January 15, 2004

Lecture Addresses Gay Rights As Part of Boise State's MLK Celebration

Shannon Minter, legal director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights, will speak on “Gay Rights in 2004: What Lies Ahead After a Year of Unprecedented Gains?” at 3:30 pm. Wednesday, Jan. 21, in the Boise State Student Union Farnsworth Room. The event, sponsored by the Idaho Progressive Student Alliance, Bisexuals, Gays, Lesbians and Allies for Diversity; and Your Family, Friends and Neighbors, is free and open to the public. The following topics will be covered: When will gay couples win the right to marry? What will be the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Lawrence v. Texas, holding that lesbians and gay men have a constitutionally protected right to sexual intimacy? Will President Bush end the military’s antiquated policy of excluding lesbians and gay men from service? How is the revolution in reproductive technology affecting lesbian couples and gay couples who wish to have children together? Minter was the lead attorney on Sharon Smith’s groundbreaking wrongful death suit and currently represents Theron McGriff in a custody case before the Idaho Supreme Court. In 2003, he was awarded the prestigious Anderson Prize Foundation Creating Change Award by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. He serves on the boards of Equality California, the Transgender Law Center and the Transgender Law and Policy Institute.      -30- Contact                                  Rob Meyer                                    Student Union and Activities                         208 426-1223                                 Media Contact Kathleen Craven communications and marketing 208 426-3275