Gays staging anti-Falwell speak out today; 5 pm, Castro, 18th Streets

For Immediate Release
May 15, 2007
Contact: Michael Petrelis, 415-621-6267

An anti-memorial is being planned in San Francisco to mark the death and hate-filled life of the Rev. Jerry Falwell who died today. Gays, lesbians, bisexuals andtransgenders will speak out about Falwell relentless crusades demonizing the gay community and his political organizing to consign gays to second-class citizenship.

What: Anti-Memorial & Speak Out

Why: The death of Rev. Jerry Falwell

Date: Tuesday, May 15

Time: 5:00 pm

Location: Castro and 18th Streets, (Bank of America building)

With the obituaries for the bigoted Falwell pouring forth, many news organizations are noting his career of singling out gays for hatred. From the New York Times obit:

As a result, he was a lightning rod for controversy and caricature. He apologized, for example, after televised remarks suggesting that the 9/11 terrorist attacks reflected God’s judgment on a nation spiritually weakened by the American Civil Liberties Union, providers of abortion and supporters of gay rights, and after he called Muhammad a terrorist. He was ridiculed for an article in his National Liberty Journal that suggested thatTinky Winky, a character in the “Teletubbies ” children’s show, could be a hidden homosexual signal, because the character was purple, had a triangle on its head and carried a handbag.

An organizer of today's anti-Falwell street action, Michael Petrelis, said he expects many gay people will recall Falwell's vile bigotry. "While Falwell is dead, unfortunately his legacy of hatred in the name of God will be felt legislatively for years to come. Now is the time to roll back the domination that fundamentalist religious leaders have imposed on the American body politic," said Petrelis from San Francisco.

People attending today's speak out are asked to bring signs calling for religious acceptance of gays, and Tinky Winky dolls. The organizers of today's event will be bringing a 3-foot high Tink Winky pinata replica of the cartoon character Falwell labeled as gay.