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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, October 15, 2001 Syracuse, NY (Hanley Federal Building) - On Monday afternoon (2 pm), October 15th, a group of mothers and fathers will present their petitions for a Family Rights Act at the offices of Congressman James Walsh, Senator Charles Schumer, and newly elected Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. Their petitions will take the form of pictures of their children, with a message asking for restoration of their Civil Right to be a parent. Some traveled from as far as Ohio. A few of the group members, associated with AKidsRight.Org, will spend some time quietly walking in the halls outside of the offices of these same legislators, simply carrying a picture of their children. They accept some risk of arrest by doing this and had sent a polite letter to the Building Manager notifying them of the upcoming peaceful action. John Murtari, a native of Lyons, New York and a former Air Force pilot and Academy graduate is a local coordinator for the group. He is the President of a small Internet startup company located in Baldwinsville, NY. After about 15 prior arrests occurring last year for similar activity, all charges were dismissed, and his right to peacefully petition inside the building was recognized. This was described as the use of NonViolent Action to demonstrate their willingness to make sacrifice our of their love for family. A spokesperson for the group expressed frustration that even after several letters and meetings earlier this year with his staff, there has been little progress to acknowledge their plight and the need for Federal protection of parents and families. In contrast to the bitterness and anger which is normally associated with protest efforts and family issues -- these people plan a positive attitude. The spokesperson was careful to note they were NOT going there to condemn the Legislators as a "bad people" or as someone who doesn't care about family or children's issues; however, as a natural part of the political process they plan to show their concern over the issue and to increase their sensitivity to their cause. They are hoping for Congressional Hearings into Family Law reform so that the many parents affected by the present patchwork of laws across the nation will have a chance to tell their stories. AKidsRight.Org, made up of both mother and fathers, wants to see strong protection to the parent/child bond. Recognition of their right to an equal relationship with their children, and the protection of a Jury when that relationship is threatened by either divorce, separation, or the action of child protective services. They first see Federal Civil Rights action and failing that, Congressional action to amend the US Constitution to formally recognize this right. For more information over the weekend and Monday morning: contact: John Murtari, a group coordinator, at (office: 315-635-1968,x-211)(cell: 315-372-4830). Background information at the web site: http://www.AKidsRIght.Org/ |
