Newspapers / Lambda (Carolina Gay and … / Feb. 1, 1987, edition 1 / Page 8
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m !!:^ ! ,!r )'! 'tfc:i ''•I !''i ir [ li ‘ >1 1 h |:ll!:'' ■ Ml. I'l ■ IM I I’l’ iiifi ’ h ''11 "II IJ'l'nl "l !))•> 8 Washington Update: HEARINGS EXPECTED ON NATIONAL LESBIAN AND GAY RIGHTS BILL With a record 50 «e»bers of the U.S. House of Representatives and 6 members of the U.S. Senate co-sponsoring the Gay and Lesbian Rights Bill this year, the climate appears to be favorable for actual com mittee hearings on the bills during the 100th Congress, according to reports from the Human Rights Campaign Fund, a national lesbian and gay political action and educ ation organization. Hearings are an im portant and necessary step towards passage of legislation. The House Bill was introduced as H.R. 709 on January 21 of this year by Rep. Ted Weiss (D-NY). The Senate version, S. 464 was introduced by Sen. Alan Cranston (D- CA) on February 4. The Senate version is co-sponsored by Senators Kennedy (D-MA), Weiker (R-CT) and Moynihan (D-NY) among others. It would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination based on "sexual or affectional orient ation" in housing, employment, education, accommodations, and public facilities. "We've worked long and hard with Rep. Weiss and Sen. Cranston to get this many co-sponsors," said Vic Basile, executive director of the Campaign Fund. "We intend to work equally hard to see that hearings are scheduled in the House in the near future." Hearings on the bill would allow both supporters and opponents an opportunity to go on record with their positions on the legislation. For lesbians and gays, this will mean a very high-profile forum in which to present evidence and arguments on behalf of their need for civil rights pro tection. It will also require that opponents put their biases and prejudice on record. Almost all the co-sponsors of the bills were recipients of contributions from the Campaign Fund in last November's election. Contributions from the fund are contingent on a candidate's promise to support the civil rights bill. Basile predicts that a record number of members of Congress will sign onto both bills as the year progresses. To make that happen, members of the gay and lesbian community and their supporters should write to their elected represent atives, urging them to support the bills. "Too often we hear people in Congress saying that they don't have any gays or lesbians in their districts," Basile said. "We know that isn't true. But the only way to prove it is for gay people to become visible." No North Carolina Senator or Congress- person has co-sponsored the bill. Sen ators and U.S. Representatives can be written (with "The Honorable" preceding their name) at the U.S. Senate, Washing ton, D.C. 20510, or at the U.S. House of Representatives, Washington D.C. 20515. The texts of the bills were read into the Congressional Record, or are available to be read at the CGLA office. ^ A COUNTRY JOURNAL OR GAY MEN EVERYWHERE SPHINl., SUMMER. lALL. R WINTER 3^PL£COPY LATEST ISSUE \O.DOREGULAR SUBSCRIPTIONCm) JjS.OOvjfTfi FIRST CLASS MAILING VKoirte l,Bair 127-E Bek^vttte, AC ^ LESBIAN AND GAY AWARENESS WEEK (continued from page 1) Maler, which has an intriguing gay theme. The play is tentatively scheduled for April 6, 7, 8 in Memorial Hall at UNC. Check the Union Box Office (962-1449) for ticket Information after Spring Break. Thank you Carolina Union! Back by popular demand will be a brown bag lunch with lesbian and gay activists to discuss campus, state, and national issues. Also, we will hold a forum on homosexuality and religion, and a workshop on homophobia for student leaders. Last but not least, is our traditional Blue Jeans Day. On this day we ask all supporters of gay and lesbian rights to wear their blue jeans. This effectively demonstrates to the campus that gays and lesbians are forced to be consciously awara of their appearance to be accepted by the "straight" majority. Remember not to skip class on this very important day! Also, if you have other ideas for the awareness celebration, please contact the CGLA office at 962-4401. -Mike Nelson i LGHP North Carolina Lesbian Sl Gay Health Project Post Office Box 3203 Durham, North Ciarolina 27705-1203 919/683-2182 Confidential Information & Assistance 24 hour arrswcnng machine "Healthline” - Medical referrals Social info Staffed Mon-Thurs. 6:30-9:30pm AIDS Project - Support of PVJAs Support group monthly Education program Community Education Lesbian Health Committee VOLUNTEERS ALWAYS VJELCOME iA. i:
Lambda (Carolina Gay and Lesbian Association, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
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Feb. 1, 1987, edition 1
8
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