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Gay parents crash Easter bash
18/04/2006 12:05 - (SA)
Washington - US President George W Bush and his wife Laura launched the annual White House Easter egg party on Monday, while managing to avoid any awkward moments with dozens of gay couples and their children who attended the outdoor event.
The Easter Egg Roll is a traditional all-American event held on the White House lawn each year since 1878, where kids push an egg with a giant wooden spoon, often with the proud president and his wife looking on.
But gay groups joined the queue for tickets - which were given out to families on a first-come, first served basis at the White House on Saturday.
Despite the opposition of conservative religious groups, Bush and his wife Laura chose not to prevent the gay parents from attending.
The gay groups said their gesture was meant to make their presence felt in American society even though Bush opposes legalising gay marriage.
Discreet approach
There were no confrontations or tense moments as the opening of the event was closed to the public, with the president and his wife meeting invited guests, including families of White House staff and volunteers.
The gay parents also chose a discreet approach without any explicit protest, identifying themselves with rainbow-coloured flowers.
"Like other parents in this country, we want to give our children the best opportunities, to shower them with love, to teach them respect and a love for the rich and diverse traditions America has to offer them," said Jennifer Chrisler, executive director for the Family Pride Coalition.
Politicising a family event
Family Pride has been behind the calls for gay groups to crash the White House party which conservatives have condemned as an attempt to politicise a family event.
Family Pride spokesperson Cathy Renna said the families who signed up to attend committed not to use slogans or even wear t-shirts that could get them barred from the White House.
In damp, chilly weather, First Lady Laura Bush issued an official welcome before the Easter eggs were rolled across soggy grass outside the White House.
Gay parents not mentioned
"In Washington, we know that spring has arrived when the White House lawn is filled with children for the Easter Egg Hunt," she said. "I want to thank all of the children here today who brought their parents with them."
The First Lady avoided commenting on the gay couples and before the event her office noted the rules: children of all ages are welcome but there must be at least one aged under seven in each group and no more than two adults in each group.
The office did not say anything about the sex of the parents.
Family Pride has said the omission was a good sign. "We think that sounds a very strong statement, despite the very unfortunate policies both locally and nationally that gay and lesbian parents face," said Renna.
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