Subject: TIMES-PICAYUNE EDITORIAL OPPOSES CIVIL UNIONS BAN
A gratuitous ban 04/14/01
It's hard to see why state Sen. Heulette "Clo" Fontenot saw the need to target same-sex couples with his Senate Bill 232. The measure would prohibit the recognition of civil unions, domestic partnerships and other non-marital relationships recognized in other states.
The bill is a reaction to Vermont's decision to legalize civil unions, which grant same-sex couples many of the rights that married couples take for granted. But no matter what one thinks of the concept of civil unions, there is little momentum toward recognizing them in Louisiana. For better or worse, any effort to do so would seem to run afoul of existing laws that explicitly restrict marriage, and the rights that go with it, to heterosexual couples.
Sen. Fontenot says he doesn't want tax money to be used on public employee insurance programs that would cover gay couples. But the language of Senate Bill 232 applies only to civil unions authorized by other states and makes no reference to health insurance. In any case, only one jurisdiction - New Orleans - allows its employees to include same-sex partners on their insurance plans, and the cost to the city of doing so has proved negligible.
To be sure, we are not suggesting that the bill be amended to keep public bodies from offering such benefits to same-sex partners. State legislators should recognize that the cultural climate in Orleans Parish is different from that in, say, rural North Louisiana. And if some areas choose to offer more recognition to gay couples than other areas do, they should be free to do so. New Orleans has allowed same-sex (and opposite-sex) domestic partners to register at City Hall for years, and the sky has not fallen.
Unless some activist judge decided to interpret it broadly, Senate Bill 232 would not affect New Orleans partnerships. In fact, the bill seems to have no practical effect whatsoever. It is gratuitous and mean-spirited, a way to use a hot-button social issue to score political points with little regard for the people off of whom those points are being scored.
The state has an obligation to treat all its citizens with respect, but some legislators see no reason to do so when the citizens in question are gay and lesbian. The Legislature has already told gay Louisianians that it does not intend to give legal standing to their relationships and will not cooperate if any other state does. What's the point of rubbing it in?
From: Pride of Greater Ft. Lauderdale
Subject: [pgfl_news] PGFL: Important Notice
Pride of Greater Ft. Lauderdale IMPORTANT NOTICE
There is an individual posturing himself as a member of the Board of Directors of Pride of Greater Ft. Lauderdale. This individual is not associated with Pride of Greater Ft. Lauderdale in any way but is actually a PRIVATE PROMOTER who is trying to capitalize on our success of last year.
This person is "guaranteeing" sponsorships to our events and even offering to hold PGFL-sanctioned events at their location of business. This, according to businesses complaining to us, can be done with a "minimum donation of $10,000 plus additional considerations." We know of two offerings this person has made: one to a local club and another to a liquor distributor.
We consider this person a fraud and are looking into legal action.
The only people authorized to represent Pride of Greater Ft. Lauderdale and our "Stonewall Street Festival and Parade" are the members of the Board of Directors which currently includes: John Boteler, John Chambers, Karl Clark, Kathy Cobert, Gretchen Hasselkus, Bob Kecskemety, Dale Madison, Jeff Mintzer, Terry Norman, Chuck Valentine, Debby Weisenger and Eva Wiley.
If any individual other than those listed above approach you about sponsorships or events, please contact us immediately. Thank you,
--Bob Kecskemety, Director of Public Relations, Pride of Greater Ft. Lauderdale, 2228 Wilton Drive, Box 2, Wilton Manors, FL 33305; Phone/Fax: 954.745.7070; http://www.pgfl.org
From: abwaugh
Subject: Margaret Richards seamstress from Pensacola
I see you have a local hero names Margaret Richards, You should steer business her way. The New Journal recently printed her e-mail to Allen Trovillion who had told some gay teenagers they would burn in hell. She nastily and justifiably suggested a firing squad was too good for him and received a visit of intimidation from the Secret Service. She had sent Jeb and Georgie Boy copies of her E mail. There is no way one could assume she was a dangerous terrorist after reading her E mail which starts with "Who appointed you God?"
Also you should find out who turned her in in the first place. Bigoted Christians are lurking in our soup!!!!!!
--Arthur B. Waugh abwaugh@home.com
From: brenandcon
To: webmaster@gaybars.com
Subject: your page....
JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW HOW NICE IT IS TO HAVE A WEB-SITE THAT YOU CAN GO TO AND FIND ANY BAR THAT IS LISTED....I LIVE IN SOUTHERN ARKANSAS AND I HAVE TO TRAVEL OUT OF TOWN TO GO TO A BAR....AND I REALLY LIKE A CHANGE EVERY NOW AND THEN.....THANK YOU AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
--CON
From: MelindaHernandez
Subject: Hellooooooooo Oprah
Hello Everyone,
My name is Melinda Hernandez. I live in N.Y.C. I am starting a email campaign to enlighten Oprah Winfrey. I am asking for any and all gay organizations to write to Oprah and Inquire why she does not have people alternates lifestyles on her show. She needs to include all people if she is on a mission to help everyone find their spirit. I am asking that everyone email her until she responds. If you do so and do receive a response plz frwd me a copy. In Solidarity, Love&Light,
--Melinda
