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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (March 3, 2000)
m arch 1 2 0 0 0 * “Gov. Owens definitely supports a ban on gay marriage and will sign that bill if it reaches his desk,” spokesman Dick Wadhams said. Opponents of the ban say it is driven by big otry and a desire to demonize gay men and les bians. “If you have a relationship based on love, I don’t think you should ban it, you should embrace it,” said Rep. Tom Plant, D-Nederland. The measure narrowly passed in a 33-32 vote. MAINE state senator is sponsoring legislation that, if passed, would place a gay rights initiative on the November ballot. Sen. Joel Abromson’s bill is currently before a legislative committee. It is expected to move through the committee and be passed by both houses, reports PlanetOut. If the Portland Republican’s measure dries make it to the ballot, it will be the third time Maine voters have faced the issue of sexual minority civil rights at the polls. In 1995, voters rejected a measure that would have forbid den the addition of any more protected categories to the state’s civil rights law. Then, in 1997, civil rights protec tions for gay men and lesbians were approved by the Leg islature and signed into law by Gov. Angus King; howev er, a special election in 1998 repealed the legislation. The new measure would make it illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation in employment, credit, housing and public accom modations. “I am here because, following the people’s veto, nothing has changed in Maine,” said Abramson. “It is still legal to discriminate against job and mortgage applicants because of their sexual orientation; it is still legal to deny people rental units or to charge them more because of their sexual orientation; it is still legal to keep Maine people out of public accommo dations based on their sexual orientation. And that is just not acceptable. It is just not the Maine way.” Speaking at the committee hearing, Christ ian Civic League leader Michael Heath warned that the measure would lead to same-sex mar riages and “the affirmation of homosexuality as morally normal, and perhaps inevitable for some, in our schools.” Both the governor and state Attorney G en eral Andrew Ketterer support the bill, which has also garnered the support o f the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland. A NATIONAL he Human Rights Campaign, a nation al gay and lesbian politi cal organization, has endorsed Vice President A1 Gore, a Democrat, for presi dent. The announcement came Feb. 11 at a West Hollywood press conference attended by Gore. Said H RC Executive Director Elizabeth Birch: “Al Gore under stands that words create dreams, but actions create results. He has demonstrated a thorough under T standing of our issues, not just rhetorically, but historically. He has a long, tangible record of support and has championed our quest for free dom in both word and deed.” She cited Gore’s lobbying support for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, a federal bill that seeks to bar sexual orientation discrim ination in employment. "'* ay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defama- 3 tion representatives met with executives of Paramount Television on Feb. 14 to discuss an upcoming series featuring the controversial radio personality Dr. Laura Schlessinger, who has maligned homosexuality on air. C See the new Valor President - burning now at Homestead. Free A dvice and In-Home Estimates • Full Installation by Hearth Experts • G as, Wood & Pellet Stoves & Fireplaces English Fireplaces B e a u t i f u l be at, vitbont e l e c t r i c i t y s in c e 1 97 7. • Custom Mantles to Com plem ent Your Home • Barbecues. 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We agreed to talk openly during these early discus sions of the television show’s format develop ment, so that our community’s concerns will be heard by the show’s decision makers.” G LA A D is a watchdog organization dedicat ed to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of sexual minorities in all types of media. DOLAN DES G N S VERMONT O n March 1, the Vermont House Judiciary Committee voted 10-1 to approve a bill that would create “civil unions” for same-sex couples. The measure grants all the benefits and rights of marriage the state can legally offer, but it cannot grant the tax advantages and hundreds of other benefits that the federal government provides. According to The Associated Press, the only vote against the bill came from a committee mem ber who argued same-sex couples should be granted full marriage rights— equal to what married heterosex uals receive. T he Ways and Means Committee still must review the bill before it goes before the full House. Accord ing to media reports, it is not likely to go to a floor debate until the middle of the month. Gov. Howard Dean supports the measure. ■ Com piled by K R I S T I N E C h A T W O O D , a Portland resident and longtime Just Out contributor. At Builders Lighting and Globe Lighting you'll find a wide selection of quality lighting, including the perfect piece for your home. This Moroccan Gold “ and Alabaster glass chandelier with matching sconce by Dolan Designs is just one of your many choices. 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