Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2000 19:59:24 -0800 From: Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation Subject: GLAADLines - January 10, 2000 GLAADLines FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JANUARY 10, 2000 News and Breaking Stories about the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community 1. Kentucky tries for own EDNA 2. Second soldier in Winchell murder pleads guilty; SLDN calls for high command resignation 3. GLAAD survey 1. Kentucky tries for own EDNA: While the federal government has yet to provide nondiscrimination protection in housing and employment that includes sexual orientation, members of the Kentucky House of Representatives have begun a state version. Sponsored by Reps. Mary Lou Marzian and Kathy W. Stein, both Democrats, HB 7 would "=8A prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation in housing and employment; prohibit insurance agencies and financial institutions from discriminating based on sexual orientation in housing and mortgage-related transactions." The bill was introduced to the House on Jan. 4 and is now in the Judiciary Committee, of which Stein is a member. Marzian said she put the bill forward "Because I feel it is very necessary to protect all of our citizens. We've had some communities pass similar legislation and it is time we do it statewide." Because Kentucky is a "very conservative state," Marzian said she believes it could be difficult to get the bill passed, but at least the dialogue will get started. Contact Maria Price, spokesperson for Kentucky Fairness Alliance, a coalition of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and allies working for equal rights, at 502-897-1973 for more information. 2. Second soldier in Winchell murder pleads guilty; SLDN calls for high command resignation: Spc. Justin R. Fisher, the second soldier charged in the murder of Pfc. Barry Winchell, a soldier thought to be gay, was sentenced Jan. 8 to 12 1/2 years imprisonment. Fisher pleaded guilty to making false statements to Army investigators, obstructing justice and for supplying alcohol to a minor, Pvt. Calvin N. Glover, 19, who was sentenced to life imprisonment Dec. 8 for the premeditated murder of Winchell. Fisher also had been charged with premeditated murder and for acting as an accessory after the fact, but those charges were dropped as part of a plea agreement. Washington, D.C.-based Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), a group that represents gay and lesbian service members, has expressed dissatisfaction with the plea agreement, calling it and the reduced sentence a "travesty." Without the agreement, Fisher could have received 20 years. "We are appalled by the fact that Specialist Fisher was so instrumental in Private First Class Winchell's murder, yet all charges directly related to the murder were dropped in a plea bargain agreement," said SLDN Co-executive director Michelle Benecke. "This agreement is just another example of how the command at Fort Campbell failed Barry Winchell." SLDN has called for the resignation of Fort Campbell's Maj. Gen. Robert T. Clarke, the commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division. The group cites him as "the commander responsible for the lack of supervision, lack of leadership and excessive drinking in the barracks that, with anti-gay harassment, created the conditions" for Winchell's harassment and murder. SLDN Co-Executive Director C. Dixon Osburn said, "PFC Winchell's murder could have been prevented by the command at Fort Campbell." In related news, Winchell's parents are considering suing the Army for its failure to protect their son from the harassment that led to his death and for not adequately enforcing the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue" policy. Contact SLDN's Steve Ralls at 202-328-3244 for more information on the group's activities in the aftermath of Winchell's murder. 3. 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