The Love Unites Kiss-IN at Mormon Temple
The Empowering Spirits Foundation (ESF), a American national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organisation, will hold the Love Unites Kiss-In at the San Diego Mormon Temple, Wednesday, July 22nd from 5:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. The kiss-in is meant to serve as a peaceful rally to encourage dialogue between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) and LGBT activists following the recent arrest of Matt Aune and Derek Jones. The gay couple was arrested by LDS security guards when they exchanged a kiss on Main Street Plaza in Salt Lake City, Utah.
“Though we strongly disagree with the LDS church’s stance on LGBT issues, this is a time for both sides to come together and engage in respectful dialogue,” said A. Latham Staples, ESF Executive Director. “We are gathering to show that love unites and that we all deserve the basic freedom’s granted to us by God, and as envisioned by this country’s founding fathers. We must remember to not marginalize the LDS church or anyone else because they believe differently, as this is the very respect in differing opinion we are asking for from them.”
ESF asks that supporters paint red hearts on their cheeks, foreheads, or wear paper hearts on their clothing. ESF also asks that supporters refrain from any profanity during the protest and avoid bringing signs that demean any religious organisation, including the LDS church.
ESF hopes that both sides can engage in respectful dialogue and come to see similarities rather than differences.
Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Time: 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Where: San Diego Mormon Temple
Street: 7474 Charmant Drive
City: San Diego, CA 92122
About the Empowering Spirits Foundation
ESF is a national grassroots based civil rights organisation working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. ESF members engage in service-oriented activities in communities typically opposed to equal rights to foster positive dialogue and change toward equality. Additionally, the ESF sponsors legislation, lobbies legislators, develops community awareness, collaborates with coalitions, and empowers individuals and organisations to engage in the political process for equality.