The National Press Release
on Prop-8
For Immediate Release 11/13/2008
The National Association Of Black and White Men Together
DENOUNCES CALIFORNIA BAN ON GAY MARRIAGE
AND CALLS FOR A FRESH APPROACH
Atlanta, GA - The National Association of Black and White Men Together and its chapters join with organizations around the country out of concern for the California ban on gay marriage. The National Association believes it is time for thoughtful fairminded persons on both sides of this issue to work toward a resolution. Polarization in this matter, like polarization in the rest of our national discourse, has proven divisive and counter productive.
The rhetoric surrounding gay marriage has largely centered upon religious issues, favoring the views of some denominations while restricting the practice of others. We hold that while the state has interests relating to such things as property and decision making with respect to persons in committed life partnerships, it should be neutral in terms of religious practice where the idea of marriage principally lies.
Therefore, The National Association of Black and White Men Together calls upon leaders in the religious and gay communities to come together in a spirit of fairness with political leaders to identify areas of agreement and begin to craft centrist solutions to this problem so that all of our citizens may enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Contact Persons, This Release and NABWMT
Norbert Young, Co-Chair, NABWMT
David Siereveld, Co-Chair, NABWMT
Phone: 800-624-2968 (800-NA4-BWMT)
E-Mail: nabwmt@nabwmt.org
The NABWMT is a 29 year old network of affiliated and developing chapters in over 30 cities which identify themselves as Black and White Men Together (BWMT), Men of All Colors Together (MACT) or People of All Colors Together (PACT) in keeping with the cultural dynamics of their respective areas.
We are a gay, multi-racial, multi-cultural organization committed to fostering respect, honesty, and communication among people of different races and cultural backgrounds. We welcome people of all gender identities and sexual orientations.
We operate the Bush-Mallon Institute for Social Justice which conducts workshops developed to achieve specific anti-racism objectives. The content of every institute workshop has been carefully developed by experienced anti-racism trainers to empower the various audiences to effectively deal with the effects of racism in our communities and in our lives.
Resisting Racism: An Action Guide, Edited by Gerald L. Mallon, Ed.D. is a 157 page manual filled with workshop outlines, resource materials, and essays and is published by the Association.
Our National Office address:
NABWMT
P.O. Box 90239
Atlanta, GA 30364
Web Page address: www.NABWMT.org
Posted:modified by:Bradley Green Modify date:2009-04-05 21:05:31