Singer Sir Elton John will perform next
month for the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER), a group
formed specifically to support a challenge to California's gay
marriage ban, Proposition 8.
Sir Elton will perform a concert on
January 19 at the Beverly Hills estate of Ron Burkle.
“We are deeply honored to have the
support of Sir Elton John,” Chad Griffin, board president of AFER,
said in a statement. “The American Foundation for Equal Rights
stands for the enduring principle that all Americans are created
equal, and believes that ending state-sanctioned discrimination is a
critical step we must take toward ending the hate crimes and suicides
that continue to claim the lives of young Americans.”
Lawyers return to court on Monday to
present oral arguments before a three-judge appeals panel.
“AFER's stellar legal team lead by
Theodore B. Olson and David Boies will defend what we proved
conclusively at the district court: Marriage is a fundamental right;
denying that right to gay and lesbian Americans harms them and their
families; when same-sex couples can marry, they and their children
benefit at no one's expense,” Griffin added.
AFER
is giving away a trip for two to see Sir Elton perform live in
Beverly Hills. The prize package includes admission for two,
round-trip airfare from anywhere in the U.S., plus two nights in a
hotel.