Date: Sat, 9 Sep 1995 06:45:15 -0400 (EDT)
From: David Casti <disc@casti.com>
Subject: ACTION ALERT: Ignorance abounds in Alaksa Newspapers 


Submitted by: TUMEO MARK A <ffmat@aurora.alaska.edu>


Once again, an Alaska Newspaper has issued an editorial full of 
misinformation and lies about a recent decision by the University of 
Alaska to provide domestic partnership benefits.  In an editorial in the 
Anchorage Daily News, the editor attempts to justify a homophobic 
reaction to domestic partnerships  by "setting aside moral and social 
implications and considering the economic costs involved"

The editorial then goes on to completely lie about the benefits program.  
The article states "Employees would find themselves in a position of 
almost unlimited possibilities....Just sign an affidavit and bring a 
friend, relaitve, neighbor or whoever - and their kids - under the 
umbrella of state health care insurance"

  The truth is the requirements to qualify for domestic partnership 
benefits are more stringent than many married people could meet.  There 
must be significant evidence of LEGALLY ENFORCABLE FINANCIAL 
INTERDEPENDENCE, including joint mortgage or rental agreements, creditc 
cards and custody of children.  Further, their must be proof that such a 
financial interdependency has existed for at least one-year prior to 
application.  Finally, you cannot be related by blood to a degree that 
would prohibit marriage (e.g. no relatives) and you may only have ONE 
partner.  If that partnership ends, you cannot apply for benefits for 
another partner for at least one year.

  Clearly, the editor didn't even read the policy before issuing his 
diatribe !!  His real point is made at the end when he condescendingly 
declares "State policy must recognize and uphold, not erofde, the 
legitimacy of the marriage contract".  The editorial is filled with the 
typical concerns that the government is "legitimizing" a lifestyle that 
is unacceptable.

** What to Do ***

Write a letter to the Anchorage Daily News opposing their anti-family 
veiws and their attempts to demean meaningful domestic partnerships.  
Letters should be addressed to:

Editor, Anchorage Daily News
P.O. Box 149001
Anchorage, Alaska  99514

Or FAX letter to (907) 258-21578

You might consider using a letter similar to those sent to the Juneau 
Empire earlier in August.  As a note, the Juneau Empire has received "a 
lot of letters" according to the acting editor.  There is a community 
meeting tomorrow with the Editorial Board to discuss their new policy 
which seems to be vicious and extremely conservative.  Perhaps change is 
in the air ?  Keep those letters comming, it's important that Anchorage, 
the largest city, isn't subjected to misinformation without being 
challenged. !!!

Thanks for all the help !!!

** MArk Tumeo **