WASHINGTON -- The first openly gay bishop in the U.S. Episcopal Church said the country has come a long way in the fight for equality, but it still has a ways to go.
The Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson, in town to participate in "Clergy Call for Justice & Equality 2009," spoke Monday at Calvary Baptist Church in Downtown D.C. Robinson talked about the need for full equality for all people and the work that remains to achieve that goal.
Robinson will join with more than 300 leaders of various faiths on Tuesday to urge lawmakers on Capitol Hill to pass legislation giving gay, bisexual and transgender victims of violence new protections under the law. An expanded hate crimes bill passed the House last week.
The group's appearance on the Hill will coincide with the D.C. Council's second vote on a bill to recognize gay marriages performed in other states where such unions are legal.
