PHILADELPHIA, PA – Repent America and Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas each announced that they will picket the National Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the GLBT Civil Rights Movement on Sunday, May 1 at Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

Repent America, an organization whose primary purpose is to stage anti-gay demonstrations, is led by Michael Marcavage, a self-proclaimed Christian. Marcavage and other Repent America demonstrators were arrested for ethnic intimidation, incitement to riot and related offenses during their last demonstration in Philadelphia. Those charges were dismissed.

The Rev. Fred Phelps of Westboro Baptist Church challenged openly gay Congressman Barney Frank to a debate. The Westboro release reads in part, “God hates America, now a vile homofascist regime irreversibly cursed of God and doomed.” Westboro Baptist Church has a long history of homophobic actions, including picketing at Matthew Shepard’s funeral service.

Congressman Barney Frank responded, “I couldn’t debate Mr. Phelps because I only speak English, and therefore would find it very difficult to communicate with him.”

“For Repent America and Westboro Baptist Church to demonstrate at the National Celebration is the equivalent of the Klu Klux Klan and American Nazis showing up at an African American or Jewish event. They embody hate and encourage violence,” said Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director of Equality Forum.

“We are asking our community and straight allies to donate as long as Repent America and Westboro Baptist Church are present. We’ll use the funds to distribute Equality Forum’s documentaries to non-profit organizations,” Lazin added.

Equality Forum, the Philadelphia-based national GLBT organization coordinating the National Celebration, is working with the Philadelphia Police Department, National Park Service and Philadelphia Bar Association to ensure that the National Celebration and protests coincide peacefully.

Congressman Barney Frank is one of the 40 Heroes who will be honored during the National Celebration of the 40-year GLBT Civil Rights Movement. He will attend the National Celebration to accept a 40 Heroes Award at the Gay Pioneers & 40 Heroes Tribute in front of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell on Sunday, May 1 from 1 to 3 p.m. The Heroes were selected through an international process.

Equality Forum 2005 & National Celebration (April 25 to May 1) features over 100 programs. More than 105 state, regional, national and international non-profit organizations and 32 national and international GLBT Executive Directors will be participating. Thirty (30) states, D.C. and Puerto Rico will hold State Receptions on Saturday, April 30.

The 16-hour National Celebration on Independence Mall includes the Gay Pioneers & 40 Heroes Tribute; the SundayOUT street festival; screenings of the documentary Gay Pioneers; an Interfaith Service with Bishop Gene Robinson at historic Christ Church; a Gay Icons Pavilion at the Independence Visitors Center; Conversations with Gay Leaders at the National Constitution Center; a National Celebration Concert with Cyndi Lauper, Amber, and Jade Starling at Penn’s Landing’s Waterfront Amphitheater; celebrities and parties.

There is no registration fee for Equality Forum 2005 and all substantive events including the National Celebration are free.

For more information, visit the Press Room at www.equalityforum.com or contact Dan Wagner, Communications Associate at dan@equalityforum.com or (215) 732-3378 x10.

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