HENDERSONVILLE, N.C., July 5, 2006 — Last week a Muslim leader, sheik Ibrahim Sarsur who is also a member of the Kensett, warned gays that "if they dare to approach the Temple Mount during the World Pride 2006 parade in Jerusalem – they will do so over our dead bodies."
Charles Merrill, 72, a gay rights leader, stated, "I will be approaching the Temple Mount out of love and forgiveness to those who hate us. If the three major religions in the Middle East (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) want us stoned us to death as it dictates in their ancient scriptures, then our gentle innocent blood will be on their hands. Gays are the meek in society and love all of humanity."
Merrill is one of thousands of gays participating in World Pride 2006, a gay event in the holy city of Jerusalem. The event which is held in a different world city every four years was to have been in Jerusalem last summer but postponed due to the Israeli pullout from the Gaza.
Merrill will be marching in Jerusalem on August 10th as a celebration of universal love, and love across borders. Merrill's same sex partner, Kevin Boyle will remain in the USA to carry on in the event of Merrill's death at the hands of religious extremists.
Merrill, 72 – whose cousin, Charles Merrill, founded Merrill Lynch, and whose late wife, Evangeline, was the only daughter of Johnson & Johnson founder Robert Wood Johnson – wants other gays to join him in World Pride 2006, Jerusalem, Israel.
He initiated a Gay Tax protest ) which has gained strong momentum among gays due to being reported widely in the media.
Contact:
Charles Merrill
70 April Flowers Lane
Hendersonville, N.C. 28792
828-685-9673
Email
Contact in Jerusalem:
August 6-12, 2006
Charles Merrill, hotel guest
King David Hotel
Address 23 King David St
Phone 02/620-8888
Fax 02/620-8882
Email
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