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MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release
January 22, 2010
Contact: Jody Cofer
info@kentuckyfairness.org / 270-703-1582
STATEMENT: KENTUCKY FAIRNESS ALLIANCE APPLAUDS SUPREME COURT OF KENTUCKY
FRANKFORT – The Supreme Court of Kentucky issued their ruling today in University of the Cumberlands v. Rev. Penneybacker, et al. the appellate case following Rev. Penneybacker, et al v. Steven L. Beshear (formerly Ernie L. Fletcher) in his official capacity as Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
“The Supreme Court’s decision today reaffirms what Ret. Franklin Circuit Judge Crittenden stated in 2008 when he ruled against state-subsidized discrimination,” said Travis Myles, KFA Board Chairperson. “Kentucky taxpayers aren’t expected to fund private, religion-based institutions. This is a timely and important victory for Kentucky benefiting our state’s commitment to excellence in public education and the struggle for inclusive public policy for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. Finally, we want to thank David Tachau for representing our interests so passionately and professionally throughout the duration of this case.”
Brent McKim, Jefferson County Teachers Association President, said, “This decision affirms our belief that public money should only go to public institutions. We applaud the Supreme Court for upholding the law and ensuring that Kentucky’s tax dollars are not used to promote discriminatory religious institutions.”
David Tachau of Tachau Meek PLC represented KFA, Christina Gilgor, Rev. Dr. Pennybacker, Rev. Dr. Simmons, and the Jefferson County Teachers Association. Supporting briefs were filed by the Kentucky Education Association, American Civil Liberties Union, and the American Jewish Congress.
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Kentucky Fairness Alliance is the leading statewide nonprofit organization that seeks to advance fairness for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people through leadership development, public education and by encouraging participation in the democratic process. kentuckyfairness.org
The Ampersand symbolizes the solidarity we are building through Friends & Family, and suggests the inclusiveness we are working toward. It reflects the idea that no one individual, legislator, organization, or city can carry all the water for equality. Our success lies in our solidarity.
