From: Facessd@aol.com Date: Fri, 5 Jan 1996 16:38:55 -0500 Subject: Press ReleaseJanuary 5, 1996 Free Americans Creating Equal Status of South Dakota, Inc FACES of South Dakota, Inc Barry Wick, President/Executive Director 13121 South Creekview Road Rapid City, South Dakota 57702 605-343-5577 email: Facessd@aol.com January 5, 1996 For Immediate National Release "An attack on human rights by a few South Dakota legislators does not speak for the majority of South Dakotans who recognize every adult citizen's right to work and earn a living, freedom to love and live a peaceful life with their adult partner, and to be free of discrimination, harassment and violence," said Barry Wick, Executive Director of Free Americans Creating Equal Status of South Dakota, Inc. of Rapid City. Two articles appearing on different sides of the tell the story of a state where homophobia is rampant. An article in the Sioux Falls Argus Leader is titled "Legislator to reintroduce bill banning gay marriage." Gays and lesbians across the state had expected Rep. Roger Hunt, R-Brandon, to reintroduce the bill that was defeated by one vote in the senate last March. A second article entitled "Amendment would ban affirmative action" appeared in the Rapid City Journal also on January 5th. In that article three legislators, Sen. Alan Aker, R-Rapid City, Rep. Helena Hassard, R-Hot Springs and Rep. Harvey Krautschun, R-Sturgis, support an amendment to the state constitution banning affirmative action though the article contains anti-gay overtones. "Four South Dakota legislators are attempting to pass laws with statements that encourage discrimination or worse against lesbians, gay, bisexuals and transgendered persons. Rep. Roger Hunt, R-Brandon, wants the state legislature to spend more time and money again on banning marriage for adult gays and lesbians already disallowed by law. He's reintroducing the bill according to an article in the Jan. 5 Sioux Falls Argus Leader. "The three legislators attempting to ban affirmative action seek to force companies to stop hiring the best qualified persons even if those persons might be gay or lesbian. This isn't encouraging businesses to come and invest in South Dakota. This tells national and international businesses that their recruiting practices and their offers of benefits are wrong. This discourages business from coming to South Dakota." said Wick. The Rapid City Journal article went on: " Hassard said the proposed amendment does not prohibit discrimination or preferential hiring for sexual preference. Language to that effect was removed from the bill this week, she said. " Sen. Aker said, "We decided that wouldn't be appropriate." Aker said he and Hassard did not intend the amendment to allow gay marriages or to force Boy Scout Troops to hire homosexual scout leaders." Said Wick, "If Aker and Hassard actually used this example, then they would both be guilty of stereotyping, demonizing and marginalizing gays and lesbians. Studies now show that children, particularly girls, are more likely to be molested by a family member. Using the spectre of child molestation to fear-monger legislation into law is reprehensible." "Rep. Hassard is reported by the Rapid City Journal to have said "We are Americans...We have to finally understand we can't go on splitting up." Yet Hassard is further to have said her bill to ban affirmative action will not prohibit discrimination for sexual preference. By doing so she encourages discrimination against lesbians and gays or people perceived to be gay or lesbian. Further, she's telling companies that already hire gays and lesbians and provide insurance benefits to same-sex partners in South Dakota not to do business with or in the state of South Dakota. That's anti-business and a surprising position for a Republican legislator. Additionally, she never tried to stop verbal gay-bashing on the floor of the House last year and voted to ban same-sex marriage in support of Roger Hunt's hatred of gays and lesbians," said Wick Wick says Hunt and his supporters have demonized and marginalized law-abiding, tax-paying, business owning, and hard-working gay and lesbian citizens of this state by promoting the ban on same-sex marriage. "Many good citizens will most likely oppose anti-gay legislation and reckless statements by legislators who encourage discrimination," said Wick. Free Americans Creating Equal Status of South Dakota, Inc. is a non-profit, educational organization supporting the first state gay and lesbian library, the first statewide newsletter for gays and lesbians, and provides information for the betterment of conditions for the state's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered citizens. FACES of South Dakota, Inc. sponsored the first statewide organizing tour for gays and lesbians in South Dakota in October last year. It also sponsored the state's first candlelight vigils for gay and lesbian victims of discrimination and violence in Vermillion and Sioux Falls.