Acting DCO, Chris Boisvert at White House LGBT Reception.

Vice Chairperson, Jill McCrory at LGBT White House reception.

The invitation was made to a variety of LGBT rights organization leaders from around the nation. Many people were from state, regional or local organizations, such as Equality Florida and PFLAG Minneapolis. President Obama addressed the gathering and talked of the work to repeal don't ask don't tell, how the Department of Health and Human Services was issuing instructions that any hospital that accepted Medicare would be requited to provide visitation to LGBT families. The President also talked about his hope that ENDA (Employment Non-Discrimination Act) would be passed.  The White House kicked off the month with a proclamation:

As Americans, it is our birthright that all people are created equal and deserve the same rights, privileges, and opportunities.  Since our earliest days of independence, our Nation has striven to fulfill that promise.  An important chapter in our great, unfinished story is the movement for fairness and equality on behalf of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.  This month, as we recognize the immeasurable contributions of LGBT Americans, we renew our commitment to the struggle for equal rights for LGBT Americans and to ending prejudice and injustice wherever it exists.

In the areas of health and security, the Obama administration listed its accomplishments which include the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act, the Ryan White CARE Act for people living with HIV/AIDS—including the elimination of the ban on HIV/AIDS entry into the United States.  accomplish that goal. - story continued

AWAB Board Chair, Robin Lunn, and Harry Knox, HRC Director, Religion and Faith Program, presented Rev. Butler and the Rev. Wileys with certificates recognizing their work for marriage equality.  Each of the honorees spoke of how their faith lead them to this struggle and how important it was for their congregations that they be involved. Lunn noted, “We know that the voices of people of faith play a key role in these legislative processes.  But the role of Baptists is unique in that we are too often seen only as conservative.  Welcoming and Affirming Baptists are a clear progressive voice in contrast to so much hate speech.  AWAB seeks to honor all Baptists who are willing to create another place where LGBT persons can be fully included in all aspects of religious life, including marriage.  To do so publicly is to proclaim the radical welcome of God in the historic Baptist tradition.” - story continued

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First Baptist Church, Jamaica Plain, MA, Rebuilds After Fire
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