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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 26, 2008
T.R. Knight Hosts, Judy Shepard Presides, Mayor Officiates
A Celebration of “LOVE and PRIDE” In an Effort to Erase Hate
June 4, 2008 at The Abbey in West Hollywood
Following California Supreme Court Ruling
“Vow to Vote No” Ceremony Set
West Hollywood, CA. - On June 4, 2008, T.R. Knight will join the Matthew Shepard Foundation to help kick off National Gay-Pride month with a celebration of the California Supreme Court decision and a dusk “commitment to protect our rights” ceremony at the famed West Hollywood hotspot, The Abbey.
At 8pm, couples from around the nation will commit with a “vow to vote no” and support of the campaign to defeat the November ballot measure that would take away the marriage rights granted by the Supreme Court.
The event will be officiated by West Hollywood Mayor Jeffrey Prang and witnessed by Judy Shepard and a host of celebrities. Couples will be wearing the Matthew Shepard Erase Hate pendant courtesy of Love and Pride jewelry designer, Udi Behr. Love and Pride is the first online jewelry destination for people who believe in equality, diversity and tolerance for all. http://www.loveandpride.com/
Behr remarks, “California's highest court ruled that denying same-sex couples the right to marry is unconstitutional.” Adding, “This ceremony joins together our two messages; ‘Celebrating Love’ and ‘Erasing Hate.’” 100% of net pendant proceeds assist the Matthew Shepard Foundation.
Behr created the Erase Hate pendant for Judy Shepard, in memory of her son, Matthew Shepard, who was the victim of a brutal anti-gay hate crime in rural Wyoming ten years ago.
Behr has been helping finance the war for equality by donating 10% of all his jewelry lines; providing needed funds for Lambda Legal, one of the lead counsels in the California marriage case. Says Behr, “I started Love and Pride following events in San Francisco four years ago and will not rest until all fifty states offer true equality.”
Judy Shepard, executive director of the Foundation, said, “Now more than ever, wearing the Erase Hate pendant is a great way for people to express how they feel and promote the values of understanding, compassion and acceptance.”
World renowned recording artists Steve Oliver http://www.steveolivermusic.com/ will perform the classic ceremonial march Pachelbel Canon in D major and the vocal sounds of Pepper Mashay will fill the Abbey with her rendition of “Amazing Grace.”
CEREMONY INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION FORM : www.MatthewShepard.org/GetMarried
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NEWSROOM Photo Gallery - http://www.loveandpride.com/home/presskit.aspx
HI RES Photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/26114211@N02/sets/
National Love and Pride Contact
Phil Lobel
310.271.1551 x13
phil@lobeline.com
Matthew Shepard Foundation Contact
Matthew Matassa
303.830.7400 x14
matassa@matthewshepard.org |
