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Advocacy News - Former
PM gets award for gay marriage November
22, 2004 Former
PM gets award for gay marriage
Jean Chretien:
Equality Forum's 2005
International Role Model Former
Prime Minister Jean Chretien has been selected as Equality
Forum's International Role Model for 2005 because of his role in ending marriage
discrimination in Canada. As
Canada's Prime Minister,
Jean Chretien championed same-sex marriage," stated Malcolm Lazin, executive director,
Equality Forum. "In 2003, then Prime Minister Chretien called on Canadian citizens
to support marriage equality. This impressive support by Mr. Chretien demonstrates
the importance to Canadians of minority rights and separation of church and state."
"We
are honored to bestow our 10th annual International Role Model Award to Jean Chretien,"
according to Joe Farrell, chair, Board of Directors, Equality Forum. "Mr. Chretien
will attend to accept the award and speak about international GLBT civil rights."
The award will
be presented on Friday, April 29 at the National Constitution Center, Independence
National Historical Park at Equality Forum 2005. "Jean
Chretien is an especially worthy candidate. He is a devout Catholic, who adhered
to his public responsibility of equality for all Canadian citizens," stated Michele
Bogrette, vice president, Board of Directors. "With his impetus, most of Canada's
provinces legally sanction same-sex marriage." | |
Equality
Forum presents the largest annual national and international gay, lesbian, bisexual
and transgender (GLBT) civil rights forum. | Equality
Forum 2005 from Monday, April 25 to Sunday, May 1 has over 60 programs, parties
and special events with more than 100 organizations participating. Equality Forum
2005 will highlight the 40th Anniversary of the start
of the GLBT civil rights movement at a National Celebration on Sunday, May
1 in Independence National Historical Park. | 
Kevin
Bourassa and Joe Varnell have been included in the list of "40
years 40 heroes" |
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