Senate votes to preserve bigotry OLYMPIA – A state Senate bill that would have banned discrimination against gay men and women in housing, insurance and jobs has been rejected – by a single vote. The legislation appeared dead when it was sent to a committee, but the Senate allowed the measure to come up for a vote on April 21 and rejected it 25-24. Sen. Jim Hargrove, a Democrat from the Grays Harbor city of Hoquiam, said he opposed the measure for religious reasons. Democrats Hargrove and Tim Sheldon joined all 23 Republicans in voting against the bill. Gov. Christine Gregoire, who had promised to sign the bill, said she was disappointed the measure failed. “I remain committed to ending discrimination and I urge all my fellow citizens to do all we can, individually and as a community, to make Washington a safe and welcoming place for all people to live and work,” she said in a statement. “We’re disappointed, of course, but we’re not giving up,” said George Cheung, executive director of Equal Rights Washington. “Polls clearly show that the people of Washington state overwhelmingly support equal rights for gays and lesbians … the Senate let party politics interfere with its duty to protect Washington residents.”
Vol. XIV, No. 5
Serving the Gay and Lesbian Community of the Inland Northwest
Domestic partner benefits approved
Volunteers help Odyssey
by John Deen It seemed to be a contest: God and morality versus fairness and equality. The judges’ decision – in this case, the Spokane City Council – would be final. Concluding a five-hour meeting, council members voted 5-2 to extend medical, dental and related benefits to city employees with domestic partners. The measure applies to all unmarried couples, regardless of sexual orientation, and requires an affidavit confirming the relationship. Currently, 17 “at-will” employees qualify. Labor groups would have to bargain to qualify union members for the plan. Maybe all the values discussed during the evening are winners. “I think of a God of love,” said councilwoman Cherie Rodgers, “and how we think of other people. It’s not about hating. I’ve talked to people who can’t
staff photo
Among the volunteer corps at Odyssey Youth Center are, from left, Linda McKitrick; Volunteer Coordinator Julie Amo; Ann Marie Floch and Janice Packwood. Floch and Packwood, partners of 5 years, began their volunteer stint last winter; McKitrick has volunteered intermittently since Odyssey’s inception 13 years ago. Amo said more volunteer participation is invited. She may be contacted by telephoning the youth center at 325-3637.
get married, same-sex couples, and sexual orientation is not a choice.” Rodgers and council members Joe Shogan, Al French, Mary Verner and council President Dennis Hession, who
Continued on page 6
New England states approve landmark pro-gay legislation Connecticut HARTFORD, Conn. – Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell has signed into law a measure that allows gay and lesbian couples in Connecticut to enter into civil unions and receive all the benefits the state now provides married heterosexual couples. Before final adoption by the state House and Senate in April, the bill was amended to define marriage as between one man and one woman. Another amendment fixed the minimum age for same-sex civil unions at 18. The age of consent for marriage in the state is 16. In signing the bill, Gov. Rell stressed the marriage amendment: “I have said all along that I believe in no discrimination of any kind and I think this bill accomplishes that, while at the same time preserving the traditional lan-
May 2005
A concurrent poll by Newsday and Associated Press found that more than half (56 percent) of registered Connecticut voters support civil unions for gay men and lesbians, but that 53 percent are unwilling to extend marriage rights. Religious groups may mount an effort to have the bill overturned in court
sponsored the ordinance, voted yes. Bob Apple and Brad Stark voted no. Shogan favored the issue, he said, “because it comes down to a matter of equality and fairness.” Commented French, “Whatever the council decides, it will not impact the institution of marriage.” He noted also that domestic partner benefits were recently approved for state employees. Verner said some of the people who opposed the ordinance “have brought in some highly inflated figures” on what the plan will cost the city. “Marriage isn’t necessarily a healthy enviContinued on page 6
Maine
Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell
guage that a marriage is between a man and a woman.” Openly-gay state Rep. Evelyn Mantilla, a Democrat, voted against the bill because of the restrictive amendments, but the measure still passed in the House, 85 to 63, easily overcoming the 75 votes needed for passage. Senate approval was by a 3 to 1 margin.
AUGUSTA, Maine – Legislators in this Northeastern-most state of the continental United States accomplished what their counterparts in the Northwestern-most state could not or would not do. And Maine Gov. John Baldacci declared “a proud day for Maine” as he signed into law a bill to protect gay men and lesbians from discrimination, making Maine the sixth and final New England state to do so. Maine also becomes the 16th state to outlaw antigay bias. “Our doors are open to all people. This is a proud day for Maine,” said Continued on page 18
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