Equality Virginia Lobby Day
| January 25, 2006 | ||
| 8:00 am | to | 7:30 pm |
One of the most important and easiest activities for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community and our friends is to participate in Lobby Day! Last year, nearly 300 supporters roamed the halls of the Capitol, and we spoke to every member of the General Assembly or their staff.
Help us defeat expected attacks as we fight for Equality in the General Assembly!
Register today for the 2006 Lobby Day! No experience necessary, as new volunteers will lobby with those more experienced.
Schedule of Events (all times are currently tentative and subject to change):
8:00 am Prayer Breakfast sponsored by People of Faith for Equality in Virginia.
9:30 am Lobby Day Training,
10:30 am – 4 pm Lobby your Legislators, attend committee meetings, watch the session!
5:30-7:30 pm Annual Legislative Reception.
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street
Richmond, VA, 23219
On January 25, nearly 500 gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and allied Virginians participated in the Equality Lobby Day hosted by Equality Virginia and sponsored by over 30 national, state and regional organizations. We were able to share our stories, educate elected officials about challenges facing our families, and the the fight for justice, fairness and equality in Virginia. Several hundred more activists joined the effort by participating in E-Lobby Day, sending emails and making phone calls to their Delegates and Senators.
However, much work remains to be done. Please take a few moments to review the urgent actions below and take action today!
1) The Senate voted 29-11 in support of the so-called “marriage amendment” that will prohibit a legal status and protections for all unmarried couples in the state. Please take a moment to send a free email to thank the eleven Senators who voted against the polarizing politics of this divisive issue. You can also review the full language of the measure, and the final vote by clicking here.
2) Also, while lobby day participants were packed into the Richmond City Council Chamber for their training, the House Education Committee passed the anti-Gay Straight Alliance bill by a vote of 12-5. Please contact your Delegate TODAY and urge him or her to reject this measure on the House floor.
Let’s continue the great momentum we earned yesterday and continue that dialogue with our elected officials!
We have some photos from lobby day posted here.