Conservatives angry: Annual W.H. Easter egg roll will include gay families

Gay families to join White House Easter event
Conservatives angry that annual egg roll will be ‘crashed’ by activists


NEW YORK - Three months before the annual Easter egg roll at the White House, the usually festive event is already taking on a divisive edge because of plans by gay- and lesbian-led families to turn out en masse in hopes of raising their public profile.

The Family Pride Coalition and other organizers envision the April 17 action as a celebration that will earn good will and showcase their families engaging in the annual tradition.

“It’s important for our families to be seen participating in all aspects of American life,” said Family Pride executive director Jennifer Chrisler.

Yet some conservatives, alerted to the plans this week, accuse gay activists of trying to “crash” an event for children and turn it into a forum for ideological politicking. Some groups are discussing ways to respond. “It’s improper to use the egg roll for political purposes,” said Mark Tooley of the conservative Institute on Religion and Democracy. Tooley wrote a critical article this week in the Weekly Standard magazine about the planned event that has circulated widely on conservative Web sites.




Family Pride Coalition executive director Jennifer Chrisler, left, and her partner, Cheryl Jacques, are seen with their twin sons. The family plans to go to the White House's annual Easter celebration.