Thousands demand civil rights for gay people: 1979

Washington Area Spark posted a photo:

More than 75,000 people from around the U.S. gather at a rally on the Mall near the Washington Monument Grounds October 14, 1979 calling for civil rights for gays and lesbians.

The march specifically demanded “an end to all social, economic, judicial and legal oppression of lesbian and gay people.”

The marchers called on Congress to amend the civil rights acts to protect lesbian and gay people against discrimination. They also hoped President Jimmy Carter would sign an executive order banning discrimination in the military and civil services and among government contractors.

Among the highlights of the demonstration were a 100-piece Great American Yankee (GAY) Freedom Band from Los Angeles and an 80 member gay chorus.

A small counter-demonstration of right wing Christian preachers led by Rev. Jerry Falwell branded the group sinners. Falwell asked the Lord to “deliver them from their lives of perversion.”

“God did not create Adam and Steve, but Adam and Eve,” said Falwell. He likened gay people to “bank robbers, thieves and other sinners.”

For more information and related images, see flic.kr/s/aHskcVHcxD

Photo by Steven Campo. The image is courtesy of the D.C. Public Library Washington Star Collection © Washington Post.