COMMUNITY GROUPS

Tell House committee to deep-six anti-marriage bill

by Lloyd Clarke

Cleveland-Stonewall Cleveland desperately needs the lesbian, bisexual and gay community and friends to take direct action regarding Ohio House Bill 160—the antisame sex marriage legislation.

This proposed bill has been submitted to the Civil and Commercial Law Committee to be scheduled for at least one hearing by the committee chairperson.

The sponsor of the bill has the opportunity to present the legislation, and the public may present testimony (either in person or in writing) on this bill. Committee hearings are generally the most important step in the legislative process because the committee has the power to amend, table, rewrite, pass

STON

attorney Evan Wolfson, who was one of the attorneys in the victorious Hawaii same-sex marriage trial, is very encouraged by what is happening in Ohio to defeat this bill. Wolfson said that Lambda considers Ohio to be a "crucial" victory.

People who can appear in Columbus with Stonewall to read their statement opposing the bill before the committee are asked to contact Stonewall for details. The trip to Columbus would be on an upcoming Wednesday. Others can submit testimony in writing for the record.

At the very least write to the chairman of the committee and express your opposition to the bill. Address the letter to: The Honorable Edward Kasputis, Ohio House of Representatives, 77 South High Street, Columbus 43266.

WALL

CLEVELAND

A lesbian gay political organization of Northeastern Ohio

or kill bills that it hears. If the committee favorably recommends a bill for passage, it is sent to another committee for placement on the Ohio House's calendar.

According to Eric Resnick of Stonewall Akron, who has been actively lobbying committee members in Columbus, it is very possible to defeat this bill in committee. Resnick predicted that no Democrat on the Civil and Commercial Law Committee will be voting for H.B. 160. That means we need only two more "no" votes to kill the bill. Republican Ann Womer-Benjamin looks likely to go against the bill, and perhaps can influence other Republicans on the committee.

Resnick also reported that Lambda staff

Keep in mind that brief letters count as much as lengthy letters. Ask a question so that your letter warrants a reply. Here are some examples:

What is your position on H.B. 160? Why waste tax dollars on legislation that is totally unnecessary. and uses gays and lesbians as targets for a campaign of hate by right-wing bigots?

You can be sure the immoral majority types will be supporting this bill, introduced by Jay Hottinger (R) a second term representative from Newark. Take direct action today. For assistance, you can call Stonewall Cleveland at 216-741-9105.

VISIBILITY Equals EQUALITY

MARCH 7, 1997 GAY PEOPLE's ChroniCLE 13

VISIBILITY Equals EQUALITY

You are cordially invited to attend The Fourth Annual

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The Human Rights Campaign,

the nation's largest lesbian/gay political organization, works to end discrimination, secure equal rights

and protect the health and safety of all Americans. With a national staff and volunteers and members throughout the country, HRC lobbies the federal government on lesbian, gay and AIDS issues, educates the general public, participates in election campaigns, organizes volunteers, and provides expertise and training at the state and local levels.

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