Date: Fri, 18 Aug 1995 17:08:52 -0400 (EDT) From: David Casti Subject: ACTION ALERT: Alaska Newspaper Needs Letters Submitted by: TUMEO MARK A As you may be aware, the university of Alaska, in order to comply with a Court order, has instituted a new policy providing benefits to domestic partners. The action comes as a result of a suit filed January of 1994 by Mark Tumeo and Kate Wattum, two University of Alaska employees. The Juneau Empire, the only newspaper in the State capitol, has published a blistering editorial saying that "Benefits for 'domestic partners' threatens not only traditional family values but also the pocketbooks of every Alaskan".. The editorial is filled with the standard justifications that covering domestic partners is expensive, destroys the family and is bad public policy. ** What to do ** Write the Editor of the Juneau Empire and protest their lack of understanding and lack of facts for this diatribe against domestic partners. The more information they receive on how little domestic partnerships cost, the more they should realize this is NOT a money issue. Further explain that providing these beenfits DOES NOT undermine traditional family values - instead, it supports healthy, long-term, financially and emotionally commited relationships. It promotes the ability of people to take care of those they love WITHOUT government help OR interference - these are TRUE american family values - not the hate mongering the Juneau Empire editors are espousing. Send your letter to: Editor, Juneau Empire 3100 Channel Drive Juneau, Alaska 99801 or FAX it to 907-586-3028