ACLU Wins at Pride 2008

The ACLU of Alaska celebrated PrideFest in Anchorage with a stellar contingent of marchers and an Information Booth (with Pride Cones) on the Park Strip. "The ACLU has historically fought for the advancement of LGBT rights. Sponsoring PrideFest and marching in the Parade is a fun way to let people know who we are and to demonstrate our support," said LGBT Public Policy Coordinator, Tiffany McClain.

Perhaps impressed by our foam Statue of Liberty crowns, or grateful for all the Frisbees and beads we gave away to onlookers, Parade Judges awarded the ACLU of Alaska with a 3rd Place trophy for Best Marching/Walking Unit. "This means that next year we'll have to find a way to out-do ourselves," McClain said. "We're the ACLU. We aim to win." She's open to your creative suggestions: tmcclain@akclu.org

Check out these photos:

"Last month, California’s Supreme Court recognized the right of same-sex couples to be married. The ACLU of Alaska applauds this recognition of lesbians and gay men as fully equal citizens under the law, and we disapprove of Attorney General Talis Colberg’s attempt to nullify this victory. In November, those who oppose equality will ask Californians to write discrimination into their constitution and to approve the denial of basic civil rights to gays and lesbians. On this basis Attorney General Colberg, along with the Attorneys General of nine other states, has asked California’s justices to postpone the effective date of their landmark decision. The California Supreme Court decision was based on the tenets of the California constitution as it is now—not as it might be in the future. As Americans and Alaskans, we should never seek to diminish civil liberties or to delay the protection of constitutional rights."

—Tiffany McClain
ACLU of Alaska LGBT Public Policy Coordinator