EQUALITY IN KANSAS

By Kathy Greenlee, Equality Kansas Co-Chair

     It may not seem possible, but winter looms before us. Not because of the
snow or the holiday shopping, but because of the next legislative session.
You may think I exaggerate; I think not.

     Next session promises to be full of volatile issues. In addition to
another looming abortion  debate, Kansans can expect a battle over civil
rights for gays and lesbians. In the August 16th Topeka Capital-Journal,
Representative Joan Wagnon said, "I think we'll see a wole conservative
agenda next session, including a resolution to ban protection for gays from
discrimination and authorization for school vouchers. More restrictions on
abortion will be a part of that agenda.

    Representative Darlene Cornfield of Valley Center and seventeen of her
colleagues have announced plans to file a Kansas House of Representatives
resolution calling on the federal Congress to refrain from enacting any
gay/lesbian civil rights legislation. The house resolution, if passed, would
not alter Kansas law.  It is, however, politically potent. By introducing
such a measure, resolution sponsors can guage the sentiments of the entire
House of Representatives, especially if the resolution is recorded by
individual vote rather than the more anonymous voice vote.

     Resolution opponents have begun mapping a strategy. Various lawmakers
and citizens around Kansas are discussing how to soundly defeat the
resolution and discourage state sanctioned discrimination.  Gay-rights
activists and supporters have formed a new organization called Equality
Kansas. Equality Kansas seeks to insure protection of equal rights under the
Constitution for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation. Equality
Kansas activists hail from Kansas City, Lawrence, Topeka, Manhattan, Emporia,
Salina and Wichita.  Several organizations have joined Equality Kansas'
efforts including the Kansas chapter of the National Organization for Women
and the American Civil Liberties Union.   Interested individuals may contact
the organization at P.O. Box 116, Topeka KS, 66601-0116. Individual
memberships are $10.00. Local organizational memberships are $25.00.

(e-mail to Kevyn@aol.com)