Gays take part in White House Easter tradition

By Amy Bourke • April 10, 2007 - 12:05

First Lady Bush defended the participation of gay families.

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Lesbian and gay families took part in the historic Easter Egg Roll at the White House yesterday.

At a time when issues such as gay marriage and adoption rights are being contested all over America, the Family Pride Coalition encouraged hundreds of LGBT families to attend the annual Easter egg roll outside the Presidential residence.

Jennifer Chrisler, Executive Director of Family Pride, said:

"We were proud to join the many diverse families attending the White House Egg Roll this year.

"For the second year in a row, gay and lesbian-headed families participated in a great American tradition.

"Despite the cold weather and freezing temperatures, gay and lesbian families came and made their presence known, making our existence real to millions of Americans."

The tradition began in 1878 and is a day of fun and games for children of all ages.

Approximately 18,000 tickets were sold for the 2007 event, which was hosted by First Lady Laura Bush.

Family Pride first started encouraging gay families to attend the Easter Egg Roll last year, a move which caused massive controversy.

PinkNews.co.uk reported how one Christian family group, the Traditional Values Coalition, labelled the decision "distasteful" and said it was "inappropriate to politicise the occasion and to use children to do so."

However, First Lady Bush defended the participation of gay families.

"Mrs. Bush wants to make sure all families are welcome to attend the Easter Egg Roll," said a White House spoke last year.

7,200 eggs were needed for the egg roll races.

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