FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUNNYVALE, Calif., June 16, 2004 - Love Sees No Borders, an educational organization focused on raising awareness of the plight of same-sex binational couples and their fight to remain together, today hailed the passage of Assembly Joint Resolution 60 in the California State Assembly Judiciary Committee by a 8-3 vote. This resolution supports the federal Permanent Partners Immigration Act, currently in both houses of Congress. AJR 60 was introduced by Assemblywoman Sally J. Lieber (D-A22).

"California is once again leading the way in the fight for equality and what the committee has done is historic," said Leslie Bulbuk, co-founder of Love Sees No Borders. "The eventual passage of this resolution by the full California legislature will send a strong message to Washington that separating loving couples is no longer acceptable."

The Permanent Partners Immigration Act (H.R. 832, S. 1510), currently in both houses of Congress, would grant immigration benefits to same-sex binational couples in the U.S. When enacted, the bill would add the words "or permanent partner" each time the word "spouse" appears in immigration law. The bill would also define the term 'permanent partner' for immigration purposes. Currently 16 other countries grant recognition of same-sex relationships for immigration purposes.

Testifying in favor of the resolution were members of binational couples who shared their heart-wrenching stories. One testified that she and her partner might have to leave the country later this year if a work visa is not extended, and the other spoke of being unable to bring his partner to the U.S. due to discriminatory immigration laws. Assemblywoman Lieber stood by their side as they shared their stories.

“We thank Assemblywoman Lieber for her leadership on this issue,” said Marta Donayre, Love Sees No Borders co-founder. “When Love Sees No Borders approached her with this issue, she was very eager to do whatever she could to help eradicate this injustice. She is a maverick for binational same-sex couples, and we cannot thank her enough for her vocal support. We also thank Equality California, the sponsoring organization of this resolution, for their hard work in advocating for its passage.”

About Love Sees No Borders

Love Sees No Borders is an organization dedicated to promoting awareness of the plight of same-sex binational couples in the United States. Our work includes media outreach, public speaking and other educational activities. For more information about the organization and how to support our efforts through a donation, please visit www.loveseesnoborders.org.

Note to Editors: Leslie Bulbuk is a woman.

Copyright ©2004 Love Sees No Borderspyright ©2003 Love Sees No Borders