Date: Sat, 31 May 1997 08:48:14 -0400 (EDT) From: A Jay Eddy Subject: Thank you for Help - FL Gov Chiles Affords Codification of Anti-Same-Sex Unions (his spin) May 31, 1997 "For Immediate Release" Friends: You've all done a great job! Athought this is a set back we've been able to focus on the truth about bigotry, hate and discrimination. Like "Don't- Ask - Don't Tell," regardless of our numbers, we've keep our struggle for equality alive through faith and persistence. Mof Warren, President Broward Log Cabin Club of Florida P.O. Box 1281, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33302 * * * * * forwarded message - F.Y.I. * * * * * * Date: Fri, 30 May 1997 02:02:10 -0400 (EDT) From: RadioGage@aol.com Subject: ...and now the rest of the story Governor Lawton Chiles has decided he will allow House Bill 147, the measure which bans the recognition of same-gender marriages, to go into law without his signature on June 5th. In a statement faxed out to the media (long after the deadlines of Tallahassee's broadcast media!) the Governor said the following: "I am allowing this bill to become law despite some concerns that I have. I carefully reviewed this bill because I wanted to ensure that it does not, in any way, discriminate against any Florida citizen. I always have been a strong supporter of equal rights--regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation or religion. My commitment remains as strong today as ever. "I also wanted to determine whether this bill could be construed to impair private contracts in any way. More and more private companies have chosen to extend health and other benefits to certain domestic partnerships and it would be inappropriate for the state to attempt to limit their ability to do so. In fact, this legislation does not impair private contracts such as this. "Current Florida law states that a marriage is between a man and a woman. This bill says that no other state or jurisdiction can change that Florida policy. It protects Florida's right to establish its own laws about this important issue. "There can and should be a reasoned public debate on this issue. I believe that, by and large, most Floridians are tolerant and will one day come to view a broader range of domestic partnerships as an acceptable part of life. But, that is not the case today. "This issue should not be decided by the action of another state--it should be addressed by Floridians. I hope that my decision today is no the end of the debate, but the beginning of a dialogue. There can, and should be, a reasoned and informed discussion on this issue. But, this discussion must occur among Floridians-- and should be done with understanding, open minds and compassion." I plan to catch up with the Governor before he leaves town on Friday for Sarasota to ask him more questions about this decision which comes in advance of the June 4th deadline on HB147. And I will have reaction to his decision from various people who've been waiting to see what he would do (so far I have heard "Bastard!" "Son of a Bitch!" "Wimp!" and "Chicken!"). The report will air on Florida Public Radio's "Capital Report" which airs on public radio stations throughout Florida (WFSU airs the program on Fridays at 6:30PM). ************* more ********* Sample of one of the notes received over the last 2 weeks. Although we face a temporary set back and a series of spins on the issue- like "don't ask - don't tell" - we have not failed in letting the truth be known. Keep up the great work. Andy ajayeddy@bcfreenet.seflin.lib.fl.us ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Thr, 29 May 1997 08:11:34 -0700 From: Cliff Anchor Subject: YOUR HELP WANTED FOR THE CAUSE OF CIVIL RIGHTS The following was sent via fax (904) 487-0801 to governor Chiles this am. Please do likewise to protest the homophobic legislation. just so that you know: I am SURE, by now, that WIlson regrets he nominated me, and Bush appointed me to SS. But I refuse to resign, because I enjoy being a thorn in the side of the Religious Reich, and the appointment gives me an (official) opportunity to ask public questions which point out the Military's discrimination. Being the only openly gay man on a Selective Service Board gives us all an unique opportunity to needle the buggers! -Cliff ================================================================= ========= Fax Transmission To: Governor Chiles of Florida From: Lt. Colonel Cliff Anchor (RET) Date: 30 May 1997 Subject: VETO CBHS-147 Dear Governor: I am asking you to VETO the above anti-Gay, homophobic legislation. Florida has suffered greatly in recent times because of the violence perpetrated upon minorities, particularly visitors to your state. The State's record on Black civil rights and accomodation of the Racial Supremacists by politicians does not speak well for Florida's suitability as a place to visit for Europeans. The Racial Supremacists of yesteryear are the Religious Supremacists of today! Strangely, while Britain's own politicians are enacting Domestic Partners Laws and passing civil rights laws which extend THE SAME rights to homosexuals as are enjoyed by heterosexuals, the USA (The country which boasts the most about FREEDOM) has done much to undermine the civil rights of its citizens and visitors from abroad. Politicians either leave town and cut and run to avoid doing their duty, or they toady to the extremists similar to those who bombed clinics, federal buildings, kill policemen and children. I am asking YOU to be a STATESMAN, and to VETO the legislation above. I have been told by someone in your government that you plan to absent yourself and that the above legislation will become law in your planned absence. I know it takes courage to stand up to extremism, but I think you are the kind of man that has it within you, otherwise I would not be faxing you this message. IF the above DOES become law, I shall notify every European broadcast colleague of the action and point out, as I have pointed out to you, that Florida is NOT a safe place for tourists. The legislaiton encourages discrimination of the most blatant kind, AND it promotes violence because you are saying that we who are gay are sub-humans and have lesser rights in your State. Sincerely, Cliff Anchor Charter Life Member, International Broadcasters' Society Past President, Monte Rio Chamber of Commerce (2 terms) Wilson/Bush Appointee to Selective Service System Board 10. Cliff Anchor anchor@wclynx.com POB 250 Monte Rio, CA 95462 (707) 869-0123