The egg hit the
fan Wednesday when the conservative publication The
Weekly Standard huffed to its
readers that "a church-based homosexual rights group is
planning to crash the White House's annual [Easter egg
hunt] with a family visibility action to spotlight
their non-traditional families."
The Standard warned that gay families
were planning to crowd the White House gates the night
before the event to be the first to enter the next
morning--and get the maximum media exposure.
The magazine got a little confused when it cited
an e-mail sent between various gay rights groups, says
the Family Pride Coalition. During the past year the
coalition has been working with LGBT families to
attend the event as it's "a great opportunity for LGBT
families to participate in a great American tradition."
"Approximately 9 million children are being
raised in LGBT-headed households. Our parents live in
every corner of this country, rural and urban, red
states and blue states, and we strive like every other
parent in this country to give our children the best
opportunities, to shower them with love, to teach them
respect and a love for the rich and diverse traditions
America has to offer them," said Jennifer Chrisler,
executive director. "By participating in this
American tradition we hope to show our children a
great time while introducing our families to the American
public in a genuine and respectful way. I know my 4-year-old
twin sons are going to have a terrific time, and I
invite anyone with children to come to this cherished event."
Following the media brouhaha Wednesday, White
House spokesman Scott McClellan fielded a question
about organizing LGBT families to participate and
affirmed that the egg roll is in fact a family event.
"Family Pride felt it entirely appropriate to extend the
White House's invitation to all American
families, including LGBT parents all across the
country," said a statement issued by the group.
More than 100 families have signed up to attend. (Advocate.com)
