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VERMONT'S NEWSPAPER FOR LESBIANS, GAY MEN, AND BISEXUALS

Volume VI, Number 11

January 1992

The Time is Now: Civil Rights for All Vermonters

The Time is Now: Civil Rights for All
Vermonters

Keith Goslant
Co-Liaison to the Governor, Vermont
Coalition of Lesbians and Gay Men

As Co-Liaison, the question I’m asked
most frequently must be, “So, where’s
the bill?” The question refers to the bill
prohibiting discrimination based on sex-
ual orientation, known in the past as H-
247, S-278, and H-211. The most recent
incarnations are H-162 and S-131. This
bill would extend the nondiscrimination
clauses of 15 Vermont statutes to protect
everyone regardless of their sexual or-
ientation. The bill would add the words
“sexual orientation” to the existing cat-
egories (race, age, sex, religion, marital
status, national origin, and handicap) that
under Vermont law carmot be the basis of
discrimination in jobs, housing, public
accommodations, education, credit and
insurance.

In January 1991 the bill, which was first
drafted and introduced in 1986, was re-
introduced into both the House (H-162)
and Senate (S-131). In the House our
lead sponsor is Representative Vi Lu-
ginbuhl of South Burlington, one of a
handful of Republican supponers. In the

‘ Senate the lead sponsor is Senator David

Wolk of Rutland. Senator Wolk el-
oquently reported the Hate Crime bill to
the full Senate during the last legislative
session. Both versions of the bill are
identical in language and both are as-
signed to. the Judiciary Committees in
each chamber. Neither version contains
amendments to the family law/child cus-
tody statutes, although both Co-Liaisons
included it in their draft versions. The
sponsors of the bill did not feel they
could get broad support if “family” is-
sues were included. 1f'protection for les-
bian, gay and bisexual parents is to be
added, it will have to be done in com-
mittee and then approved by the full

chamber. During the first year of this bi-
ennium ('91-'92) we tried a low key ap-
proach; letting the bill advance without
extensive media attention or pressure on
individual committees. At times it
seemed this strategy would work to our
advantage; however, it made it difficult
to keep members of our community in-
formed on action. We questioned how
quiet we could be and—still be visible and
effective. We have gained support but
still there has been no committee vote in
either chamber. As we prepare for the
second year of this session we are in a
position to re-evaluate this strategy.

What to do now:

Invite your legislators to meet with you
and a small group (6-8) of fellow con-
stituents and share with them why this
bill is needed and important. Some leg-
islators have said they do not think they
have lesbian, gay or bisexual constitu-
ents.

Call and/or write your legislators and ask
them to support this important civil rights
legislation. If you feel you cannot sign
your name let your legislator know why;
share your fear with them. (A list of leg-
islators, organized by town/county is in-
cluded in the insert of this issue along
with a form to use if you don’t have time
to write a letter.)

Ask your friends, co-workers and family
to call or write their legislators. Every
letter or call helps a lot.

Ask your church, labor, social, pro-
fessional or charitable group to join the
Vermonters who already support full and
equal civil rights for all Vermonters: les-
bian, gay, bisexual or straight.

Carefully watch the progress of H-162
and S-131. If a public hearing is held,
consider testifying. Personal accounts of
discrimination are our strongest and most

effective advocacy, even when given
anonymously. A supportive audience is
also needed-bring a friend.

Become part of the. phone network to
distribute information about the bill. You
can add your name to the list by calling
either Co-Liaison or writing to the Co-
alition.

Organize a letter writing party with your
friends. It is easier and more fun when
done in a group.

If you have any questions about the bill
or want to be more actively involved,
please contact either Holly Perdue or
me, or write the Coalition.

As lesbians, gay men and bisexuals we
have made lasting contributions to the
diversity, creativity and unique quality
that is Vermont. It is time for our con-
tributions to be acknowledged and our
voices heard. The time for our full civil
rights is now!

Co-Liaisons: Holly Perdue, 229-0109 &
Keith Goslant, 454-8552

Vermont Coalition of Lesbians and Gay
Men, PO Box 1125, Montpelier, VT
05602 V

 

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