Fight for Freedom This July 4th: By Barbara McCullough-Jones

It is with mixed emotions I send you our greetings for the 4th of July holiday. I am a strong believer in the US Constitution and the promises of freedom it holds. Freedom from unjust laws, freedom from tyranny, freedom from government intrusion and freedom to pursue happiness in our lives.

It is these very freedoms however that came under attack this week in the Arizona State Senate chamber. No doubt many in our LGBT and allied communities are grieving over the actions of a few that now impact so many.

I invite you now though in the spirit and power of our country's independence to lift your head up high. Gather your family and friends around you in a celebration of the love we share, the hope for our future and power that we can and must now harness. Together, we will take back our state from those who rule with fear, those who cheat the very system they are charged to uphold and those who rely on dividing Arizonan against Arizonan for political gain.

Sandra and I will host as we do every year our annual 4th of July BBQ at our home. Our family and friends will gather to tell stories, eat, swim, play backyard games and enjoy each other's company. It is the power of love we experience together that will continue to fuel us to put one foot in front of the other and continue the march toward equality.

At the entrance to the Arizona Supreme Court a partial quote submitted by John P. Frank, Esq. of the Phoenix law firm of Lewis and Roca is written, "Where Law Ends, Tyranny Begins."

My friends, I say where the people rise up and hold government accountable, tyranny ends.

It is your time, talents and treasures that will give the power of government back to the people. Please join our crusade for equality.

Chill the watermelon, fire-up the BBQ and get ready to refuel your heart and soul. We need you now more than ever to stay in the fight. Enjoy your family and friends and be safe during the holiday celebrations.

Happy 4th of July!

Yours in equality,

Barbara McCullough-Jones, Executive Director Equality Arizona