Gay Activist Conference In Minnesota Has Faith Focus

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Gay activists gathering in Minneapolis for a national convention will be seeing a new focus on faith issues.

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force holds its annual conference in Minneapolis starting Wednesday. Thousands of activists are expected for discussions on civil rights issues including the effort to expand gay marriage and dealing with new Republican leadership in Washington.

But organizers say this year's meeting will focus more than ever before on faith-based organizing. Lead organizer Sue Hyde says it's an effort to mobilize gay believers who can counter religious groups on the other side of rights issues.

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