From: Song Weaver Subject: HB889 Senate Hearings Set To: Multiple recipients of list GLB-NEWS This message originally submitted by disc@VECTOR.CASTI.COM ----------------- ACTION ITEM: HB889 Hearings Set for 3/2/94 FROM: Pat Heck, Virginians for Justice 2/25/94 Senate Hearings on House Bill 889 are tentatively set for 2:00pm on Wednesday 3/2/94 in the Courts of Justice Committee (Senate Room A in the General Assembly Building in Richmond). HB889 is the hate crimes bill that was stripped of "sexual orientation" and "gender" by the House of Delegates. In anticipation of the hearings, Virginians for Justice is arranging for a victim of a hate crime based on sexual orientation, among other pertinent persons, to testify. It is requested that if you have the time, to stop by Senate Room A that afternoon to lend your support. The Committee will likely be dealing with many other bills, so it is not possible to verify scheduling in advance. We will post updates when available. Testimony from observers will likely not be possible, but a quiet show of support is appropriate. If the Committee seems as though they may report the bill without "sexual orientation" and "gender" reinstated, then a less subdued reaction may be called for. If HB889 passes the committee, it will likely be voted on by the Senate shortly thereafter. Also, please spread the following as widely as possible: ACTION: Call the your state senator and ask for a NO vote unless "sexual orientation" is put back in HB889. Try to be specific so they know that you support HB889 if the language is reinstated. Call 1-800-889-0229 to leave messages for your senator. The people answering the phone sometimes ask only if you support or oppose legislation, so be sure they record your comments about the bill's language. Call your senator's office directly if you don't want to rely on message takers. (numbers available from Legislative Services at 804-786-6530)