Schlessinger continued from page one Cathy Renna, a spokesper- son for the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, was pleased to learn that WKDR was dropping the show from its line up. Renna said Schlessinger does two fundamentally unac- ceptable things with regard to media responsibility. “First she is defaming the community by using the lan- guage she does,” said Renna of Sclilessinger’s reference to homosexuality as “deviant” and “a biological error..” “She must be held directly account- able for that,” she said. "Additionally,” said Renna, “she’s not qualified to talk about the very complex issues around sexual orientation that she gives advice for.” Schlessinger’s title of Doctor stems from her Ph.D in physi- ology. Her sole source of research, the Family Resource Council, has been discredited by every major psychological organization. “Those are the issues we have with Schlessinger, not her personal religious views,” said Renna, CG 9 a - u n It s about media responsibili- ty.” show, they bought trouble.” Schlessinger has offered a public apology. “I never intend to hurt anyone or contribute in ”She’s not qualified to talk about the very complex issues around sexual orientation that she gives advice for.” GLAAD launched a cam- paign to bring Laura Schlessinger’s defamation of the GLBT community to the attention of two target audi- ences. The first was potential audiences across the country. The second was the manage- ment at Paramount. “When we sent media kits with audio cas- settes of Schlessinger’s ‘great- est hits’ to hundreds of media outlets,” said Joan M. Garry, director of GLAAD, “our goal was to get Paramount’s atten- tion —— to help them to recog- nize that they didn’t buy con- troversy when they bought this any way to an atmosphere of hate or intolerance,” said the host said in a press release on March 10. GLAAD responded with their own statement, “As Laura Schlessinger herself might say, an apology without a fundamental change in behavior is meaningless. lf Schlessinger is sincere in her apology to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender com- munity, then it must be accom- panied by a change in her actions.” No Fox affiliate in the Vermont area has plans to air the show. V Senate continued from page two compromise that honors the constitutional rights of our gay and lesbian citizens, but takes into consideration the concerns about marriage from others.” He said he found it ironic that he was now arguing for a par- allel system to marriage. “It breaks my heart to give up the point, but it’s time to‘ work toward a consensus.” Sears said he is determined to see the issues settled this legislative session. “If we don’t do anything this year, we’re in trouble next year,” he said. The Senate leadership has given him four weeks to return the bill to the floor for a vote. The committee’s plan includes two informational hearings via Vermont Interactive Television to take place during the afternoon and evening of April 4. Sears ‘is acutely aware of the call to give the public another chance to be heard and said that his committee members will make themselves available to attend 09” .(0 09 7133.1 regional meetings in person to answer questions about the legislation. “There is a lot of mis-infor- mation out there,” said McCormack. ‘‘I think once people are really aware of what this bill does and what it doesn’t do, more of them will be supportive.” ' In the end, however, McCormack said that the pub- Benz; Franklin exam Graig; cfflirmningy Monday-Saturday 9-9 Sunday 11-5 518 Shelburne Read Next to Mall1B9 862-0546 www.lieniranklin.liaweb.ciim net discounts join our Craft club 9/ <7 an ‘a- :1 <5 cu <1 93°“ go The Beat in European comtiort tootwear with personal service Q’, tirom prolreaaional ‘Q shoe b'i‘l'l’€1'&. lic’s opinion isn’t what the leg- islature should necessarily be listening to in this case. “There are times when you have to stand your ground as an individual with a con- science and as a legislator who has taken an oath to uphold constitution,” he said. “Constitutional rights trump the will of the majority.” V 245 Main “F 7d...’ T..t.if11z:fi...itf..k.-_A... -real ahoets real comiyort real service s t . , Monday-Saturday April 2000 S C! Out in the Mountains 5 m C l’ C foundation of Vermont Our Mission ' The Samara Foundation of’ Vermont is a charitable foundation whose mission is to support and strengthen Vermont's gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered communities today and build an endowment for tomorrow. How To‘ Contact Us: - 90 main street p.o. box 1263, 1 ' burlington, Vermont 0540.2-1,-263g p. 802~860~.6236 if.il8o2~8(iO-,631~,5, , 9 infofisamarajfoundatignprg ' . , m~ww;samarat9u.n£tat§t;nv.or9 It's about making GOIIIIEG¢IOIISon Over 20 GLBT and ally organizations will be on hand to answer your questions about getting involved with the community and our future community center. It's about expressing yourself... Special guest performers will include: The Samadhi Singers, Rhombus Slam Poets, Award-Winning Essayists and more! It's about making a difference... Volunteers who are working for change community-wide will be honored with a Volunteer of the Year Awards. It's about time we celebrated! 2000 has been an exciting year for our community — and we’re only half way through. Take time out to pat yourself on the back and join us for some fun! L/G/B/T COMMUNITY SUPPER to benefit R.U.l.2? Community Center APRIL I5 2000 ° 6PM ' RADISSON HOTEL ' BURLINGTON wntmciou I‘ ll ADVANCE TICKETS REQUIRED $15-$25; available at Peace & Justice Store (Church St., Burlington) or by reservation at 860-1044 or thecenter@ru12.org Childcare available by reservation. community Vonunl SPONSORED BY: PHYSICIANS COMPUTER COMPANY 5; 1-.