From: elf@halcyon.com (Elf Sternberg)
Subject: HB 2398  and  HB 2400
Date: 25 Jan 1994 07:21:58 -0800
Summary: You asked for it!
Keywords: anti-gay legislation

        Although the state initiatives are troubling, even moreso are 
two housebills introduced by Val Stevens (R-Snohomish County).  Stevens 
has served as state chair of Beverly LaHaye's "Concerned Women of 
America."  Stevens also advises the Washington Public Affairs Council, 
which penned the Equal Rights Not Special Rights Act currently seeking 
signatures.

        HB 2398 is a measure intended to prevent homsexuals from being 
foster parents.  It states, "It is not in the best interest of a minor 
child for the child to be placesd in a household with a homosexual, 
bisexual, transsexual, or transvestite, or with any person who engages 
in such conduct, act, practice, or relationship.

        "A homosexuality, bisexual, transsexual, or transvestite, or 
with any person who engages in such conduct, act, practice, or 
relationship, may not become an adoptive, foster, or placement parent 
and may not have in such a capacity a minor child under his or her care, 
custody, or control."

        The bill also provides that people seeking adoptive, foster, or 
placement status be thoroughly investigated before being allowed to have 
such status.  In short, before one can become a foster parent, one must 
register with the State as a lifetime heterosexual!


        HB 2400 states "there is a legitimate and compelling state 
interest in ensuring the sincerely held values and beliefs of most 
parents regarding homosexuality, bisexuality, transsexuality, or 
transvestism are not denigrated or denied by the public schools and that 
homosexuality, bisexuality, transsexuality, or transvestism are not 
presented, promoted, or approved as positive, normal behavior.

        "A school, through any employee, volunteer, guest, or other 
instrumentality, may not present, promote, or approve homosexuality, 
bisexuality, transsexuality, transvestitism, or any such conduct, act, 
practice, or relationship, as positive, normal behavior, as acceptable, 
legitimate conduct, or as a natural, alternative lifestyle.

        "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the 
public peace, health, morals, or safety, and shall take effect 
immediately."


        Citizens of the State of Washington are urged to call the 
Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000 and voice your opposition to House 
Bills 2398 and 2400.  Although neither has been scheduled for a hearing 
before the House Education Committee (in which Stevens introduced them 
and on which she sits), we MUST begin to make our voices heard NOW.
--
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how not "natural."                                     - elf@halcyon.com