Date: Thu, 6 Oct 1994 18:51:22 -0500 (CDT)
From: Kevyn D Jacobs <kevyn@ksu.ksu.edu>
Subject: EKS ENCOURAGES COMMON CAUSE TO OPPOSE INITIATIVE & REFERENDUM




    Equality Kansas last year testified against proposed initiative and
    referendum laws before a KS House committee last year, pointing to the
    abuses of such laws by anti-Gay groups in other states, most notably
    Colorado with its Amendment Two.

    Common Cause, a citizen's group dedicated to making government more
    responsive to voters, testified against EKS testimony, admitting that
    such abuses happened but that it was willing to trust voters not to make
    such mistakes. It also took the position that while such abuses might
    happen, they could always be corrected at a later time.

    The EKS Board of Directors has observed that the Kansas legislature is
    notoriously slow in "correcting" transgressions against the civil rights
    of Lesbian and Gay Kansans, most notably in its refusal to alter our
    antiquated sodomy law, and has taken the position that it will continue
    to oppose initiative and referendum legislation until such a time when it
    can be assured Lesbian and Gay Kansans won't be the victims of such abuses.

    Advocates of a Colorado-style Amendment Two for Kansas will no doubt
    propose initiative and referendum legislation again in the 1995 session,
    which begins January 9th. EKS will continue to oppose such legislation.

    However, Common Cause of Kansas may not continue to support such
    proposals. EKS has learned that a membership survey conducted over the
    summer has indicated over 41% of Common Cause members "disagree or
    disagree strongly" with initiative and referendum.

    You can help EKS in its struggle against such proposals now by writing
    Debra R. Leib, Executive Director of Common Cause of Kansas, and asking
    her not to support such legislation should it be proposed next year. Go
    even one step further and ask her to testify against such proposals
    should they arise. Ask them to be responsive to her memberships' concerns
    over initiative and referendum by opposing it, or insisting that it be
    amended to protect minority groups put at risk by it.

    She can be reached at:
    Debra Leib, Executive Director
    Common Cause of Kansas
    701 Jackson, Room B-6
    Topeka, KS  66603

    or give her a call:
    913-235-3022