This should really annoy Pat R.

From 365gay.com today

(Washington) Same-sex couples are being encouraged by a national organization that promotes gay marriage to bring their children to this year's White House Easter Egg Roll on April 17th.

Family Pride says that more than 100 same-sex households have signed up with the group to attend the annual event where White House staff each year hide Easter Eggs on the grounds of the Executive Mansion for children to find.

Family Pride on its Web site says gay family participation is not a protest.

"This is a celebration of our families," it says. "We want to give our fellow citizens the opportunity to see us as real families, participating in a great American tradition on the White House lawn, rather than protesting from the sidelines."

But, the issue has raised the hackles of conservative groups.

On Wednesday the issue came up at the White House daily news briefing when Presidential spokesperson Scott McClellan was asked by a reporter for a conservative publication: "Will the President take any measures to prevent these activists from using this non-political event as a way to push their agenda on the rest of us?"

McClellan was not committal in his response.

"Well, this event is a time to celebrate Easter and to have a good family celebration here at the White House, he replied. "And in terms of any other details about it, I think it's still a few months off, so we'll talk about it as we get closer. I've seen a couple of reports about it; I don't know how extensive that reporting has been. But this has been a family event for a long time and the President always looks forward to this event.

Family Pride executive director Jennifer Chrisler said on Thursday that it will resist any attempt to exclude families headed by same-sex couples.

“By participating in this American tradition we hope to show our children a great time while introducing our families to the American public in a genuine and respectful way," Chrisler said.

"I know my four-year-old twin sons are going to have a terrific time and I invite anyone with children to come to this cherished event.”

It is estimated there are approximately 9 million children are being raised in LGBT-headed households across the country.

"Our parents live in every corner of this country, rural and urban, red states and blue states, and we strive like every other parent in this country to give our children the best opportunities, to shower them with love, to teach them respect and a love for the rich and diverse traditions America has to offer them,” said Chrisler.

©365Gay.com 2006