Throughout the country, the debate on same sex marriage has become a passionate and polarizing issue. One group is fighting for the right to marry, while another is fighting to protect the very institution of marriage as they understand it. But what exactly are both of ...these sides fighting for? The history and significance of marriage is something the public is predominantly ignorant of. From a sociological standpoint, “traditional” marriage has not been between a man and woman at all – it’s been between a man and several women, as the most pervasive form of marriage in the history of mankind is polygamy. “American Marriage” is the first feature length documentary that will examine the true, untold story of marriage itself, starting in ancient Babylon and working our way right up to today – where divorce rates are skyrocketing, people fall in love and marry on television, and affairs can be bought and sold on the internet. We’ll also examine the booming businesses that have grown around marriage and divorce, as marriage in America has become as much an industry as a sacrament. Not strictly a “message movie” designed to promote one side of the current political arguments, “American Marriage” is instead a mosaic of what the institution of marriage has become in America – a practice as varied as the types of relationships that make up our lives, and about as far from “traditional” as possible. From dowries to divorce, pre-nups to polygamists, common laws to caterers, virginity to Vegas, and Civil Rights to Civil Unions; “American Marriage” seeks to understand the truth behind an institution we have strong, passionate feelings about … yet very little understanding of.

Official staff: J.P. Reef - Co-Chair, Portland-to-Augusta Coordinator jp@civilrightsmarch2010.org David Mailloux - Co-Chair, Treasurer, Portland-to-Augusta Coordinator dave@civilrightsmarch2010.org Samantha White - Co-Chair, Bangor-to-Augusta Coordinator; Photographe...r, Bangor-to-Augusta sam@civilrightsmarch2010.org Tanya Dodd-Hise - Photographer, Portland-to-Augusta tanya@civilrightsmarch2010.org Jason Flanagan - Fitness Consultant jason@civilrightsmarch2010.org Adam DePrince - Webmaster adam@civilrightsmarch2010.org

On October 10-11, 2009, we will gather in Washington DC from all across America to let our elected leaders know that now is the time for full equal rights for LGBT people. We will gather. We will march. And we will leave energized and empowered to do the work that needs... to be done in every community across the nation. Our single demand: Equal protection in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states. Our philosophy: As members of every race, class, faith, and community, we see the struggle for LGBT equality as part of a larger movement for peace and social justice. Our strategy: Decentralized organizing for this march in every one of the 435 Congressional districts will build a network to continue organizing beyond October.

Rally for national LGBT equality the first Saturday AFTER the California Supreme Court issues its rulings on the Proposition 8 cases. Meet on the steps of City Hall in downtown Fresno at 1:00 PM.