For further information, contact Malcolm Lazin at (215) 732-3378 or www.equalityforum.com

OCTOBER 16, 2003

Equality Forum Announces Canada as the 2004 Featured Nation

Equality Forum, the largest international GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgender) civil rights forum announced today at a press conference at Independence National Historical Park that Canada is its 2004 Featured Nation. Equality Forum 2004 will be held from Monday, April 26 to Sunday, May 2 in Philadelphia.

Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director of Equality Forum stated, "Each year we have a different Featured Nation. The choice for 2004 was unanimous. Canada has led on issues of GLBT civil rights. Canada exemplifies equality."

"We salute Canada for recognizing the fundamental human right to marry the life partner of one's choice," said Joe Farrell, Chair of the Board of Directors. "We commend its courts and its national leadership including Canadian Prime Minister Chretien."

Equality Forum presented its Distinguished Leadership Award to Kevin Bourassa and Joe Varnell, Canada's first gay married couple. "We are honored to have Equality Forum, the premiere international GLBT forum bestow this award. We look forward to serving on the International Family Values Panel and Gay Marriage Panel at Equality Forum 2004," said Toronto's Kevin Bourassa.

"This is an exciting opportunity to share Canadian values in approximately 20 programs at Equality Forum 2004," said Darrell Schuurman, co-founder, Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. "Canada is bringing our best, including political leaders like Member of Parliament Svend Robinson, Ontario Member of Provincial Parliament George Smitherman and Winnipeg Mayor Glen Murray. Our collaboration includes artists and entertainers, civil rights advocates, journalists, business executives, community activists, religious leaders, among others."

"We are delighted to add the National Constitution Center to our list of collaborating partners. We will hold a Presidential Election 2004 at the National Constitution Center. The program focus is how GLBT issues involving Constitutional freedoms impact the 2004 federal elections," said Malcolm Lazin.

"Philadelphia is the site of the nation's first gay rights protests - even before the Stonewall Riots," said Meryl Levitz, President of the Greater Philadelphia Marketing Tourism Corporation. "It is, therefore, appropriate that Equality Forum brings people from around the world to discuss gay and lesbian issues in the shadow of the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall."

"We view Equality Forum as an international event that allows us to demonstrate Canadian values and embrace the GLBT community. Our nation is a close and inviting destination with diverse travel experiences," said Susan Iris of the Canadian Tourism Commission. The United Stated GLBT traveler is a niche market estimated at $54.1 billion annually.

For more information about Equality Forum, please visit www.equalityforum.com or call (215) 732-3378.

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