Gay Pro-Life Leaders Arrested at National Pro-Life March

Washington, DC-Leaders of the Pro-Life Alliance of Gays and Lesbians (PLAGAL), were arrested today at the 29th annual March for Life. The arrests were conducted by the United States Park Police by direct orders of Miss Nellie Gray the March for Life Leader and holder of the permit, according to the Park Police.

Media Release From:   DATE: January 22, 2002

THE PRO-LIFE ALLIANCEOF GAYS AND LESBIANS

For Further Information:Moses Remedios (323) 654-4480

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

Post Office Box 33292
Washington, DC 20033

Tel: (202) 223-6697
Fax: (202) 265-9737
Internet: PlagalOne@aol.com
http://www.plagal.org

Gay Pro-Life Leaders Arrested at National Pro-Life March

Washington, DC-Leaders of the Pro-Life Alliance of Gays and Lesbians (PLAGAL), were arrested today at the 29th annual March for Life. The arrests were conducted by the United States Park Police by direct orders of Miss Nellie Gray the March for Life Leader and holder of the permit, according to the Park Police.

PLAGAL President, Cecilia Brown, Vice-President, Eric Jurek were at the March for Life for the sole purpose protesting the 1973 Supreme court decision which legalized abortion-on-demand. They were simply carrying the PLAGAL Banner -- which states the organizations name and "Human Rights Start When Human Life Begins." Brown, Jurek and the rest of the PLAGAL delegation were approached by the officers and ordered to remove the offending sign. Consistent with their, deeply held pro-life convictions, they refused. Police back-up arrived at the scene. At that time, though not resisting arrest, Brown and Jurek were wrestled to the ground and dragged to an area away from the crowds were they were handcuffed and taken away.

How can Miss Gray claim to stand for the dignity of all human life while at the same time denying gays and lesbians our dignity in openly defending the rights of all human beings to life?" asked PLAGAL Vice-President, Ms. B.A. Keener. She then went on to comment, Most every group that attends the March for Life, openly identifies itself with signs and banners -- be they Feminists, Democrats, Catholics, etc. It seems that PLAGAL has been targeted by the leadership of the March for Life simply because their sexual orientation. PLAGAL and it's leaders have a long and solid history in pro-life activism."

According to Nellie Gray, in a meeting a few years ago, stated PLAGAL may participate in the March for Life so long as we do not identify ourselves as lesbians and gays." Stated Moses Remedios, VP for Media Relations. "That's as offensive as telling an African American, 'you can ride on the bus, but just sit in the back.'"

Prior to the arrest Brown, stated, "PLAGAL participates in the March because we believe in positive, life-affirming alternatives to the tragedy of abortion. To say that we have no place for open participation in the pro-life movement is not only counter-productive, but it simply wrong." She then went on to say, "We urge Miss Gray to set aside her personal biases, and "FREE THE MARCH" for Life, by allowing all peaceful, pro-life groups to stand in solidarity with women and the unborn.

We are appalled that Miss Gray is incapable of setting aside her personal sentiments against gays and lesbians, thus prohibiting, with the use of police force, our open participation in the pro-life movement," stated Ms. Keener who went on to say, By this malevolent act and to her detriment, Miss Gray has moved the focus of the March for Life away from the protection of the unborn -- where it belongs -- to the participation of lesbians and gays."

All those wishing to express their disgust with the March for Life for this malicious and divisive act of exclusion are encouraged to contact the Mach for life at info@marchforlife.org .For pictures and the latest information on this developing story please visit our website at www.plagal.org .

The Pro-Life Alliance of Gays and Lesbians (PLAGAL) was organized in 1990 to advance the pro-life message within the lesbian and gay community. PLAGAL is a 501(c)(3) Massachusetts-based corporation with nation-wide membership and active groups in several major cities in the United States.