WHO'S BEHIND THE GAY RIGHTS MOVEMENT? Statements & policies in support of gay and lesbian civil rights Compiled by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force December 1988 CORPORATIONS AMERICAN MOTORS CORPORATION, 1978 (from AMC brochure) It is the practice of American Motors Corporation not to discriminate on the basis of sexual preference in the employment, development, and promotion of employees. AT&T AT&T's policy is to...prohibit the use of a person's sexual preference or orientation, or marital status, as a criterion in personnel decisions. CITICORP, 1975 (from Citicorp brochure) Citicorp has long believed that employment decisions should be made on the basis of qualification and suitability to perform the particular job and not on the basis of non-job related characteristics such as race, sex, religion, national origin or age. We view sexual orientation as a non-job related characteristic and thus do not make employment decisions based on this attribute. DIGITAL, 1988 (Kenneth H. Olsen, Digital president) It is the policy of Digital Equipment Corporation to ensure that all employees and candidates for employment are considered for all positions on the basis of their qualifications and abilities without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, citizenship status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or handicap...We will provide a work environment free from discrimination and harassment of any kind. Moreover, we are committed to valuing people's differences because it is our firm conviction that an environment which values differences is critical to each employees ability to succeed and to the success of the corporation. EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY, 1985 It is Kodak's policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons; to prohibit discrimination in employment practices, compensation practices, personnel procedures, and the administration of benefit plans and other programs because of race, color, religion, sex, age, veteran status, marital status, handicap, sexual preference, or national origin; and to promote the full realization of equal employment opportunity through a positive continuing affirmative action program throughout company establishments. IBM, 1974 IBM does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation in either the employment or the advancement of its employees. All hiring and promotion decisions are based on job-related requirements and an individual's qualifications. LABOR ORGANIZATIONS AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR AND CONGRESS OF INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATIONS, 1983 It is the responsibility of trade unions to guarantee that workers shall be judged on the merits of their work and not by irrelevant criteria of what they do in their private lives...Civil rights legislation prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation is consistent with the principles of trade unionism and a person's right privacy. The AFL-CIO supports and urges the enactment of legislation at the federal, state, and local levels that would guarantee the civil rights of all persons without regard to sexual orientation in employment, housing, credit, public accommodations, and public service. AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY, AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES 1980: No person otherwise eligible for membership in this union shall be denied membership on a basis of unqualified equality because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation or political belief. 1982: Whereas AFSCME's Bill of Rights prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation for union membership, and...lesbian and gay people should have the same rights to basic protection under the law as all other citizens. Therefore be it resolved that AFSCME endorse the passage of federal, state, and local legislation which extends basic civil rights in the areas of employment, housing, and public accommodations to lesbian and gay citizens. 1984: Be it further resolved...that all AFSCME agreements be reviewed to ensure that they contain nothing discriminatory against employees because of race, sex, national origin, creed, color, age, sexual preference, or disability. Strong affirmative action language in each agreement be stressed in contract negotiations, calling for fair layoff procedures and adequate upward mobility training. 1986: Be it further resolved...that AFSCME councils and locals will vigorously pursue affirmative action at the bargaining table to ensure that public employers maintain personnel systems that do not discriminate against anyone by virtue of their race, sex, national origin, creed, color, age, disability or sexual orientation...Therefore be it resolved that AFSCME endorse the enactment of legislation at every level of government to guarantee the rights of gay and lesbian citizens. Whereas it is the experience of the union that the rights of its members are most securely guaranteed when established in collective bargaining agreements...therefore be it resolved that it is the policy of this union to include such anti-discrimination language in AFSCME negotiated contracts. Be it further resolved that councils and the International Union should, and are urged to, include such language in contracts with staff employees. AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS 1970: Whereas, professional people insist that they be judged on the basis of professional and not personal criteria, and whereas, it is the responsibility of trade unions to provide job protection from all forms of discrimination that are not based on performance...be it resolved that the American Federation of Teachers protests any personnel actions taken against any teacher merely because he or she practices homosexual behavior in private life. 1979: Whereas, the 1973 convention passed a resolution opposing punitive action against teachers because of acts committed in their private lives, unless such acts could be shown to affect fitness to teach, and...whereas no employee should be discriminated against because of their private sexual preference, resolved, that the AFT supports amendment of the federal laws relating to job discrimination to include discrimination because of sexual preference. 1988: Whereas, the AFT opposes discrimination in any form against any group or individual, and whereas, this opposition needs constant effort to ensure non-discrimination, and whereas the AFT is committed to the achievement of solidarity through diversity within the labor movement and total integration in a society free of discrimination against race, ethnicity, creed, age, handicap, economic status, gender, marital status, and sexual orientation; and whereas, the AFT opposes the resurgence of individuals, groups, and organizations that espouse bigotry, hatred and violence against racial, ethnic, religious, gender, and sexual minorities; resolved, the AFT reaffirms its opposition to discrimination on the basis of sexual preference. NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION The NEA believes that personnel policies and practices must guarantee that no person be employed, retained, paid, dismissed, suspended, demoted, transferred, or retired because of race, color, national origin, religious beliefs, residence, physical disability, political activities, professional association, activity, age, marital status, family relationship, sex, or sexual orientation. The NEA believes that all persons, regardless of sexual orientation, should be afforded equal opportunity within the public education system. NEWSPAPER EDITORIALS ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, February 1986 The City of Atlanta will clearly be doing the right thing if it adopts proposed charter and ordinance changes that would expand the city's civil rights coverage, which now specifies race, creed, color, gender, and national origin, to include sexual orientation. It ought to go without saying--though, alas, it does not--that no government should discriminate against any class of its citizens in hiring, promotion, and so on. LOS ANGELES TIMES, April 1985 The issue of gay rights will not go away, nor should it until those rights are properly protected...Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is just as wrong as that based on race, sex, or marital status. NEW YORK TIMES, January 1986 After more than a decade of debate, there may be enough votes in New York's city council to pass a law forbidding discrimination against homosexuals in jobs, housing, and public accommodations. As now refined and focused, the measure deserves the support of all New Yorkers...It is a civil rights bill, affirming protections that belong to all citizens and reinforcing the right of some not to have the revelation of their homosexuality devalue citizenship. New York has much to gain and nothing to fear from this bill's passage. PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, July 1974 City Council Bill 1275...would prohibit discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations against any citizen on the basis of "sexual orientation"...Whether such orientation--manifest or latent, among males or females--is good, bad, or indifferent is a debate we have no hope of settling...The fact is that homosexuals do exist, in America and in Philadelphia...And yet today in most of America--and in Philadelphia--those American men and women can be routinely and legally denied access to jobs, housing, and other public accommodations that are the constitutional rights of all other Americans...Neither America nor Philadelphia can afford the smallness of mind that legalizes second-class citizenship. Homosexual rights is not the issue--human rights is. WASHINGTON POST, May 1984 Senator Alan Cranston has introduced a bill to remove homosexuals from the list of aliens who are automatically excluded, but there is little support from his colleagues. His proposals to end discrimination against this category of immigrants deserves better. Most Americans now view homosexuality on the part of consenting adults as a personal and private matter. It is neither an economic burden on the public nor a threat to the national health or security. It should not be grounds for automatic exclusion. POLITICAL AND CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION 1975: Homosexuals are entitled to the same rights, liberties, lack of harassment, and protections as are other citizens...Thus the ACLU opposes criminal restraint on any homosexual behavior, between or among consenting adults in private...The ACLU opposes involuntary institutionalization and/or treatment of such behavior, and opposes the enforcement of sex-offender registration statutes against individuals convicted of private consensual sex acts...Thus, the Union maintains that discrimination on the basis of homosexuality violates an individual's right privacy and denies the person equal protection of the law. 1986: The ACLU supports the legal recognition of gay and lesbian relationships. Such recognition is imperative for the complete legal equality of lesbians and gay men. AMERICAN POLITICAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATION, It is Association policy to urge that educational institutions not discriminate against employees or applicants because of sexual orientation, marital status, or physical handicap. DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL PARTY PLATFORM, 1988 We celebrate America's multicultural heritage by assuring equal access to government services, employment, housing, business enterprise, and education to every citizen regardless of race, sex, national origin, religion, age, handicapping conditions, or sexual orientation. NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR WOMEN, 1975 Be it resolved that the accomplishment of civil rights for lesbians be designated as a national priority for the National Organization for Women. YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION, 1973 The YWCA will not discriminate in board representation, staff hiring, or program participation on the basis of sexual preference. PROFESSIONAL AND SCIENTIFIC ORGANIZATIONS AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE, 1975 Whereas some American scientists are members of sexual minorities, and...there still exist many forms of discrimination against these scientists because of their sexual orientation, without regard to their professional qualifications, and...such discrimination constitutes a loss to science and an injustice to these individuals, therefore be it resolved that the American Association for the Advancement of Science deplores any form of discrimination on the basis of sexual behavior between consenting adults in private. AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, 1981 The American Library Association Council reaffirms its support for equal employment opportunity for gay librarians and library workers...The ALA is committed to equality of opportunity for all library employees or applicants for employment, regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age, physical handicap, individual life-style, or national origin. AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 1975: The APA deplores all public and private discrimination in such areas as employment, housing, public accommodations, and licensing against those who engage in or have engaged in homosexual activities...further, the APA supports and urges the enactment of civil rights legislation at the local, state, and federal level that would offer citizens who engage in acts of homosexuality the same protections now guaranteed to others on the basis of race, creed, color, etc. Further, the APA supports and urges the repeal of all discriminatory legislation singling out homosexual acts by consenting adults in private. 1977: The sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation of natural, or prospective adoptive or foster parents should not be the sole or primary variable considered in custody or placement cases. 1988: Whereas, the experience of criminal and violent victimization has profound psychological consequences; and the APA opposes prejudice and discrimination based upon race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, or physical condition. Therefore be it resolved that the APA condemns harassment, violence, and crime motivated by such prejudice. Be it further resolved that the APA encourages researchers, clinicians, teachers, and policy-makers to help reduce and eliminate hate crimes and bias-related violence. AMERICAN PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION, 1972 Whereas, homophobia (discrimination, hostility, or fear on the basis of affectional or sexual orientation) adversely affects the health of the people in that it (1) interferes with the proper delivery of health care to the homosexual minority, (2) restricts or eliminates opportunities of this minority to make optimal contributions as health workers, and (3) causes needless physical and mental health problems among this minority; therefore be it resolved that the APHA deplores all public and private discrimination against persons with homosexual orientation in such areas as employment, education, licensing, housing, credit, public accommodation, worship, social welfare, and health services...Be it further resolved that APHA supports the enactment of civil rights laws at the local, state, and federal levels which would provide to persons with homosexual orientation the same protections now provided to others on the basis of religion, color, sex, etc...APHA urges all health agencies which engage in educational activities...to provide education regarding the adverse effects of homophobia on the health of the people and regarding ways for health workers to respond better to the needs of patients with homosexual orientation. AMERICAN NURSES' ASSOCIATION 1978: The American Nurses' Association supports the enactment of civil rights laws at the local, state, and federal levels that would provide the same protection to persons regardless of sexual and affectional preference as is currently guaranteed to others on the basis of sex, age, ethnicity, and color. 1984: The ANA believes that (1) the lesbian/gay population has a right to quality health care; (2) the lesbian/gay population has the right to have equitable attention to, and funding for, research related to health problems for which it may be at risk; (3) all people who have AIDS have the right to equitable and humanistic health care. AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION 1986: The Council on Children, Adolescents, and Their Families of the APA finds that the available research and experience show that single factors (e.g. being a single parent, homosexual, or elderly) should not necessarily or automatically rule out selection of a potential foster parent. OREGON STATE BAR ASSOCIATION, 1986 [The OSBA passed a resolution at its 1986 convention calling for the adoption og state civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation.] SIERRA CLUB, 1984 Employment at the Sierra Club is based upon qualifications and competency. The Sierra Club does not discriminate against anyone in treatment, hiring, compensation or promotional opportunities on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual preference, handicap, veteran's status, or political affiliation. Every effort is made to comply with all applicable laws prohibiting employment discrimination. PUBLIC OPINION POLLS LOS ANGELES TIMES, 1985 Fifty-one percent of Americans said they favored laws to protect homosexuals against job discrimination. NEWSWEEK, 1986 Forty-seven percent of those polled disapproved of the Supreme Court decision upholding a state law against certain sexual practices engaged in privately by consenting adult homosexuals. Forty-one percent approved. Fifty-seven of those polled did not think that states should have the right to prohibit particular sexual practices conducted in private between consenting adult homosexuals. Thirty-four percent did. LOS ANGELES TIMES, 1983 Fifty-nine percent of Californians polled favor laws to protect homosexuals against job discrimination. Thirty-one percent opposed them. RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF (merged with the United Presbyterian Church in 1983 to form the Presbyterian Church, USA) 1978 There is no legal, social, or moral justification for denying homosexual persons access to the basic requirements of human social existence. Sexual conduct in private between consenting adults is a matter of private morality to be instructed by religious precept or ethical example and persuasion, rather than by legal coercion. Vigilance must be exercised to oppose federal, state, and local legislation that discriminates against persons on the basis of sexual orientation in employment, housing, and public accommodations. UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 1969: Whereas homosexual practices between consenting adults in private endangers none of the properly protective functions of civil law; and whereas laws against consensual homosexual practices between adults in private violate the right of privacy and are virtually unenforceable, except through the abhorrent practices of police entrapment and enticement; and...therefore, the Council for Christian Social Action hereby declares its opposition to all laws which make private homosexual relations between consenting adults a crime and thus urges their repeal. 1975: Discrimination related to affectional or sexual preference in employment, housing, public accommodations, and other civil liberties, has inflicted an incalculable burden of fear into the lives of persons in society and in the Church whose affectional or sexual preference is toward persons of the same gender. Therefore...recognizing that a person's affectional or sexual preference is not legitimate grounds on which to deny her or his civil liberties, the Tenth General Synod of the United Church of Christ proclaims the Christian conviction that all persons are entitled to full civil liberties and equal protection under the law. Further, the Tenth General Synod declares its support for the enactment of legislation at the federal, state, and local levels of government that would guarantee the liberties of all persons without discrimination related to affectional or sexual preference. CENTRAL CONFERENCE OF AMERICAN RABBIS, 1977 Whereas the Central Conference of American Rabbis has consistently supported civil rights and liberties for all people,...and whereas homosexuals have in our society long endured discrimination, be it therefore resolved that we encourage legislation which decriminalizes homosexual acts between consenting adults, and prohibits discrimination against them as persons. UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, GENERAL BOARD OF CHURCH AND SOCIETY We insist that all persons, regardless of age, gender, marital status, or sexual orientation, are entitled to have their human and civil rights ensured. EPISCOPAL CHURCH, GENERAL CONVENTION, 1976 This General Convention expresses its conviction that homosexual persons are entitled to equal protection of the laws with all other citizens, and calls upon our society to see that such protection is provided in actuality. NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF RELIGIOUS BROTHERS, 1983 We the member of the National Assembly of Religious Brothers wish to stand with all groups in their struggles for justice...We believe that those whose sexual orientation is homosexual have been discriminated against by society at large as well as in the Church, and we believe that all men and women, including those of homosexual orientation, have a right to a full life in society as well as in the Church, be it resolved that we are opposed to any unjust discrimination against those of homosexual orientation in society at large and in the Church, including its ministry, and...we the members of the NARB take an active role, together with our President and Board, in promoting legislation and other projects that favor human rights and justice for all, including those of homosexual orientation. UNION OF AMERICAN HEBREW CONGREGATIONS, 1977 Homosexual persons are entitled to equal protection under the law. We oppose discrimination against homosexuals in areas of opportunity, including employment and housing...We affirm our belief that private sexual acts between consenting adults are not the proper province of government and law enforcement agencies. UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST ASSOCIATION OF CONGREGATIONS, 1970 Recognizing that a significant minority of this country are either homosexual or bisexual in their feelings and/or behavior; homosexuality has been the target of severe discrimination by society and in particular by the police and other arms of government; therefore be it resolved that the 1970 General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association urges all peoples immediately to bring an end to all discrimination against homosexuals, homosexuality, bisexuals, and bisexuality, with specific immediate attention to the following issues: private consensual behavior between persons over the age of consent shall be the business only of those persons and not subject to legal regulations; a person's sexual orientation or practice shall not be a factor in the granting or renewing of federal security clearances, visas, and the granting of citizenship or employment. UNIVERSITIES AMHERST COLLEGE Amherst College does not discriminate in its admission or employment policies and practices, on the basis of extrinsic factors such as race, sex, sexual orientation, age, color, religion, national origin, handicap, or status as a veteran of the Vietnam War era or as a disabled veteran. MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, 1988 official comment MIT is meant to be a humane meritocracy. The ideas of meritocracy reflects our commitment to excellence in research and teaching; we find no differences in excellence due to sexual orientation. Our commitment to a "humane" environment affirms our interest in compassion and respect for all. Harassment on the basis of sexual orientation is rare and is dealt with like all other forms of harassment. We believe that most faculty and students support the Institute in rejecting discrimination, which is damaging to self-respect and to the fostering of excellence. OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, 1973 The policy of the Ohio State University, both traditionally and currently, is that discrimination against any individual for reasons of race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, nation origin, sex, age, handicap, or Vietnam-era veteran status is specifically prohibited. TEMPLE UNIVERSITY Temple University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all in every aspect of its operations. The University has pledge not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, or handicap. This policy extends to all educational, service, and employment programs of the University. STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK, 1983 It is the policy of the State University of New York...that no discrimination against or harassment of individuals will occur on any of the campuses or in the programs or activities of the University. Attitudes, practices, and preferences of individuals that are essentially personal in nature, such as private expression or sexual orientation, are unrelated to performance and provide no basis for judgment. WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY It is the policy and commitment of Western Michigan University not to discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, national origin, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, handicap, or veteran status in its educational programs, activities, admissions, or employment policies. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, 1983 It is the intent and direction of the Board of Regents that the University's policy against legally impermissible, arbitrary, or unreasonable discriminatory practices shall be understood and applied so as to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT It is the policy of the University of Connecticut to prohibit discrimination in education, employment, and in the provision of services on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual preferences, status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era, physical or mental disability, or record of such impairments, or mental retardation. [The university also prohibits harassment, which consists of abusive behavior directed toward an individual or group because of race, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, religion, gender, sexual preference, age, physical, or mental disabilities.] UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, 1984 The University of Michigan believes that educational and employment decisions should be based on individuals' abilities and qualifications and should not be based on irrelevant factors or personal characteristics...Among the traditional factors which are generally "irrelevant" are race, sex, religion, and national origin. It is the policy of the University of Michigan that an individual's sexual orientation be treated in the same manner.