Outline of structure and ideas

for letter to state senators and representatives.

1. State the concern/problem: Blatant discrimination against people on the basis of sexual orientation and lifestyle, despite the repeal of the Ohio sodomy law in 1974 and quaranteed constitutional rights and protections. Discrimination in housing, employment, public ac comodations and child custody.

2. State the remedy:

Pass an amendment to the civil rights act such that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or lifestyle is prohibited, and amend the child custody criterion such that homosexuality per se is not prima facie evidence of unfitness as a parent.

3. Establish the precedent for such legislation:

a. Repeal of the Ohio sodomy law effective Jan. 1974.

b. Existence of specific anti-

discrimination legislation in three Ohio cities: Columbus, Yellow Springs and Cleveland Heights.

c. Introduction of such antidiscrimination legislation into the Legislatures of several states e.g. California, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, New York, Connecticut, Hawaii, etc.

d. U.S. House of Representatives bill H.B. 2998 which would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual or affectional orientation. Sponsor: Ed. KochNY.

e. Support for civil rights protection for homosexuals by numerous professional associations, religious organizations, and other organiza-

tions:

1. American Medical Associa tion

2. American Psychiatric and Psychological Associations 3. American Bar Association 4. American Public Health Association

5. American Association for the Advancement of Science 6. National Education Association

7. United Federation of Teachers

8. National Board YWCA 9. National Council of Churches

10. The American Jewish Committee

11. United Church of Christ 12. Unitarian Universalist Association

13. National Association of Social Workers

14. District of Columbia Board of Education

4. Acknowledge the opposition and UNDERMINE it: Primarily two groups oppose this legislation religious fundamentalists and those overwhelmed with fear and ignorance about the homosexual lifestyle. a. Religious fundamentalists who insist that everyone conform to a literal interpretation of the Bible. This is a notso-disguised form of religious intolerance as the U.S. Supreme Court has consistently upheld one's freedom of religion and right to believe or not believe in particular religious beliefs despite the Christian heritage of this country.

b. It seems totally incongruous for one group of citizens to be deprived of their constitutional rights based on the myths, fears, prejudice and ignorance of other groups. It is imperative that simple. prejudice not be given the significance of statutory

law.

5. Closing:

Include a request for a reply with a definitive statement of position as regards this concern.

Here is a sample letter; if it seems too long, justthe first paragraph is well worth sending.

Honorable

return address date

Ohio Senate (or Ohio House of Representatives)

State House Columbus, Ohio 43215

Dear Senator Representative

(or

I am concerned that the Ohio Legislature has not adopted legislation which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. No action has occured despite the blatant discrimination which occurs daily in. employment, housing, public accomodations, and child custody

against gays and those choosing alternative lifestyles. I feel that it is imperative that the Legislature addresses this concern in the current session and amends our state's civil rights act and child custody criterion such that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or lifestyle is prohibited. Until such legislation is adopted, citizens will continue to have grave difficulty finding remedy in the courts for this unfair and unlawful discrimination. Precedents for this legislation have been established in Ohio. In 1974 Ohio's sodomy law was repealed. Three Ohio cities have within their city codes specific protection for gay citizens. They are Columbus, Yellow Springs and Cleveland Heights. Numerous bills have been introduced in other state legislatures which include the protections suggested above. These states include Oregon, New York, Minnesota, Connecticut, California and Hawaii. Likewise, numerous organizations and professional associations have passed resolutions in support of this anti-discrimination legislation. Organizations such as the AMA, the American Bar Assoc., the Anerican Psychiatric and Psychological Associations, the United Church of Christ and others. On the national level Rep. Ed. Koch has introduced H. B. 2998 into the U.S. House of Representatives and Senator A. Cranston plans to introduce a bill specifically protecting employment this session.

While there are some people and groups who would oppose this legislation, namely those of fundamentalist religious beliefs. or those uninformed and highly prejudiced against gays, I believe that most citizens recognize and support the concepts of basic and inalienable civil rights. I hope you will recognize these opponents for what they are, namely intolerant and fearful persons who wish to deprive others of their right to be free and self-determining. To me it is deplorable that in the past this type of prejudice has had the weight of the law. Thank you for your interest. I look forward to hearing your views on this legislation.

Sincerely, (name)