Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (June 3, 2005)
rrnrum news all legal rights and protections for same-sex cou ples and their families, including domestic part nerships and equal marriage rights. The two organizations said that together they would match $1 for every $4 raised through Labor Day to fight the amendment, up to $200,000. Leaders of California’s progressive organizations said they are confident they can take full advantage of the challenge and raise the $800,000. The $200,000 challenge grant is the first large financial commitment to the newly launched Equality for All Coalition, an unprecedented alliance of more than 200 reli gious, labor and civil rights organizations from throughout California that will lead the cam paign to defeat the initiative. “Defeating this initiative is about ensuring equality for all California families and preserv ing California’s leadership on fairness for its GLBT citizens,” said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign. “The unity and resolve of the coalition against this discrim inatory and ugly initiative are unprecedented.” Matt Foreman, NGLTF’s executive director, said: “We know that it’s going to take a huge amount of money and intense organizing to defeat this hurtful and immoral initiative. This is too important, and we can neither afford to lose nor wait another day.” Geoffrey Kors, executive director of Equality California, added: “We are confident that if we can get the truth out about this extreme anti- gay, anti-single parent, anti-family amendment, California voters will reject it. This generous challenge from the task force and the Human Rights Campaign will definitely help us start that process.” Lorri L. Jean, chief executive officer of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, said: “The fight against the proposed constitutional amendment is going to be a tough one. We’ve lost in the past because our opponents have been better organ ized and better funded than we were, and they got started earlier. This national support is the lune 3.2005 - jUSt OUt 23 M arriage R ecognition P romotes M ental H ealth Marriage recognition promotes positive mental health for sexual minorities, according to members of the American Psychiatric Asso ciation at its annual meeting last month in Atlanta. If directors approve a statement for marriage equality next month, the group will be the first major medical organization to weigh in on the value of same-sex marriage. According to the statement, marriage equal ity has a positive influence on the health of all family members. Barriers to health care, pension and other benefits, conversely, hurt the stability and mental health of queer couples. A majority of the APA’s estimated 250 mem bers in attendance approved of the pro-marriage position. Some felt the need to clarify the or ganization’s position as civil and not religious. Canadian psychiatrist Joseph Berger stood against the statement, saying his group should respect countrywide votes against same-sex mar riage. “It’s very unusual for an organization like ours to take on an issue so contrary to where public sentiment is,” he reportedly said. Same-sex marriage is illegal in 40 states, including Oregon. Other mental health organizations have fol lowed suit in agreeing that marriage equality promotes mental health. Last July, the Ameri can Psychological Association issued a state ment saying research indicated discrimination based on sexual orientation detrimentally affects the psychological, physical, social and economic well-being of gay, lesbian and bisexu al people. T olerance M ixed in M ainstream A merica Locally, sexual minorities are fighting for civil union legislation, while nationwide, the majority still resists queer equality, according to a recent Gallop poll. The poll, which randomly surveyed 1,005 adults in May, indicates most Americans believe queers should have equal employment opportunities, though their support tapers in education and clergy fields. The public’s under lying belief that homo sexuality is immoral seems to stymie progres sive attitudes toward same-sex marriage, which the majority opposes. Barely half believe homosexual relations between con senting adults should be legal, and a majority says Congressman Barney Frank of Massachusetts has been instrumental such relations are in the effort to get gender identity protected at the federal level. immoral. The majority says marriages between leverage we need to go toe to toe with the anti- queers should not be recognized as legally valid; gay forces who would deny us our equal rights.” 39 percent say they should be valid. Kate Kendell, executive director of the While queers have made major gains in pub National Center for Lesbian Rights, added: lic perception in the past 30 years, opinions “The challenge is going to help us get up and have improved only slightly during the past few running quickly—and will help spur other years. Today, the percentage saying the queer donations to the campaign. We welcome the lifestyle should be considered acceptable leadership of our national partners in helping us remains at just 51 percent, while 45 percent say it should not be acceptable. get the resources we need.” But those polled are a fickle set, with favor Sponsors of the anti-marriage amendment, known as the Voters’ Right to Protect Marriage able perceptions varying depending on whether Initiative, must submit nearly 600,000 voter sig the population is referred to as “gay and lesbian” natures to the California secretary of state to or “homosexual.” Americans prefer gays and les- I qualify the measure for the June 2006 ballot. bians to homosexuals, the poll indicates. For more poll results, visit www.gallup.com. jFl I Amendment proponents have said they need to raise $1 million immediately to gather the nec Compiled by S arah D ougher I essary signatures. Investing with your Best Interest at Heart Initial consultation with no charge or obligation Comprehensive Financial Planning Life A Disability Insurance* Estate Planning Strategies College Savings Plans IRAs, Roth IRAs, Rollovers Tax Advantaged Investments Long Term Care Insurance* WADDELL cSrREED Fmonrtel Sr »vice»• © OHsrsd thrsegh «magaMoh nth elemi canpo www.waddell.com anneseelye@wradvisors.com 503.238.6036^ ggi & A nnf S eelyf FlNANCIATÄbVlSOR 700 Northeast Multnomah Sfre-et • St e New Pride Section in both Stores Cards, Flags, Stickers, Patches and more Don’t forget the **Annual Garage Sale” all July Cards,T-shirts, Bumper Stickers, Gifts and lots more!!! Don't mis» »•>'« one’ it’s realty big. Laugh Your Lips Off!!! Downtown 721 SE IOth Ave 503.222.5888 Hawthorne District 3534 SE Hawthorne Blvd 503.239.9205 www.thejellybean.com Hlddame bouffant Opening June 3 {grand opening party june 16} • custom & ready to wear wigs • hair & fashion accessories • fancy things • makeup l 130 sw alder Û 503.219.wigs www. madame-bouffant, com
