Date: Fri, 11 Nov 1994 17:33:44 -0500 From: Patrick Heck Subject: VA for Justice Newsletter(long) The Voice of Virginians for Justice November-December, 1994 for more information contact va4justice@aol.com CLASSIFICATION OF C.A.N. LAW AS VIOLENT CRIME THWARTED On September 30, 1994, during the special legislative session on crime, the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation abolishing parole for violent crimes and increasing penalties for felonies. An increase in penalties for convictions under the Crimes Against Nature (CAN) law was included, however, the thirty-two page document held little resemblance to the original bill put forth on behalf of Governor George Allen. The legislation originally classified the entire CAN law as a violent felony for which parole would be abolished, but Subsection A of the law, pertaining to consensual oral and anal sex, was later removed from these provisions. Subsection B of 18.2-361 (pertaining to incest) was retained in the list of violent felonies for which parole was abolished. Virginians for Justice sees the removal of Subsection A of the CAN law from the list of crimes for which parole would be banned as a positive sign of support towards equal rights for the lesbigay community. K Robins, newly appointed Legislative Coordinator for VJ, remarked, "The language of the original bill was another attempt by the radical right to validate and increase homophobia as it listed all of the Crimes Against Nature law as a violent felony." VJ did not oppose the inclusion of Subsection B. Robins, along with volunteers David Perry and Chris Lauro, monitored the special session and successfully worked for the removal of Subsection A of 18.2-361 in the listing of violent felonies. VJ's efforts were enhanced by phone calls to individual legislators made by citizens across the State. A key role was played by several legislators from the Democratic caucus who vowed to vote against the bill if Subsection A of the CAN law was not removed. Modification of Subsection A of the CAN law is a primary focus of VJ's lobbying activities in the next legislative session. VJ GEARS UP FOR 1995 SESSION When the 1995 General Assembly convenes on January 11 in Richmond, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and HIV communities could be facing an uphill battle. The Allen administration is actively pursuing an anti-gay agenda and all 140 legislators face election in the fall of 1995. Most political analysts believe that both the Senate and House of Delegates could switch to Republican majorities in that election. These factors may provide the opportunity for many supportive legislators to profess the need to follow a non-progressive course. Our task as a citizen's lobbying group is to convince them otherwise. CITIZEN LOBBY DAY JAN. 26 VJ's Lobby Day is the perfect opportunity for you to educate legislators about the need for progressive legislation. You will also learn how Virginia laws are proposed, enacted, and changed. Our Sixth Annual Citizen Lobby Day will take place on Thursday, January 26, in Richmond. The day will begin at 9:00AM with a briefing and a quick primer on lobbying techniques and then it's off to the General Assembly. Past years have included group introductions to the House of Delegates and visiting with legislators and their aides, so mark your calender. Further Lobby Day details will be published in the January-February issue of The Voice. OTHER SPECIAL SESSION BILLS VJ also tracked the following legislation during the Special Session: House Bill 1387: Referred to accident and sickness insurance and the coverage of fertility treatment. VJ's interest in this bill was a provision allowing insurers to contract with only married couples. The bill was killed in committee. Senate Bill 432: Would require schools to provide specific workbooks on Family Life Education to parents and guardians. This bill was seen as a first step by the radical right to ban education on subjects that they wish to suppress, including homosexuality and AIDS. The bill was killed in committee. Senate Bill 575: Referred to the amendment and re-enactment of 72 codes effecting Aging and Long-term Care Services. This bill affected the availability of long-term care and the public, private, and non-profit organizations providing said services. Many PWAs are treated by these organizations. The bill was killed in committee; however, it will be reconstructed and introduced in the '95 Session. Though VJ regards the special session as successful, it was a taste of things to come in '95. We expect several pieces of legislation in this winter's session to be anti-gay in nature and/or language. VJ APPOINTS LEGISLATIVE COORDINATOR Despite the possibilities of both anti-gay and pro-gay legislation, VJ's tight budget has decreased the likelihood of a paid lobbyist during the 1995 session. After 3 years of having the luxury of relying on the expertise and hard work of Janice Conard, we are moving forward by organizing a corps of volunteer lobbyists. VJ Board member K Robins has generously volunteered to coordinate our lobbying activities in lieu of a paid lobbyist. K has extensive experience lobbying local and state officials on various fronts, including lesbigay and HIV issues, so we are in good hands. She will be concentrating on training and coordinating other volunteer lobbyists so that we can track legislators, multiple bills and the simultaneous committee meetings that make the General Assembly so hectic. Robins says, "If every member of the community spent just one day in Richmond during the legislative session, we could make a huge impact. Even one individual can change the course of legislation." If you can spare a day or even a few hours during the '95 session, contact VJ's Richmond office at 804-643-4816 for information on how you can make a difference. Please leave your phone number so we can contact you when constituent action is necessary. ACTION ITEM #1 VISIT OR WRITE YOUR STATE DELEGATE AND SENATOR SUGGESTED ACTION: Locate your Virginia delegate and senator on the enclosed list and pay them a visit in their home office or write a letter. Ask for their support during the 1995 General Assembly on one of the issues listed below. WHY? It is difficult to influence legislators after the session is underway. Your legislators are much more accessible and likely to have time for a sensible chat now, before they are embroiled in hectic battles on the budget or crime. Friends in the legislature have told us that a before-the-session visit outweighs the influence of dozens of phone calls or letters during the legislative session. WHEN? Before December 15. Legislators are busy during the holidays and in January preparing for the General Assembly and tending to their personal business. HINTS: An in-person visit is preferred. If this is impossible, then write a thoughtful letter. For either a visit or a letter, choose one of the following topics: 1. Crimes Against Nature reform: Let them know that the law does affect lives, e.g., the rationale used in the original Sharon Bottoms case and other child custody cases. Ask for support of legislation to remove Subsection A of the CAN law. 2. Hate Crimes: Ask for a revision of Virginia's hate crimes law that will add crimes motivated by a victim's perceived sexual orientation. 3. Anti-Gay or AIDSphobic Legislation: Ask for their opposition to all anti-gay legislation and anti-gay regulations that might be proposed by the Allen administration. Also ask for their opposition to all retrograde AIDS/HIV legislation or regulations. Remember to be polite, brief and well-prepared. Choose a topic that is easy for you to talk about and, if possible, relay personal experiences of how an issue has affected you or your loved ones. Contact Virginians for Justice if you need additional talking points or information on a particular topic. As always, you do not necessarily have to mention your sexual orientation to have an impact. Many non-gay VJ supporters will be visiting their legislators too. If you should get a particularly positive or negative response, please report it to VJ. VJ WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBER Virginians for Justice is honored to announce that Ronnie J. Helms was elected to the Board of Directors at our Oct. 15 monthly meeting. Ron comes to the Board with a diverse range of talent and experience. He currently serves on the pastoral staff of Metropolitan Community Church of Richmond while working full time for Hope House Foundation, a non-profit organization in Norfolk that supports and serves people with developmental disabilities. Ron will serve a two-year term on the Board as a representative of Virginia's Second U.S. Congressional District that includes all of Virginia Beach and portions of Norfolk. Welcome Ron! Board of Directors Board Members and the areas they represent: Gary Antonucci - Secretary 804-253-0789 (At-large, Williamsburg) Laurie Caldwell 804-823-7899 (5th Congressional District, Charlottesville) Andrew Elsea 804-355-3372 (7th CD, Richmond) Patrick Heck - Chair 804-622-1695 (3rd CD, Norfolk) Ronnie Helms 804-640-1761 (2nd CD, Norfolk) Bonnie Rabichow - Treasurer 703-660-0670 (8th CD, Alexandria) K Robins 804-887-5407 (1st CD, Williamsburg) Pat Ward 804-261-4110 (At-large, Richmond) The Board needs additional representation from many areas including Blacksburg, Roanoke, much of Northern Virginia, and many of the surrounding cities and counties. We meet on the third Saturday of each month at noon in VJ's Richmond headquarters. Everyone is welcome to attend. DR. BRUCE NEILSON MEMORIAL FUND In our continuing desire to honor Dr. Bruce Neilson who passed away on August 30 from AIDS-related illness, Virginians for Justice is continuing to ask for memorial contributions. Bruce, a longtime resident of Gloucester Point, was a founding VJ member, past Chair, and a member of the Board of Directors. The benefactors of Bruce's years of dedication and service included VJ, the Democratic Party, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and the entire lesbian, gay and HIV+ communities. We again express our condolences to Bruce's life partner, A.J., and Bruce's entire family. We will miss Bruce's leadership, intelligence and commitment to justice. Memorial contributions should be sent to Virginians for Justice or the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, 162 Prince George St., Annapolis MD 21401. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES VJ is searching for volunteers to work in our Richmond office and as volunteers in other areas of the state. Time commitments can range from a few hours per month to several hours each week. Available tasks include: Assisting with our Membership Drive Date entry in our computer database Answering phones, keeping records and staffing the hate crimes hotline. Tracking a state legislator from your area Exploring the production of a statewide Virginians for Justice conference this spring Starting a local telephone tree for legislative action alerts VJ WISH LIST The following items are needed to keep our office operating smoothly: A ream or box of white copier paper An IBM-compatible 386 (or better) computer to better handle our growing database needs A VGA computer monitor A letter folding machine If you are interested in volunteering, or underwriting or donating an item, please phone VJ: 804-643-4816 HONOR ROLE OF THANKS Barry Moore of MacGraphics, Inc. in Virginia Beach for designing VJ's new logo. Look for the logo in the next issue of The Voice. Norfolk's Naro Expanded Cinema for assisting with VJ's Oct. 11 cocktail party fundraiser. The fundraiser was an opening night celebration for the Hampton Roads premiere of Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Trixx Restaurant and Lounge of Norfolk for hosting the Oct. 11 VJ fundraiser. The event netted almost $500 for VJ's Annual Membership Drive. Rev. Kenn Hurto and the Mt. Vernon Unitarian Church for hosting the Crimes Against Nature law forum. Thank you for your continuing support. Judd Proctor of Richmond for his generosity in hosting the Sept. 13 VJ-Richmond Lesbian and Gay Pride Coalition joint fundraiser. Nutty Buddys, a Norfolk Restaurant and Club, for hosting a VJ recruit-a-friend membership party and voter registration drive. Hey Netters! VJ can be contacted via the Internet on AOL or by e-mail at: va4justice@aol.com Avoid pesky answering machines and the delays of the postal service with electronic communication! MEMBERSHIP NEWS PROPOSED BYLAW CHANGE POSTPONED At the October 15 Board of Directors meeting, proposed changes to VJ's statement of purpose were tabled for later action. The changes, detailed in the Sept.-Oct. issue of The Voice, were judged by the Board to require more discussion. Several VJ members informally suggested changes to the proposed statement of purpose, including adding transgender people and making provisions for non-resident Virginians. As a result, consideration of the statement of purpose changes is scheduled for our December 17 meeting. WE NEED FEEDBACK! Just a quick reminder that Virginians for Justice is structured as a member-based organization. The Board of Directors encourages all members to stay in touch the Director(s) from your area of the state. We need your input and ideas! LEGAL REFERRAL SERVICE VJ has compiled a list of Virginia attorneys who are willing to assist the lesbian, gay and bisexual community. They are knowledgeable on issues of concern to sexual minorities, so please take advantage of their assistance. If you or someone you know is in need of legal advice, please call VJ at 804-643-4816. ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DRIVE EXTENDED TO NOV. 30 VJ's Annual Membership drive has been going strong since its Sept. 7 kickoff at a Richmond fundraiser that raised almost $2,000. The Richmond Lesbian and Gay Pride Coalition co-hosted the rollicking cocktail party at the home of VJ member Judd Proctor to begin our first annual drive. The drive is designed to substantially increase VJ's membership and to raise $25,000 in support of our lobbying and educational efforts. Unfortunately, donations have been lagging after our big start in September. In order to reach our goal, the drive has been extended to November 30. If you have not already, you will likely hear from a VJ representative before the drive's conclusion. The success of the membership drive will determine our ability to pursue a proactive agenda and to defend against those who wish to inhibit the constitutional rights of gay, lesbian and bisexual Virginians, so we hope you are willing to participate. Please consider: Becoming a dues-paying VJ member. If you have already paid this year's dues, then recruit a friend to join. Making an additional contribution during the membership drive. Hosting a VJ House Party If every VJ member could recruit one new member, then our financial situation would be considerably better and our influence greatly increase. We are asking members to consider hosting VJ House Parties not just during the Annual Membership Drive, but also throughout the year. House Parties can range from a casual get-together for 10 friends to a full-fledged cocktail party for 100. If you are interested in learning more about how easy it is to host a House Party, contact VJ. If you haven't yet, join VJ and we will keep you informed about our work to obtain equal justice for ALL Virginians CONTACT VJ FOR INFORMATION Virginians for Justice PO Box 342 Richmond, VA 23202-0342 804-643-4816 FOCUS on HATE CRIMES VJ Gains Hate Crimes Coordinator David Shelton of Richmond has graciously volunteered to become the coordinator of VJ's hate crimes task force. The task force is responsible for maintaining VJ's hate crimes reporting line and gearing up for the expansion of the task force to include educational efforts, victim advocacy and discrimination documentation. Before moving to Richmond, David was a longtime resident of southwest Virginia. He encourages all who are interested in helping with this crucial component of VJ's work to call the VJ office. MOST HATE CRIMES GO UNREPORTED Virginians for Justice learns of many hate crimes, including murders, cross-burnings and other acts of violence that are not reported to 1-800-2JUSTIC. If we are to persuade legislators to enact laws protecting gays and lesbians from violence, harassment and vandalism, we must also persuade our friends, families, and acquaintances to report ALL hate crimes. Even if you simply hear of an incident, please phone the reporting line so we can document the crimes. RECENT REPORTS: Monday, Sept. 19 Richmond Another bomb threat was received on VJ's hate crimes reporting line. Statements by the male caller included "all faggots should be eliminated...we are going to start using pipe bombs to show you f_cking faggots...all faggots should be shot...we are making pipe bombs and we are going to deliver them to you, so be looking for them...f_ck you." The call came from the same number as a previous threat. Police report taken, but no investigation results as of press time. Thursday, Sept. 29 Charlottesville An 18 year-old male living in a UVA dormitory received 3 separate obscene phone messages that called him a "pink triangle freak," made fun of "d_ck-f_cking" and gay sex in general. He reported it to the Resident Assistant and the police who refused to take a report. Monday, Oct. 3 Harrisonburg A James Madison University male freshman's dormitory room was searched by unknown and unauthorized individuals. Baby pictures and young adult pictures of the victim were stolen, computer scanned, and used to create flyers that were posted in the dorm. The flyers included the pictures and phrases such as "this is a faggot" and "it is time to come out of the closet." CALL 1-800-2JUSTIC FORUM EXPLORES C.A.N. REFORM At an October 23 Alexandria forum, Delegate Karen Darner (D-Arlington) met with VJ members, activists, attorneys and other concerned citizens to explore tactics for increasing support for Crimes Against Nature law reform before, during, and after the 1995 legislative session. The forum, co-sponsored by the Mt. Vernon Unitarian Church and Virginians for Justice, featured Del. Darner; attorney James Lowe, an expert on CAN case law in Virginia; and Clinton Anderson of the American Psychological Association. Washington DC Sodomy law expert Dr. Frank Kameny also contributed. Delegate Darner has committed to pursuing CAN law reform again during the 1995 General Assembly. Last year, Del. Darner's House Bill 1314, although unsuccessful, was seen as a great stride forward in VJ's multi-year strategy of building momentum towards the eventual removal of subsection A of the CAN law. VJ is working with Del. Darner to identify potential co-patrons for this year's bill, in addition to Dels. Jones (D-Norfolk) and Cohen (D-Alexandria) who co-sponsored last year. The form and content of Del. Darner's legislation are still to be determined, but we'll be sure to keep you posted. Section 18.2-361. Crimes against nature. A. If any person carnally knows in any manner any brute animal, or carnally knows any male or female person by the anus or by or with the mouth, or voluntarily submits to such carnal knowledge, he or she shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony, except as provided in subsection B. Section 18.2-10(f) Punishment for Conviction of Felony For Class 6 felonies, a term of imprisonment of not less than one year nor more than five years, or in the discretion of the jury or the court trying the case without a jury, confinement in jail for not more than twelve months and a fine of not more than $2,500, either or both. Calendar of Virginia Events Nov. 13 - VJ First District Fundraising Dinner: Williamsburg (804-643-4816) Nov. 18 - Richmond Organization for Sexual Minority Youth Auction/Dinner (804-353-1699) Nov. 19 - VJ Board of Directors meeting: Richmond Nov. 30 - VJ Annual Membership Drive ends Dec. 17 - VJ Board of Directors meeting: Richmond Jan. 11 - General Assembly Convenes Jan. 26 - Virginians for Justice Lobby Day Feb. 1 - AIDS Lobby Day: call Jay Fissette at 703-358-9550 for information Feb. 25 - General Assembly Adjourns ACTION ITEM #2 KEEP THOSE CARDS COMING! Have you sent your pink postcard to Governor Allen? Be sure to add your voice to the thousands of Virginians who have put the governor on notice that he cannot use gay, lesbian and bisexual people as a whipping post. With the help of many supportive organizations and VJ members, we have distributed almost 10,000 postcards throughout the state. Virginia Partisans, The Hampton Roads Lesbian and Gay Pride Coalition, Phoenix Rising and many other businesses and organizations across the state have helped to distribute the cards. If you know of an organization, church or supper club with a mailing list, why not ask them to stick a pink postcard in a mailing? Gov. Allen has developed a correspondence with many postcard senders, including an anti-gay form letter that reasserts his support of "traditional families." Contact VJ to obtain additional postcards so you can remind him that all Virginians have families. If you prefer, send a polite letter to: The Honorable George F. Allen Governor of Virginia PO Box 1475 Richmond, VA 23212 As the General Assembly session approaches, we need to continue to make Governor Allen aware of the number of Virginians who support equal rights. Thanks for participating! SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM VJ offers our organizational and corporate donors the opportunity to show their support by becoming Advertising Sponsors. Official VJ Advertising Sponsors can advertise in The Voice, thereby reaping the benefits of gaining publicity among readers of the VJ newsletter as well as gaining a tax benefit for their business. Rates for a full year (six issues) of advertising sponsorship are: $125 - Bronze ($100 non-profit) $250 - Silver ($200 non-profit) $500 - Gold ($400 non-profit) The Voice reaches more than 1,200 Virginia homes, organizations, and businesses. Add yours to the list by contacting VJ at 804-643-4816. The Alexandria Gay & Lesbian Community Association PO Box 19401 Alexandria, VA 22320 MacGraphics, Inc. Production of Brochures, Ads, Newsletters, Logos, Menus 198 S. Rosemont Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 804-486-3546 IDS Financial Services, Inc. Gregory F. Smith, Certified Financial Planner Suite 190, Chadwick Bldg., 5029 Corporate Woods Dr. VA Beach, VA 23462 OutRight Books & Rainbow Cafe Gay & Lesbian Bookstore and Cafe 485 S. Independence Blvd., Suite 111 Virginia Beach, VA 23452 William & Mary Gay & Lesbian Alumni A nationwide organization of Wm. & Mary alumni PO Box 15141 Washington, DC 20003 The Arlington Gay and Lesbian Alliance Serving the Arlington Area PO Box 324 Arlington, VA 22210 Virginians Against Domestic Violence Fighting all domestic violence in Virginia 2850 Sandy Bay Rd., #101 Williamsburg, VA 23185 The Dignity Family of Tidewater Gay and Lesbian Roman Catholics and Friends PO Box 434 Norfolk, VA 23501 AMPAC Group, Inc. Asian language typesetting & desktop publishing 5713 Edsall Road Alexandria, VA EFFINAR STUDIOS LTD. Haircare 2163 North Glebe Road Arlington, VA 22222 URBAIN A Salon in Carytown 3103 Ellwood Avenue, Rear entrance Richmond, VA 23221