"We are facing serious right-wing attacks on lesbian and gay civil rights. We must start the new century with unprecedented strength. To do so, we need a unified, progressive movement where everyone has a place at the table," said NOW President Patricia Ireland. "NOW's participation in the Millennium March depends on the inclusion of feminist concerns in the March agenda and people who represent the wide diversity of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community in the organizing process."
The resolution passed by NOW's Board anticipates that the March agenda will address discrimination based on not only sexual orientation, but also sex, race, class, age and disability. NOW received assurances that the right to privacy and to control one's own body, implicit in the March agenda, would include the right to abortion and reproductive health care. NOW's endorsement is also contingent on a commitment that with its expansion, the Millennium March On Washington's (MMOW) board will represent the diversity of the LGBT community, including open lesbians of all races, colors, abilities, classes and ages. Finally, NOW's resolution recognizes the importance of the MMOW's board's taking steps to reconcile the differences that have arisen within the LGBT community over the March.
Organizing for the Millennium March got off to a rough start when key-players in the LGBT movement challenged the manner in which the march was called, and questioned what role people of color and issues of race and class would play in the event and the organizing process. While many individuals and organizations who fight racism have signed-on to the march, the controversy still exists.
"By signaling our willingness to participate in the Millennium March, we hope we can help facilitate a resolution to the existing problems. NOW wants to be part of the solution," Ireland said. "Now is the time to close ranks and fight our enemies -- not each other."