Release

SHOWTIME DOCUMENTARY "SAME SEX AMERICA" ON THE SANCTIONING OF GAY MARRIAGE IN MASSACHUSETTS AIRS JUNE 27 AT 8PM ET/PT

Seven Gay and Lesbian Couples Wed Amid a Treacherous Political Landscape
 
 
Los Angeles , May 16, 2005 – Ever since Massachusetts became the first state in the nation to sanction gay marriage, a political, emotional and personal battle has ensued between those attempting to reverse the decision and those rising to its defense. The stories of seven gay and lesbian couples on their emotional journey to the altar are woven together in the documentary SAME SEX AMERICA , which will air on Showtime Monday, June 27 at 8:00pm ET/PT. The film had its world premiere at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival and will be part of the network’s programming for Gay Pride Month in June.     SAME SEX AMERICA is a film by Henry Corra & Charlene Rule and is directed by Henry Corra.
 
Intimate interviewscapture the elation and anxiety, anticipation and apprehension of the engaged couples and their families. The film takes us through the timeline of their struggle, which begins on November 18, 2003 when the Massachusetts Supreme Court hands down a landmark ruling: “to deny gays and lesbians the right to marry is to deny them dignity and equality under law.” However, what appears to be the end of a long battle is, in fact, only the beginning of a new one. In February 2004, the legislature convenes the state’s first Constitutional Convention in more than a decade to debate a proposed amendment that would ban gay marriage. After weeks of deadlock, the lawmakers decide on an amendment that would ban gay marriage yet legalize “civil-unions,” an amendment that Massachusetts voters will be able to ratify – or reject – in 2006. In the meantime, same-sex couples across the state can legally take their vows.
 
We journey with the seven betrothed gay and lesbian couples as they navigate this treacherous political landscape, watching Corey and Jonathon cradle their newborn baby inside the statehouse while opposing the marriage ban amendment; witnessing Shelley and Deborah, who reside in Brooklyn, NY, lie about where they “intend” to live in order to slip through a loophole of Massachusetts’ marriage law; and accompanying
 
 Keith to town hall to legally adopt his partner Al’s last name. Finally, we celebrate with all the couples, their children, family and friends as they enjoy a day that many couples take for granted but that they have fought voraciously for – their wedding day.
 
Although these couples still fear that next year their marriages may not be recognized by the state, hope is not lost. One lesbian expresses the ultimate triumph: “It’s not that we can get married. It’s that the world is gonna change, and maybe, it’s gonna get better.”
 
SAME SEX AMERICA is a presentation of Showtime Independent Films in association with Corra Films / K2 Pictures. The film is directed by Henry Corra, edited by Charlene Rule and produced by Alex R. Johnson. Robert F. Katz, Jerry Kupfer, and Jay Peterson serve as executive producers.

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