Submitted by:Skytalker@aol.com Date: Wed, 25 May 94 20:20:43 EDT New York Catholic Conference Lobbys Against Civil Rights Bill The New York State Assembly has passed the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Bill for the second straight year, and once again we wait while the New York State Senate decides if it will even allow the bill onto the floor for an open and democratic vote. One of the groups actively lobbying against the bill is the New York State Catholic Conference which represents the bishops of the various dioceses across the state, as well as the Archdiocese of New York headed by John Cardinal O'Connor. Each member of the state Senate last year received a letter from John M. Kerry, Executive Director and lobbyist for the Catholic Conference outlining its opposition to the bills, and the key members of the Senate Republican majority where repeatedly lobbied by Mr. Kerry to oppose this bill. In his letter of last year, Mr. Kerry stated that "legislation which is aimed at the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation must address that issue without also seeking to accomplish, or contribute unwittingly to, broad and far-reaching social changes by compulsion of law." He continues, "The Catholic Church has always been and will continue to be committed to opposing discrimination directed against any group. The Church teaches that unjust discrimination against those with homosexual orientation is wrong." Further, he writes, "from the perspective of Roman Catholic teaching, homosexual activity is objectively immoral and inappropriate for legislative support." In other words, the Conference is opposed to discrimination but can not condone legislation which will, in its view, create equality for gay and lesbians as a protected class of citizens. This legislation does not endorse or validate any orientation, it just ensures that no one will be discriminated against because of one's orientation. In a survey conducted by an independent polling company, the over-whelming majority of respondents who identified themselves as Catholic support the protection of the civil rights of lesbian and gay persons. Yet the bishops are telling our state Senators to oppose this legislation. We, as Catholics, as citizens of New York, and as gay and lesbian Catholics must contact our state Senators and tell him or her that as Catholics we support the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Bill and request that if they can not support the bill, at least allow the bill to be brought out of the Republican Conference for an open floor vote. If they can not support the bill, stand up on the Senate floor and tell us why they support discrimination against us. The Republican Conference will consider the bill once again as it nears the end of the legislative session in June. Please contact your state Senator and Senator Ralph Marino, the Republican Majority leader and ask that the bill be brought to the floor for an open and democratic vote. You can reach your Senator and Senator Marino by calling the Senate Switchboard at 518-455-2800