Date: Sat, 05 Apr 1997 10:31:50 -1000 queerpolitics@abacus.oxy.edu, queerplanet@abacus.oxy.edu, submit@qrd.org, glb-news@listserv.aol.com From: lambda@aloha.net (Martin Rice) Subject: Hawai`i Action Alerts, Updates and Information #3 Aloha kakahiaka kakou. Many favorable responses to yesterday's "Delegation of Aloha" at the state Capitol in Honolulu. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>< FEEDBACK: STAND-INS: I'm mad as hell . . . . ROD SWIFT KEN SCOTT KATHY WORTHINGTON TOM RAMSEY: HAWAI`I NEWS, April 4: Supportive radio ads start airing CAROLYN GOLOJUCH: Special Mahalo to PFLAG Los Angeles! VANESSA CHONG: Mahalo Nui Loa to the Aloha Delegation DOUG WORTHAM VIA KATHY WORTHINGTON: Cool CHUCK KISSELBURG: Letter to the Editor of the GARDEN ISLAND (not published yet) TOM RAMSEY: HAWAI`I NEWS, April 5: More ads! TRACEY BENNETT: A friendly Capitol rally CAROLYN GOLOJUCH: "Family Rights Weekend" Update KEN SCOTT: Letter to the Editor of the GARDEN ISLAND (not published yet) <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> FEEDBACK FROM ROD SWIFT: Suggestion. It is not illegal to block the entrances to churches is it? Picket line the bastards. Form a human wall on the sidewalk so they can't get in. Surround the churches. Chant that if churches oppose the rights of the people to marry, then the people will oppose the rights of the church to meet. Rod "...idea to pass around, quick!" Swift :) RESPONSE: Will they keep us out if we want to observe the services? <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> FEEDBACK FROM KEN SCOTT: Good idea! I'll be there! Anytime sounds good to me. But why only once? Perhaps a few times, or on an ongoing basis, would be good. I could wear my T-shirt that reads "A Catholic priest is twenty times more likely to molest your child than is a homosexual." That's something I need to do [close a checking account at FHB]. It's just such a hassle changing banks, but I will, soon! Keep standing, as long as it's for truth and justice! <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> FEEDBACK FROM KATHY WORTHINGTON: Now, there's a novel idea; Catholic mass in the morning, Mormon church or something in the afternoon. Name the time and place, guys, we'll be glad to join you! Don't forget to wear dresses and slacks to the Mormon one, if it's a church meeting, or they won't let you in. Wait a minute, did I say a dress? Well, maybe I won't make it to that one after all. Unless one of you guys has a dress you want to lend me. . . . Just teasing. . . . I ACTUALLY DO own a dress or two - Maybe if we do that "mormon disneyland" we won't have to dress up? Kathy Worthington, Salt Lake City MR's NOTE: That "mormon disneyland" is in actuality The Polynesian Cultural Center, which rakes in tens of millions annually but pays no taxes. None of us will be required to wear dresses there! ;^) <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> NEWS FROM TOM RAMSEY: HAWAI`I NEWS, April 4: RADIO ADS RUN TODAY ON THE 4 BIGGEST STATIONS ON OAHU FEATURING DONNA FAITH ELDRIDGE OF THE HAWAII COUNCIL OF CHURCHES: FOR CIVIL RIGHTS PLEASE FORWARD CAUTIOUSLY; FOR HAWAII RESIDENTS ONLY A special thank you to Mark Breda and Carol Greenhouse of Marriage Project-Hawaii, for three weeks of editing various possible ads and negotiating air time with radio stations statewide. A special thank you as well, to Vanessa Chong of the ACLU, who worked quietly and effectively to obtain the Hawaii Council of Churches statement in support of full civil rights for gays and lesbians. Please follow up the ad by visiting, writing, faxing, phoning, CONTACTING your legislators. This is the proverbial week where the s**t hits the fan. Today, at 1 pm, Vanessa Chong will lead people in a walk-about of the Senate offices. Gather at 12:50 in the central courtyard of the Capitol building if you'd like to join her. If you'd like to see more ads, and more education of the public on marriage and related issues, please make a donation: Marriage Project-Hawaii PO Box 11690 Honolulu, HI 96828 Friends of h.e.r.m.p PO Box 11690 Honolulu, HI 96828 (non-tax-deductible) Best Regards, Tom Ramsey <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> MAHALO FROM CAROLYN GOLOJUCH: Dear Friends, A very special thank you to PFLAG Los Angeles! Adele Starr, founder of PFLAG, has shared that they have donated $1000.00 to Marriage Project-Hawaii. It's great to see that our family on the mainland cares about what is happening here in Hawaii. Hopefully, this will promote others to support all our efforts for equal rights. CG <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> MAHALO FROM VANESSA CHONG: Aloha friends, Mahalo nui loa for your strong show of support today and for alerting your networks. The wonderful folks who came today represented the true spirit of aloha, diversity and justice that is the Hawai`i way. I was so proud of the mana`o we conveyed as a group. You made our success in supporting the conferees possible. I will be sending my thanks to everyone who came but I wanted you to kokua now by sending sharing this message of gratefulness to your e-trees. We did good today. Hang in there!!! A hui hou, Vanessa <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> UPDATE FROM DOUG WORTHAM TO AND VIA KATHY WORTHINGTON: Cool << You'll be pleased to know that I e-mailed all of the Senators in Hawaii who I was told to e-mail, senator Metcalf actually e-mailed me back a very kind message! Cool! He said he reallly appreciated all the support...... Take care you two...! doug >> (doug wortham, salt lake city) <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> LETTER FROM CHUCK KISSELBURG: Dear Editor, I was reading an article written by George Nitta on "Same-Sex Opponents Rally". Ramon Garza wrongly believes that gays and lesbians are looking for special rights. He couldn't be further from the truth. Does anyone know that in Oregon during the 1920s the Ku Klux Klan was instrumental in passing a ballot initiative that banned the establishment of catholic schools? The KKK claimed that the catholics had "special rights". The law was later overturned as unconstitutional. I strongly believe that if Mr. Garza faced the same injustices that gays and lesbians face, he too would fight for EQUAL rights, not special rights. Chuck Kisselburg San Francisco <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> NEWS FROM TOM RAMSEY: MORE ADS FOR SAME-GENDER MARRIAGE Joe Moore reported last night, on the 6 o'clock news, that TV ads would begin this week for same-gender marriage. They then showed part of the ad on the 6 o'clock news. The ads will begin tonight or Sunday night, on 4 TV stations. They also had good coverage of Vanessa Chong (head of the ACLU) leading people on a walk- about of Senate offices. One shot showed Kenny B. giving a bouquet to a senator. Greg Dunn was shown walking down a Senate hallway. Thank you for being there! If you would like to support more public information efforts, please contribute to Marriage Project-Hawaii PO Box 11690 Honolulu, HI 96828 (tax-deductible) or to Friends of h.e.r.m.p PO Box 11690 Honolulu, HI 96828 (not tax-deductible) THIS IS THE WEEK! <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> MAHALO FROM TRACEY BENNETT: [please forward] Way to go, team! The ACLU's Friday rally--pulled together at short notice in response to capitol events--was MARVELOUS. About 80 of us went round the senate floor, stopping at friendly offices. When the senators greeted us, they received whopping applause. After 2 days of stand-ins, they were relieved to see our smiling faces. Rev. Neil McPherson delivered our appreciative and "hold firm" messages. We filled Sen. Matsunaga's office and the hallway, too. Senator Ihara, who has a large office, invited us all in and Sen. McCartney spoke to us there. Sen. McCartney wasn't the only one who choked up: two of my friends had tears in their eyes. I didn't know that I needed a boost until I got it. Maybe the senators--all of them--felt that too. We also met with Senators Chumbley, Matsunaga, Baker, David Ige, Levin, Metcalf, Taniguchi and Tam, and with staff from several other offices, including Rep. Tom's, who wasn't available. A huge mahalo to all who walked with us and to those who were there in spirit. --Tracey Pila [great guy--ACLU staffer] handed me one of the ACLU petitions after our last stop. "How am i gonna fill this?" Ga-BONG! My capitol staffer friends! I was so inspired , I filled two petition pages with signatures. The most heartening thing was staffers saying, "Go to room so and so. Lots of people will sign." If You Build It, They Will Come: Last night a PIRG person [clean air, clean water] knocked on my door with a petition. I signed hers and she signed mine.... <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> INFORMATION FROM CAROLYN GOLOJUCH: MCC/Honolulu has been supportive since the beginning but I wanted something Official and today was the day! We appreciate each and every sponsor!! Thank you sponsors!!! CG FAMILY RIGHTS WEEKEND Honolulu, Hawaii April 18 & 19 1997 Friday April 18: Info Day at the Hawaii Legislature 10am-3pm Saturday April 19: Rally & Picnic at Ala Moana Park 10am-3pm To lobby for equal rights for ALL families and for the legal recognition of same-gender relationships, To celebrate the successes of the movement for equal rights for gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender (GLBT) people, To build courage, strength and unity, To discuss our challenges, goals and dreams for the future, and To relax and get to know each other in a safe, non-threatening environment. And all of it in warm, beautiful Hawaii! EVENT SPONSORS: (this list will grow) PFLAG/Oahu Gay and Lesbian Community Center, Honolulu (GLCC) Gay and Lesbian Education and Advocacy Foundation (GLEA Foundation) Hawaii Gay Marriage Project Island Lifestyle, Honolulu's Monthly Publication Lambda Rising Bookstores (AOL Keyword GAY BOOKS) The Pillar of the Gay and Lesbian Community, a monthly publication, Salt Lake City New Phazes Newsletter-Colorado Springs ONLY Lesbian Newsletter - 9 years old PFLAG/Salt Lake City Affirmation, Gay & Lesbian Mormons Wasatch Chapter Affirmation, Salt Lake City, Utah Hawaii Chapter Affirmation Rev. Troy Perry, Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Church (UFMCC) San Antonio Marquise, a monthly publication, San Antonio, Texas Dignity San Antonio, Gay & Lesbian Catholics Bruce S. Jarstfer, MD and Donald M. Taylor, San Antonio PFLAG/Wichita, KS PFLAG/Grand Rapids, MI Manoa Task Force on Sexual Orientation, University of Hawaii - Manoa Bridges of Justice and Compassion Committee of Hawaii Council of Churches ICON: The Thinking Lesbian's Magazine, San Francisco Sacred Light of Christ Metropolitan Community Church, Salt Lake City PFLAG/Maui Concerned Families of Hawaii PFLAG/Fayetteville, AR Solidarity Sunday, a project of Dignity/USA PFLAG Grand Junction, CO PFLAG New Hampshire Dignity USA, National Gay & Lesbian Catholics Dignity Las Vegas, NV PFLAG St. Paul / Minneapolis PFLAG/Los Angeles, CA The Lambda Report, a gay news program on TV in Denver Dignity/Honolulu Out in Paradise, Hawaii's only gay public TV show PFLAG/Metropolitan Washington, D. C. PFLAG/San Francisco MCC/Honolulu Contact: Carolyn Martinez Golojuch of PFLAG Oahu (GOCAROLYN@aol.com) 808-672-9050, Fax:-672-6347; 92-954 Makakilo Dr. #71, Makakilo, HI 96707 Kathy Worthington, Salt Lake City, of "Kathy's List" (KathyWUT@aol.com);by phone: 801-288-9294 852 W River Trail Ter # 717 SLC, UT 84123 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> LETTER FROM KEN SCOTT: The GARDEN ISLAND 3137 Kuhio Highway Lihu`e, Kaua`i, Hawai`i 96766 In your April 4, 1997 you published an article titled SAME-SEX MARRIAGE OPPONENTS RALLY. Ramon Garza of the Kalaheo Missionary Church is quoted as saying "We're trying to show that there is solidarity from the people of Kaua`i" in support of the House amendment." However, Websters New World Dictionary defines solidarity as "combination or agreement of ALL elements or individuals, as of a group; COMPLETE UNITY, as of opinion, purpose, interest, feeling, etc." (emphasis added). Given that there are a number of people on Kaua'i opposed to the House bill due to it's inherent discriminatory nature, Garza is wrong in his allegations. It should be further noted that providing the same benefits to same-gender couples does not consitute "special rights," as stated by Garza, but rather equal rights. If the benefits and rights associated with marriage continue to be exclusive to opposite-gender couples, then those rights are "special rights," and by Garza's statement, he should be opposed to such a situation. Either all committed, consenting, non-related couples should be allowed to marry and enter into the benefits related thereto, or all benefits related to marriage should be terminated for all couples, or we have a situation where a select group of people have "special rights." Garza and his group are clearly opposed to special rights and should surely support one or the other situation regarding rights related to the institution of marriage. Respectfully submitted, Ken Scott Honolulu, Hawaii <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> ~~pau~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "The government of the United States is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion." --George Washington ~~~~~ Fred and Martin 24 years, yet strangers before the law ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~