Pride 2009 Was a Busy Month for CBST!
All eyes were on CBST during Pride Month 2009. Check out what we've been up to!
| 6/29 Civil Rights Act petition drive at the Stonewall Inn |
| "This is not an issue of states deciding for themselves. This issue is for equality and justice for all Americans, including those of us who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender." -Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum 
On the 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, Rabbi Kleinbaum joined with Congressional members Carolyn Maloney and Jerrold Nadler in Christopher Square Park to support a petition to expand the 1964 Civil Rights Act to include equal protection for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans. The petition drive is an effort of the online organizing network The Power, a project headed by Jeffrey H. Campagna and CBST member Liz Abzug. Congressman Nadler announced at the petition drive that he is drafting legislation to expand the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Read more in the New York Blade
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| 6/21 Westboro Baptist Church Prayer Vigil and Fundraiser |
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"Many had argued that we should ignore the members of Westboro Baptist Church who picketed us today: 'They are fringe.' 'They don't represent a large group.' 'They don't speak for Christianity.' 'They should not be given the benefit of any attention at all.' I believe we cannot afford to ignore them." 
News of CBST's incredible response to picketers from the Westboro Baptist Church continues to ripple through the blogosphere and media. Over 150 people — including City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, CBST members, and representatives from synagogues and churches throughout the city — gathered for a prayer vigil to coincide with the picketing. Inspired by a lead commitment from Mitchell Gold, supporters pledged donations to the synagogue for each minute the picketers were at our door. In the course of 47 minutes, CBST raised $12,315 - with donations still coming in! If you'd still like to donate, click here . The story was reported from New York, to Boston, to Tel Aviv. GayAgenda.com says "Some stories you just have to love, and this is one of them." CBST picked up a mention in the New York Times ; and NY1 , The Daily News , the Advocate , and Gay City News all ran articles. In the wake of the protest, Rabbi Kleinbaum wrote the op-ed piece, "God Hates Hate," which has been published in the Advocate. |
| 6/19 - 6/28 CBST Celebrates Pride |
| CBST had an exciting lineup of Pride events this June. 
At our June 19 Family and Friends service, Mayor Bloomberg spoke in support of equal rights for LGBT New Yorkers. His address is available here via podcast . 
Evan Wolfson, founder and Executive Director of Freedom to Marry addressed the congregation about the past and future push for marriage equality at our June 26th Pride Shabbat service. Hear his stirring words here via podcast . The text is available here . 
At least 100 CBSTers of all ages, including over twenty of CBST's children, marched down Fifth Avenue and down Christopher Street on the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. 
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