Big Brother Balks
by
Patrick Franklin
April 27 of this year marks the 30th anniversary of President Eisenhower's executive order banning homosexuals from all government positions. In a more freewheeling age, it's easy to forget the hysteria of the 50's, when a slip of the lip could sink a career and Gays, Lesbians, and people who were merely "suspicious" lost their jobs and reputations.
Dr. Dan Siminoski, political scientist at Texas Tech University hasn't forgotten, though. What he also remembers is the suveillance that was undertaken by the FBI on domestic groups that were regarded as "subversive" (a common denunciation of Gay activists) and which may continue now.
Siminoski filed a request on Octtober 20, 1982 for all records held by the FBI on 13 specific Gay Movement groups and any others affecting the Gay and Lesbian Movement as well. Using the Freedom of Information Act as a lever, the search for records included not only the main FBI files, but those of seven field offices of the agency.
Generally, the cost of such a request is borne by the applicant. However, a "fee waiver" is available for applications that result in disclosures which are "in the public interest." On January 3 of this year, Siminoski's request was denied by the FBI, claiming that the size of the public to be benefitted was too small, and his ability to get the information to that public too limited.
Obviously, the FBI is waffling. Millions of Gay people are affected by the exitence of government prying, and early indications (se added chart) show clearly that most Gay activist groups have generated government records. Siminoski has published extensively, writing both for the Gay press and for major academic conferences.
Dr. Siminoski filed an immediate appeal with the Justice Department,
10 ACTION 5-83.
and plans to carry the case further, should that be denied. His case is considered a strong one by attorneys and experts in Freedom of Information Act issues. Whatever the result, the case promises tangible benefits to the Gay community; if successful, at least 2000 pages of documents (the number the FBI admits having) will be turned over for public scruntiny.
The case is valuable as a test of Gay civil rights, and an opportunity for media coverage and public education. It opens many doors between Gay and non-Gay supporters of freedom and open government.
Siminoski's attorneys estimate that his legal fees will run from $10,000 to $20,000, with associated travel, telephone and public relations costs. The Gay and Lesbian community has a great deal at stake in his work, and we strongly urge contributions to Siminoski so that he can continue to prepare and pursue a case that affects us all.
Any contributions are not tax-deductible, since the government does not regard this as in the public interest. You can mark the anniversary of the Presidential Decree of Shame by sending financial support to: Freedom of Information Defence Fund, c/o Dr. Dan Siminoski,
Department of Political Science, Texas Tech University, P.0. Box 4290 Lubbock, Texas 79409
Dan can be called for more information, or to arrange speaking engagements at 806/763-3121.
C Stonewall Features Syndicate, 1983
SEE CHART ON
THE FOLLOWING PAGE
Files admitted by F.B.I. as of 4/1/83
Existence of F.B.I. Surveillance
quarters
F.B.I.
Head
YES
F.B.I. Regional Offices
Balt.
Boston
ON
YES
Chicago YES
-.A.
Miami
NO
YES
TIN
TIN
ON
ON
ON
New York San Fran Wash D.C.
EXEMPT
a,b,d
UN
U
YES
YES 1 a,b,c
YES
ES
ES 3
YES
EXEMPT
YES
YES
NAME OF ORGANIZATION
EAST COAST HOMOPHILE ORG. GAY ACADEMIC UNION
DAUGHTERS OF BILITIS
GAY ACTIVIST ALLIANCE
GAY LIBERATION FRONT
GAY RIGHTS NATIONAL LOBBY
LESBIAN FEMINIST LIB.
YES
ON
ON
ON
ON
ΤΩΝ
NO
MATTACHINE/NEW YORK
YES
YES
YES
YES
MATTACHINE SOCIETY
YES
YES 2
YES
YES
NATIONAL AGY TASK FORCE
YES
NO
ONE INC.
YES
YES
RADICAL/LESBIANS
ON
ON
ON
ON
NO
ON
YES 4
YES 5
ON
EXEMPT
YES 6
ON
UN
ON
YES
REFERRAL CODES
1. Referred to New York Field Office
2.
"1
F.8.I. Headquarters
11 Los Angeles Field Office
"F.B.I. Headquarters Washington Field Office
11 New York Field Office
BLANKS INDICATE NO RESPONSE ·
FOIA EXEMPTION CODES
fidential source confider a. (b) (7) (c) invades privacy of another person b. (b) (7) (d) reveals identity of
and/or information
c. (b) (7) (e) impairs effectiveness of investigative
d. (b) (1)
techniques
national defense or foreign policy reasons classified per: Executive Order 12356
SOCIETY FOR INDIV. RIGHTS
YES
ACTION 5-83 11