Yesterday, August 4, 1993, was the deadline for filing petitions for ballot questions to appear on the 1994 Massachusetts General Election. Barbara Boring, the lobbyist for the Massachusetts Gay & Lesbian Political Caucus, camped out at the Attorney General's office yesterday to see if any antigay initiatives would be filed. Initiatives can be filed by ten registered voters. The AG's office verifies the signatures and approves the language on the ballot questions before official petitions are printed and distributed for massive signature gathering. We are extremely happy to report that NO ANTIGAY INITIATIVE PETITIONS HAVE BEEN FILED for the 1994 General Election! We were concerned that Needham-based Citizens for Family First, or a smaller Waltham-based antigay organization, would try to get several questions on the ballot: (1) repeal the 1989 Massachusetts Gay Rights Law (2) repeal the 1986 AIDS/HIV confidentiality law (3) a Colorado-style constitutional amendment MGLPC was the primary force in lobbying both Gay Rights and AIDS/HIV confidentiality into law, and has been ever-watchful of the Massachusetts Legislature to make sure our rights are not taken away with antigay amendments to legislation. Founded in 1973, MGLPC is the largest gay and lesbian political organization in Massachusetts. We appear to be safe at the statewide level for next year. However, Citizens for Family First, Concerned Women of America, and Pat Robertson's Christian Coalition are working on local campaigns now, trying to stop sex-education and AIDS-education programs, or changed from comprehensive programs to abstinence-only. MGLPC will be working very hard with local community groups to defeat antigay initiatives in Massachusetts cities and towns. If you have any questions on our legislative agenda, any information on local or state-wide antigay initiatives, or would like to volunteer your assistance with our program, please contact us at 617/262-1565 or write MGLPC, Box 246, The State House, Boston, MA 02133. Thank you for your past support, and we look forward to your continued support on our 20th Anniversary. Sincerely, Ed Childs MGLPC Executive Board -- /* Ed Childs, epoch systems, 508/836-4711 ext 337, */