Equality Alabama
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Chair | Patrica Todd |
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Equality Alabama is a statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered civil rights organization in Alabama. Equality Alabama was formed by the merger of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Alabama and Equality Begins at Home of Central Alabama in response to what the organization terms as the anti-gay rhetoric espoused by Alabama's conservative politicians. Its stated mission is advancing full equality for all the people of Alabama through education and advocacy.[1]
In 2005, prior to the Alabama Sanctity of Marriage Amendment vote, Equality Alabama opened offices in Montgomery and Birmingham and sponsored programs to increase LGBT visibility and attempt to sway voters.[2] The amendment passed, however, by a 81% margin in favor of the ban.[3]
The organization sponsors an annual Vigil for Victims of Hate and Violence to heighten awareness of the lack of hate crime legislation in Alabama. It was first organized after the brutal Sylacauga murder of Billy Jack Gaither in 1999.[4] The 13th annual event was held on the steps of the Alabama State Capitol on February 20, 2011.[5][6]
When the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama filed suit against Alabama's new anti-illegal immigration law, the Hammon-Beason Alabama Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act, the organization submitted a statement of support with the lawsuit.[7] Equality Alabama consistently partners with other human rights organizations. One recent event in 2011 saw it partner with the Human Rights Campaign, Auburn University at Montgomery's Gay–Straight Alliance, and PFLAG-Montgomery in sponsoring a "Road To Equality" bus tour that visited various cities around the state. It carried media presentations focusing on equal rights for LGBT people.[8][9]
See also
References
- ^ "Mission". Equality Alabama. Retrieved February 4, 2012.
- ^ Phillip Rawls (August 21, 2005). "Gay Rights Group Comes Out In Alabama". Gadsden Times. Retrieved February 4, 2012.
- ^ DOMAwatch.org - Alabama Alliance Defense Fund. 2006. Accessed February 4, 2011.
- ^ "Ken Baker Resolution" (PDF). Equality Alabama. Retrieved February 4, 2012.
- ^ Joe Openshaw (February 6, 2011). "Insight: Equality Alabama announces legislative agenda". Press-Register. Retrieved February 5, 2012.
- ^ "Anti-Violence". Equality Alabama. Retrieved February 4, 2012.
- ^ "Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama, et al. vs State of Alabama" (PDF). American Civil Liberties Union. Retrieved February 4, 2012.
- ^ Christine Kneidinger Hull (October 18, 2011). "Human Rights Campaign tour bus to make stop at Auburn Montgomery". al.com. Retrieved February 5, 2012.
- ^ Chris Pow (October 20, 2011). "Human Rights Campaign tour bus stopping at University of Alabama". al.com. Retrieved February 5, 2012.