The Fight for Equal Rights

Sunday's march on the nation's Capitol by supporters of gay and lesbian rights was an important step to call attention to the efforts of equal rights advocates nationwide.

The procession was a celebration of advances that homosexuals have achieved in recent years in the areas of workplace discrimination, hate crimes legislation and political activism. However, the march had a more somber side; it also commemorated individuals who have been victims of hate crimes. Two of the most poignant moments during the afternoon were the appearances of the parents of Matthew Shepard, a gay student killed in Wyoming, and nephew and sister of James Byrd Jr., an African-American who was murdered in Texas. They urged the marchers to speak out for the peaceful acceptance of diversity in America.

The huge gathering, at least 200,000 people by most estimates, showed its solidarity in support of same-sex union laws such as the one passed by Vermont last week. The Vermont law was a first step; the marchers and their supporters hope to encourage similar legislation in the other 49 states.

There are several equal rights issues currently being considered by Congress and the Supreme Court that received attention during Sunday's events. The most significant is the renewed effort by the Clinton administration to push a much-needed federal Hate Crimes Prevention Act through Congress. The bill would extend protection for victims of crimes based on gender, disability or sexual orientation. March organizers also spoke of the gay and lesbian community and their supporters as an important voting bloc hoping to influence the November presidential elections.

Sunday's march served the essential function of increasing the visibility of equal rights issues in our society, but much remains to be done. It is now up to Congress and the Supreme Court to help the marchers accomplish their goal of achieving equality and peaceful coexistence in American society.