Date: Tue, 7 Feb 1995 11:54:50 -0500 From: Babngltf@aol.com ************************************************* National Gay and Lesbian Task Force FLASH POINTS Contact: Robin Kane (202) 332-6483 ext. 3311 (800) 757-7736 pager rakngltf@aol.com 2320 17th Street NW Washington, DC 20009 ************************************************* News tips for reporters covering gay/lesbian/bisexual issues FEBRUARY 6, 1995 Pierre, South Dakota -- Same Sex Wedding Ban -- Legislation Pending Issue: A bill banning homosexual marriages has sailed through the state legislature of South Dakota, setting up a battle over same-sex unions that could have national implications. House Bill 1184, "An Act to prohibit a marriage between persons of the same gender," was passed 54-13 February 2. The bill, which is only seven lines long, says, "Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of South Dakota...any marriage between person of the same gender is null and void." Local gay activists, stunned by the swiftness of the measure's movement, expect it to come up for senate vote in the very near future. The Rapid City Journal stated that the measure would also allow South Dakota to ignore rights provided in other states to gay couples who have been legally married in their states, and then move to South Dakota. Currently, same sex marriage is not legal in any state in the U.S., but is being deliberated in the state of Hawaii. A high court ruling there is expected later this year or next year. Should Hawaii rule in favor of same sex marriages, the question of whether or not those unions are recognized in other states would be raised to the forefront. "Clearly this is a preemptive strike against recognition of our loving unions," said Robert Bray, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) Fight the Right organizer. NGLTF is assisting activists in South Dakota battle the measure and organize against the growing Radical Right. Local contact: Barry Wick, a gay activist near Rapid City who is forming a new group called the South Dakota Gay and Lesbian Federation, phone (605)341-0245. NGLTF contact: Robert Bray, NGLTF field organizer, at (415)552-6448, rfbngltf@aol.com.. Other contact: Evan Wolfson, Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund's Marriage Project, (212)995-8585. Lehigh Valley, PA -- Gay Insinuations in Murder Case -- Ongoing Issue: There has been a twist in the national news story involving a surrogate father who is suspected of killing his infant child. James Austin has been charged in the possible beating death of his surrogate child. Police in Hanover Township, Pennsylvania searched Austin's home and found pornographic materials, some of which was gay-themed. This information was then turned over to the local media and two newspapers published the titles of materials seized. While no one is certain as to Austin's sexual orientation, the release of this information has led to insinuations that Austin may be gay and would therefore be an "unfit" parent. The Lehigh Valley Gay and Lesbian Task Force (LVGLTF) is meeting with the police to discuss the agency's release of unnecessary details of Austin's private life. LVGLTF is working to pro-actively prevent the defamation and scapegoating of gay, lesbian and bisexual parents. NGLTF is assisting LVGLTF in responding to the media, building a coalition of supportive groups and educating the community about gay and lesbian parents. Local contact: Manuel Gonzalez, LVGLTF, 610-515-1551. NGLTF contact: Robert Bray, NGLTF organizer, 415-552-6448, rfbngltf@aol.com. Other contact: Tim Fisher, Gay & Lesbian Parents Coalition International, 201-783-6204. Detroit, MI -- Workplace Conference -- February 10, 1995 Issue: Wayne State University, NGLTF, Affirmations and the Triangle Foundation are co-sponsors of a one day conference on discrimination issues in the workplace. NGLTF Board Co-chair Chris Collins will offer the opening plenary and NGLTF Executive Director Melinda Paras will close the day with a plenary about employment issues in the future. Paula Ettelbrick, of Empire State Pride Agenda, will also address the conference. Workshops will feature speakers from IBM, the United Auto Workers, local law firms and other experts on workplace issues. The full-day event will be held at McGregor Memorial Conference Center at Wayne State University Local contact: Jan Stevenson, executive director of Affirmations, (810) 398-7105. NGLTF contact: Robin Kane, public information director, 202-332-6483, ext. 3311, 800-757-7736 pager, rakngltf@aol.com. Helena, MT -- Non-discrimination Bill -- Hearings on February 10 Issue: The Montana State House Judiciary Committee will hold hearings February 10 on HB388, an amendment to the Montana Human Rights Act that would add sexual orientation to the list of classes protected from discrimination in public and private employment, public accommodations, housing and credit. The measure was introduced by Rep. Bob Ream (D-Missoula) and is co-sponsored on the Republican side by Rep. John Bohlinger (R-Billings). Both the Montana State Senate and House of Representatives are overwhelmingly Republican controlled. Local contact: Sandy Hale, PRIDE!, (406)442-9322; Chris Kaufman, Montana Human Rights Network, (406) 442-5506; Reps. Bob Ream, John Bohlinger and Bob Clark, (406)444-4800. NGLTF contact: Robin Kane, public information director, 202-332-6483, ext. 3311, 800-757-7736 pager, rakngltf@aol.com. --end--