Dear Ms. Rizzo:

Thank you for informing me of your concerns on the issue of gay rights and
legislation to bar discrimination against individuals based on sexual
preference.

This issue has provoked an enormous response from people on both sides of
the issue.  This may be due in large part to the national debate currently
underway over President Clinton's decision to lift the military's ban on
allowing homosexuals in the armed services.

I have opposed discrimination in all of its forms throughout my public life
whether it is based on an individual's religion, race, color or sexual
preference.  And I have supported reasonable legislative efforts to
discourage discrimination on those and othere bases.

The legislation now before the Senate will be carefully examined and
weighed to determine all of its implications and ramifications.  It will be
evaluated by the Senate Investigations, Taxation and Government Operations
Committee, which will make a recommendation on the bill.

I also intend to seek a consensus among the members of the Senate Majority
on the bill, which is something I do on any bill that has such broad
implications in this state.

Your comments and thoughts on this issue are important and I appreciate
your sharing them with me.  Please be assured that they will be given every
consideration as this issue is discussed and debated in the weeks ahead.

                            Sincerely,


                            Ralph J. Marino