FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sisters Say Thank You to Sebastopol Mayor Kelly

Sisters commend mayor for support of gay marriage

March 16, 2004 -- Guerneville, CA.  The Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence applaud and support Sebastopol Mayor Linda Kelley's resolution urging Sonoma County Board of Supervisors to adopt a policy in support of civil marriage for same sex couples and requesting the county recorder/clerk to begin issues marriage licenses to same sex couples..

"Mayor Kelley has shown extraordinary strength and leadership in bringing this resolution before the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. The advancement of same sex marriage is a huge step forward in overturning deeply ingrained injustices that have rendered gays and lesbians second class citizens of this great country." said Sister Sparkle Plenty. "Discrimination is a socially crippling disease that has robbed millions of United States citizens of their rights and freedoms. Historically, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have spoken out regarding many civil rights issues, and we do not intend to remain silent on the issue of same sex marriage." Sr. Sparkle continued. "We spread our message with humor, with irreverence and with deadly seriousness." 

"The Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence is a 100% volunteer driven group of men and women, gay and straight, black, white, Jewish, Christian Buddhist etc. The Sisters host and appear at hundreds of fund-raising events every year raising many thousands of dollars for many under-funded charitable organizations serving the Russian River Community. Through our Grant Fund we are able to make thoughtful and timely donations to these groups without regard to race, gender, age or sexual orientation." said Sister Barbi Mitzvah, president of the RR Sisters.

Some of the beneficiaries of our fundraising include:

Adventures for Kids
After School Performing Arts Program
Breast Cancer Awareness Program
Face to Face So. Co. AIDS Services 
Food For Thought 
Forestville Union School 
GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, Straight Ed. Network)
Guerneville Education Foundation
HIV Complimentary Therapy Center
Love Journey
PALS (Pets Are Loving Support)
Positive Images
Russian River Child Care Services
UASA (United Against Sexual Assault)
WAIF (Wild, Abandoned, Indigent Fund)
West County Health Services Teen Counseling

The RR Sisters, working to make our community a better place to live!