i from page 7 ' _
i for your specific case, however, still feel it
. necessary to come forward. We still need
u.
yo Last year in the Senate, the child cus-
tody and the domestic violence sections of
the bill were deleted. This year we need
mothers and fathers who can present issues
\ both raised or hidden during their divorce
proceedings and what the ramifications
1 were. We need a few articulate children of
these divorces to testify about the positive
I aspects of living with or visting their les-
‘ bian or gay parent. Asking our children to
testify must be a well thought through is-
i sue. The children must be confident and
' clear in their intent. There no can no sign of
coersion by the parent.
t We need to present cases of same—sex
couple violence. It exists. The people in-
I volved do not necessarily have to be lesbian
t or gay, only same-sex people living within
a household. When the current domestic
' violence statute was passed into law, same
sex households were pointedly omitted.
I The V.L.G.R. survey reported several
' years ago that loss of employment was a
clear issue with us. We need those respon-
dents and all others to come forward.

 

.-. - 2'.‘  \. .45» -

wear,

1989

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People from all professions who can testify
to the fears and realities of job security are
needed.

Who has evidence of housing dis-
crimination? Have you attempted to rent
office space or live somewhere and been
denied access because you are homosex-
ual? Tell your story at the hearing.

Have you ever been denied a mortgage
or credit because of your sexual prefer-
ence? It is important these stories be told.
Give names and specifics of the offending
institutions and individuals.

The bill addresses public accomoda-
tions, these include hotels, restaurants, and
any place to which the public has access.
We need testimony from people who were
denied entry or were discriminated against
because of their sexual orientation, either
real or perceived.

Availability of insurance affects all of
us, particularly partners in a live together
situation, for example, who wish to name
each other as beneficiaries on a life insur-
ance policy. Doesn’t it seem strange that

married heterosexual couples who separate -

after a year or two can cover still cover their
“spouse” under a work health insurance
policy—-but a same sex couple living in a

Church officials from a variety of re-
ligions who will testify on our behalf are
needed. These individuals are our most
effective answer to the hordes of funda-
mentalist “Christians” who use, ad nau-
seam, their interpretations of biblical texts
to illustrate our immorality.

Grandparents and extended family
members who can prove the existence of
loving, supportive families are welcome.
Testimony or support by their presence
alone are needed.

Testimony must be no longer than two
minutes in length. It must be articulate and
concise, the time limit is strictly enforced.
Do not waste any of your two minutes
thanking the committees for their time.

Please bring a copy of your testimony
to give to the committee and a copy for the
Coalition records.

Please call either Keith or myself if
you have questions or concerns. Our phone
numbers are listed on the back page of
OITM. If you decide to testify, let me know
via the Coalition, address also on the back
page, so I have an idea which sections of the
bill still need to be addressed.

(Continued on page 15)

i We 've got a new look
Come in and Check it out.

 Passion of Pearls

  
     
   

135 Pearl Street
Burlington, Vermont t

 

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