – including gay and lesbian people — have equal rights under the U.S. and Montana constitutions. We oppose discrimination of any kind, and are saddened when individuals and companies support treating some people like second-class citizens,” says Liz Welch of the ACLU of Montana. “While Chik-fil-A has a right to take corporate positions it chooses and customers have a right to support those positions, we prefer to patronize businesses that stand for the rights of everyone. A locally prepared “Equality Chicken Pita” leaves a much better taste in our mouths than chicken fried states away in the name of discrimination.”

The Pita Pit of Billings has generously agreed to donate 75 percent of the proceeds for these pitas (also a vegetarian option) to organizations working for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality in Montana.

“It’s heartening that we’re coming together to provide a positive community space for Billings to show their support for LGBT people and families,” says Kim Abbott of the Montana Human Rights Network. “This kind of event shows that Billings is a welcoming and inclusive community. It’s great news for Billings, and it’s great news for Montana.”

Sponsored by: ACLU of Montana, Fair is Fair Montana, Montana Human Rights Network, The Pita Pit of Billings, Schenk Construction, Not in Our Town Billings, TAP 365, the Pride Foundation and Signed Sealed and Delivered.

WHAT:
Food, Fun and Fairness – including the “Equality Chicken Pita”

WHO:
Montanans supporting the most traditional of values – love, fairness and respect for everyone

WHEN:
Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, 1-3 p.m., with rally starting at 1:30 p.m.

WHERE:
Parking lot at 4342 Montana Sapphire Lane, across from Manny’s Sports Bar

More information, including a full schedule of events and information about carpooling from Bozeman is available at: www.aclumontana.org and www.fairisfairmontana.org