Come Out for Equal Love

Monday 15 July 6-8pm outside the House of Lords

If you can’t attend, email the Lords via LobbyALord.org

Join us outside the House of Lords as peers vote for the last time on the same-sex marriage Bill. This vote will determine whether or not the Lord’s will allow marriage equality to become law.

This is our big final push for marriage equality.

The London Gay Men’s Chorus and the Big Gay Brass Band will provide music and entertainment. It will be a fab, joyful event.

Rally by the statue of George V in Old Palace Yard, London SW1, opposite the main entrance to the House of Lords. Bring placards and rainbow flags and pink jack flags. [Map]

This rally for equal marriage is supported by a broad coalition of LGBT activists – and our straight allies – plus supporters of all political parties and none.

Sign up on the Facebook page here.

The Bill is still under threat from filibusters and wrecking amendments. Help us keep up the pressure for equality.

Some people will rally from 12 noon, but the optimal time is 6pm to 8pm

Help us mobilise people by texting, facebooking, tweeting and emailing your friends

If you can’t attend, please email members of the House of Lords in advance.

“The House of Lords debates and votes on the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill on Monday 15 July. There is still a chance it could be weakened by amendments from anti-gay peers. We urge supporters of marriage equality to rally outside parliament and to email the Lords,” said Peter Tatchell, Director of the Peter Tatchell Foundation and coordinator of the Equal Love campaign, which began the campaign for marriage equality in 2010.

“We are aiming for a massive turnout to show the whole country that we really, truly want equality – and, very importantly, to make sure we aren’t outnumbered by the protests of Christian fundamentalists.

“The 15 July is the last Lords vote. We suspect there may be more last-ditch attempts to derail the legislation.

“After the Lords vote next Monday, the same-sex marriage Bill will then go to the House of Commons for the final vote on 17 July. If it passes then, we will have won equal marriage. Bravo!

“Please join us on 15 July to ensure the Lords know that we want and expect an end the ban on same-sex marriage. Send details of the rally to your friends. Bring them with you on 15 July.

“With your help, we’ll win.

“The religious and political opponents of same-sex marriage are an increasingly small and shrill minority who are out of touch with the tolerant, liberal-minded majority of British people. Their stand against marriage equality fuels homophobia and gives comfort to bigots everywhere.

“They say they’re not homophobic but a person who opposes gay equality is homophobic in the same way that a person who opposes black equality is racist.

“Denying same-sex couples the right to marry disparages and insults their love. It sends the message that LGBT couples are unfit and unworthy,” said Mr Tatchell.

Susheila Juggapah, Campaign Officer of the Peter Tatchell Foundation, added:

“It is important to have a visible presence for equal rights, to counter protests by anti-gay Christian fundamentalists. They want LGBT people to remain second class citizens, banned by law from marrying the person they love. In contrast to their intolerance, our rally affirms love and equality for everyone.

“We need to keep lobbying the Lords just like we lobbied them on 3 and 4 June. Some church leaders and right-wing peers are still determined to derail the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill. They may try to talk it out and may still introduce wrecking amendments.

“Contrary to what the opponents of same-sex marriage claim, marriage equality has one of the highest public approval ratings of any government policy for many years.

“According to a YouGov poll, 71% of the public, including 58% of religious people, believe same-sex couples should be permitted to get married in civil ceremonies in register offices.

YouGov poll (page 5): http://bit.ly/R7Yl5h

“Populus and ICM polls respectively recorded 65% and 62% public support for equal civil marriage.

“The ICM poll found that 57% of people intending to vote Conservative at the next election support marriage equality.

ICM poll (page 32): http://bit.ly/109Pbye

“The legislation seeks to ensure equal marriage rights for all. In a democratic society, everyone should be equal before the law.

“Regardless of whether people agree with homosexuality or matrimony, the ban on same-sex marriage is homophobic discrimination and should be repealed,” said Ms Juggapah.