Date: Wed, 25 May 1994 09:31:16 -0500 Submitted by: Patrick Heck This email version of the VJ newsletter is a bit late because we forgot to send it to virginia-news. THE VOICE OF VIRGINIANS FOR JUSTICE MAY - JUNE 1994 VJ ALLIES STEP FORWARD DURING GENERAL ASSEMBLY The 1994 General Assembly saw an unprecedented number of bills addressing issues of concern to supporters of equal justice (see April issue of The Voice). The votes and committee hearings on these bills provided an unparalleled opportunity to witness and document the activities of our friends and foes. Many legislators were unabashedly pro-gay while others were endless sources of anti-gay rhetoric. A BRIDGE TO FUTURE SUPPORT Although the General Assembly adjourned nearly 2 months ago and the media is focused on the U.S. Senatorial election, NOW is the time to reinforce our existing ties and to build new bridges to friendly legislators. We encourage you to read our ACTION ITEM that suggests constituent letters for particular Senators and Delegates. We are often quite demanding of our elected officials, yet forget to thank them when they have come through for us. Many of VJ's long-term goals, including repeal of the Crimes Against Nature law and anti- discrimination protections, will not be obtainable without establishing long-term relationships with our friends. This session, many legislators put political capital on the line by outwardly supporting equal rights for gays, lesbians and bisexuals. If we are able to show sufficient appreciation for those who have gone out on a limb, it will be much easier to ask for their future support. The legislature is a virtual maze with many bills following serpentine and unpredictable paths to passage or defeat. Without the timely assistance of supportive legislators and their aides, it is impossible for any organization to follow the process, more or less to be present for important committee hearings and votes. Several legislators provided our lobbyist with timely access and information that enabled VJ to keep up with the hectic pace of the session, so we also recommend that you thank them. VJ is in the process of compiling a complete voting record for the '94 General Assembly. ACTION ITEM: Thank Our AllieS Delegates and Senators deserving either recognition or constructive criticism for their stands on lesbian, gay and bisexual issues during the 1994 General Assembly that ended in March are listed below. We have also included several legislators needing a polite reminder that many of their constituents are supporters of equal rights. ACTION: Write a letter to your Delegate and/or Senator, but only if they are listed below. If you would like to generate letters for legislators who live outside your district, please contact your friends and family who might reside in the appropriate district. If your legislators are not listed, try making an appointment with them to get acquainted and to let them know of your concerns. WHY WRITE? As previously mentioned, thanking your legislators for their past actions will pave the way for future support. LETTER WRITING HINTS: 1. If you are not sure of your district number, check your voter registration card or call your local voter registrar. 2. Cover only one topic. Legislators who were allies on many issues can be thanked for overall support or for the one or two items that you most appreciate. 3. Be polite and to-the-point. 4. Identify yourself as a resident of their district. If you are gay or lesbian, say so. If this is not comfortable, try mentioning that you are an ally of gays and lesbians or an advocate of privacy rights (VJ has many heterosexual members who will be writing). 5. If your legislator is already supportive, ask for their continuing assistance not only by voting "yes" when it counts, but also by actively pursuing change. The following bills are referred to in the listing of legislators that follows: HB889: The hate crimes bill that passed, but was greatly weakened by the removal of hate crimes based on a victim's sexual orientation, disability or gender. HB1314: An unsuccessful attempt to legalize consensual, private, adult sexual behavior. The first step in VJ's multi-year plan to revise or remove Virginia's Crimes Against Nature law. The bill was "passed by indefinitely" (PBI) in a Courts of Justice subcommittee, effectively killing it. SB88: In the House Courts of Justice committee, there were unsuccessful attempts to amend SB88, a gneral revision of child custody and visitation regulations, to restrict gays and lesbians from gaining child custody in court cases. Wilkins Amendment: Del. Vance Wilkins' unsuccessful House budget amendment attempting to prohibit Virginia colleges and universities from offering domestic partnership benefits in the future. HONOR ROLE Although many legislators were supportive, these allies deserve a special thank you: Del. Jean W. Cunningham (D-71) P.O. Box 542 Richmond, VA 23204 Consistent advocate for reasonable HIV/AIDS legislation; sponsor or co- sponsor of many bills to assist PWAs; and worked directly with VJ to submit legislation to permit the conversion of life insurance benefits for PWAs with Virginia Retirement System-supplied life insurance. Co-sponsor of HB889. Voted against Wilkins amendment. Del. Bernard S. Cohen (D-46) 221 S. Alfred St. Alexandria, VA 22314 One of our most verbal allies in every session. Very outspoken in criticism of watered-down HB889, including an impassioned speech on the House floor denouncing the removal of gays and lesbians from the bill's language. Co-sponsor of HB1314. Voted against Wilkins amendment. Del. L. Karen Darner (D-49) 969 S. Buchanan St. Arlington, VA 22204 Sponsor of HB1314. It was expected that HB1314 may not succeed for several years, but she took the political risk and submitted it. We need to convince Del. Darner and other friendly legislators that HB1314 should be pursued in the next General Assembly session and for years to come. Sponsored HB485, creating a pilot program for health insurance premium assistance to financially strapped PWAs. Provided advice and legislative access. Co-sponsor of HB889. Voted against Wilkins amendment. Del. Jerrauld C. Jones (D-89) 125 St. Paul's Blvd., Suite 300 Norfolk, VA 23510 Continually voted "NO" on weakened HB889. In a House committee meeting, spoke strongly against his colleagues who were attempting to add anti-gay language to SB88. Co-sponsor of HB1314. Provided advice and legislative access. Voted against Wilkins amendment. Del. Kenneth R. Melvin (D-80) 601 Dinwiddie St. Portsmouth, VA 23704 Criticized attempts to modify SB88. In a committee meeting, accused his colleagues of being "homophobes." Voted against Wilkins amendment. Del. Kenneth R. Plum (D-36) 2073 Cobblestone Lane Reston, VA 22091 Sponsor of HB889. He did make attempts to change his bill back to its original language, but seemed to be satisfied with getting it passed in any form regardless of who was left out. Difficult to criticize, because his prime motivation for submitting the bill was to address anti-Semitic hate crimes. VJ had hoped that Del. Plum would withdraw the bill after amendment. Voted against Wilkins amendment. Provided advice and legislative access. Sen. Robert L. Calhoun (R-30) P.O. Box 178 Alexandria, VA 22313 Co-sponsor of HB889, who didn't push for reinstating the bill's original language, but did speak with VJ and the lesbian and gay community. A step in the right direction. FRIENDS OR FOES? The following need a reminder that they do have supporters of equal justice in their districts. Letters should be an invitation for dialogue, not to condemn or build walls. Del. C. Richard Cranwell (D-14) P.O. Box 459 Vinton, VA 24179 In a House Courts of Justice subcommittee, was the culprit that removed sexual orientation from HB889. It appears that, as subcommittee chair, he struck sexual orientation from the bill's language with virtually no discussion in subcommittee. Voted against Wilkins amendment. Del. James F. Almand (D-47) 2060 N. 14th St., Suite 206 Arlington, VA 22201 Despite substantial support from the gay community at election time, did not take sufficient steps to see that HB889 was inclusive. As Chair of the House Courts of Justice committee, often has the opportunity to control a bill's fate. As chair, he also allowed HB1314 to fall by the wayside. After a subcommittee recommends that a bill be PBI, the full committee normally affirms or reverses the recommendation. He did not put HB1314 on the full committee's agenda, so no testimony was heard. Co-sponsor of HB889. Voted against Wilkins amendment. Del. W. Roscoe Reynolds (D-10) P.O. Box 404 Martinsville, VA 24114 In a Courts of Justice subcommittee hearing, recommended that HB1314 be PBI, effectively killing it, and questioned Del. Darner's motives for submitting the bill. Voted against Wilkins amendment. Sen. Mark L. Earley (R-14) P.O. Box 13715 Chesapeake, VA 23325 Against HB889 from the start, but not because of its original inclusion of lesbians and gays. Spoke against all hate crimes legislation, claiming that it was redundant. He did, though, chastise a Senate committee for not hearing the testimony of VJ supporters and warned that after opening hate crimes legislation to categories of people, they could not deny the inclusion lesbians and gays. He is normally not an ally, but did display a sense of fairness. Other Co-sponsors of HB889 These legislators should be thanked for signing on as co-sponsors of the original HB889 Most accepted the watered-down bill without public comment, but still deserve thanks for supporting the originally inclusive bill. Delegates David B. Albo (R-42) P.O. Box 6412 Springfield, VA 22150 Eric I. Cantor (R-73) 2500 E. Parham Rd., Suite 400 Richmond, VA 23228 Julia A. "Judy" Connally (D-48) 3563 N. Abingdon St. Arlington, VA 22207 Alan A. Diamonstein (D-94) P.O. Box 12180 Newport News, VA 23612 Robert E. Harris (R-37) 4440 Glenn Rose St. Fairfax, VA 22032 Robert D. Hull (D-38) P.O. Box 2331 Falls Church, VA 22042 Gladys B. Keating (D-43) 5909 Parkridge Lane Franconia, VA 22310 Linda T. "Toddy" Puller (D-44) P.O. Box 146 Mt. Vernon, VA 22121 James M. Scott (D-53) P.O. Box 359 Merrifield, VA 22116-0359 Marian Van Landingham (D-45) City Hall, 301 King Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Mitchell Van Yahres Mitchell (D-57) 408 Altamont Circle Charlottesville, VA 22902 Senators Janet D. Howell (D-32) 1420 Aldenham Lane Reston, VA 22090 If you haven't yet, join VJ and we will keep you informed about our work to obtain equal justice for ALL Virginians Virginians for Justice PO Box 342 Richmond, VA 23202-0342 804-643-4816 Board of Directors Board Members and the areas they represent: Gary Antonucci 804-253-0789 (At-large, Williamsburg) Paula Belka 703-430-4121 (10th Congressional District, Sterling) Laurie Caldwell 804-823-7899 (5th CD, Charlottesville) Andrew Elsea 804-355-3372 (7th CD, Richmond) Patrick Heck - Chair 804-622-1695 (3rd CD, Norfolk) Larry Naylor 703-257-7744 (At-large, Manassas) Bruce Neilson - Secretary 804-642-6349 (1st CD, Gloucester Point) David Pugh - Treasurer 804-348-0332 (4th CD, Emporia) Bonnie Rabichow 703-660-0670 (8th CD, Alexandria) Frank Russo 703-241-7751 (At-large, Arlington) Pat Ward 804-261-4110 (At-large, Richmond) The Board needs additional representation from Congressional Districts that include Blacksburg, Roanoke, Northern Virginia and many of the surrounding areas. We meet on the third Saturday of each month at noon in VJ's Richmond headquarters and everyone is welcome to attend. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES VJ is searching for Richmond area volunteers to work in our office. Time commitments can range from a few hours per month to several hours each week. Available tasks include: t Helping with our computer database. t Various office tasks, including answering phones, keeping records and organizational tasks. VJ is also in need of volunteers from across the state. Here are some example projects: t Help to organize a VJ fundraiser in your area. t Help to design a VJ print advertising campaign targeting both gay and non-gay publications. t Work on an Issue Committee strategizing or researching anti- discrimination, CAN laws, hate crimes, HIV, child custody, etc. VJ WISH LIST The following items are needed to keep our office operating smoothly: t A switch to either manually or automatically switch incoming phone calls to our fax machine. t A letter folding machine If you are interested in volunteering, or underwriting or donating an item, please give our Richmond office a call at: 804-643-4816 ACCESS TO VJ ENHANCED BY E-MAIL ADDRESS In the last issue of The Voice, we reported that VJ Action Items and news were available via internet. Response to that announcement was so encouraging that VJ took the steps necessary to obtain our own e-mail address making us directly accessible on the internet by sending electronic mail to: va4justice@aol.com E-mail capabilities will allow internet users to send messages, inquiries and information to VJ without having to deal with telephone busy signals or answering machines. As mentioned in the April issue of The Voice, you may also receive VJ Action Alerts and Updates via the internet. If you have e-mail capabilities and wish to receive up-to-date and hot-off-the-wire information, then e-mail the following message: subscribe virginia-news to: majordomo@vector.casti.com The list is a low-volume, announcements-only, moderated, list, so you will not be inundated. If you have news of interest to the lesbian and gay community of Virginia, you may also submit it for distribution by sending it to virginia-news@vector.casti.com This is a moderated list, so your announcement will not be distributed unless it has wide appeal and is judged to be acceptable by the moderator. ALEXANDRIA AND CHARLOTTESVILLE PROVIDE A BOOST VJ would like to thank Charlottesville and Alexandria area residents for their shows of support on the weekend of April 22-23. Both cities hosted VJ fundraisers each raising more than $400. In Charlottesville, guests at Pete's Monticello Grill were superbly entertained by 3 bands: Operation Love, The Fledglings and Wendy Repass. Many thanks to attendees and the musicians for donating their time. The Mount Vernon Unitarian Church hosted a dance to benefit VJ. Guests danced the night away and snacked on a sumptuous buffet, all donated by area restaurants. VJ is most appreciative of the Mount Vernon Unitarians and all who provided the evening's food and entertainment. Calendar of Virginia Events May 21 - VJ Annual Meeting: Richmond June 5 - Washington DC Pride Festival June 12 - Hampton Roads Pride Picnic: VA Beach June 18 - VJ Board of Directors Meeting: Richmond June 26 - Stonewall 25: New York City July 16 - VJ Board of Directors Meeting: Richmond July 23 - VJ Beach Party Fundraiser: Williamsburg VJ BUDGET SHORTFALL FORCES CHANGE During the summer of 1993, the Board of Directors took a giant leap forward by signing a lease on our Richmond office and by contracting with Janice Conard as our full-time lobbyist. Our decision was based on the realization that VJ's influence on the legislative process would remain limited unless we took that leap. In previous years, our lobbying had been limited to the winter months (during the General Assembly) and we needed to convert that sporadic presence into a permanent force in the state capital. The move paid off in a big way. An unprecedented number of legislators and like-minded organizations offered assistance in developing pro-active legislation and in defending against the increasing number of anti-gay and anti-lesbian attacks by the religious right and their friends in state government. Our effort to overturn the Crimes Against Nature law, the root of most homophobic law and rhetoric, was jump-started by the submittal of HB1314. The media also began looking to VJ as the voice of the gay community in the General Assembly. In short, we felt as though we had arrived. Unfortunately, despite our most visible and successful General Assembly session since our inception in 1989, VJ's financial position has been inching downward over the past year. Our expenses have increased dramatically (office rent, contractual obligations to our lobbyist, etc.) while our income has remained at its previous levels. The Board of Directors had anticipated that our great leap forward would pay for itself. We believed that if we "built it, they would come." Since we took the big leap, our annual income has remained unchanged. The Board has learned that building "it" was not quite enough. No matter how important or successful we perceived our work to be, the Board should not have expected Virginians to financially support us without actively pursuing their support. This development oversight, combined with a more-painful-than-anticipated transition of our membership database to the Richmond office, combined to leave us with no funds at the end of the legislative session. In past years we have always been broke after our General Assembly lobbying bills are paid, but this year is different because of our ongoing commitment to our lobbyist and to our landlord in Richmond. Unfortunately, our income shortfall has necessitated letting go of our most valued asset, Janice Conard. We did not have the money to pay her a respectable wage during the session, more or less after it adjourned. The Board put Janice in an awkward position because we said, "You are absolutely essential to our organization, you are doing a stupendous job, and ... we can't renew your contract." The Board of Directors cannot praise Janice's lobbying skills and networking abilities enough. She almost single-handedly gave Virginia's lesbian, gay and bisexual community a voice in the halls of the State Capitol Building. This voice had been previously unheard or ignored by our legislators. We deeply regret that the Board did not fully anticipate budgetary problems, and that the repercussions have primarily affected Janice. We have, though, rounded the corner by completing our database transition and by invigorating our membership outreach and membership maintenance committees. The Board has also committed to staffing our office year-round with both an Executive Director and a corps of volunteers. Past VJ Chair Shirley Lesser is coordinating this effort. VJ is moving forward and already looking towards the 1995 General Assembly session. The organization will be raising funds over the coming months, developing our office staff to coordinate non-lobbying projects, and working towards the hiring of a lobbyist. Janice may not be available when sufficient funds become available, but she would obviously be our first choice. In fact, Janice's expertise and experience should be coveted by any progressive organization that is trying to gain a voice in their government. The Board encourages all current VJ members to assist us in regaining our feet by maintaining your current level of support or, when possible, raising the level of your commitment by making an extra contribution. If we are to maintain our lobbying presence on a year-round basis, it is also crucial that we expand our membership. If anyone you know should be added to our mailing list, please phone or mail us with their address. Without your assistance, those of us concerned about equal justice will continue to be saddled by a sporadic presence in the halls of power. FOCUS on HATE CRIMES Due to the passage of HB889 without reference to hate crimes based on a victim's sexual orientation, it is imperative that we redouble our efforts to report hate crimes. If we are to convince the legislature that gays and lesbians are frequent victims of hate crimes, then we must document the crimes. We must persuade our friends, families, and acquaintances to report ALL hate crimes. If you simply hear of an incident that may not have been reported, please phone the reporting line. CALL 1-800-2JUSTIC VJ Sponsors VJ thanks our organizational and corporate sponsors for their consistent and generous support. We encourage you to thank our sponsoring businesses and organizations by supporting them with your patronage. Without their generosity, our work would not be possible. Corporate Sponsors EFFINAR STUDIOS LTD. Haircare 2163 North Glebe Road, Arlington 703-524-1940 ------------------- AMPAC Group, Inc. Asian language typesetting & desktop publishing 5713 Edsall Road, Alexandria 703-823-9773 Organizational Sponsors The Alexandria Gay & Lesbian Community Assoc. Wm. & Mary Gay and Lesbian Alumni (GALA) The Fairfax Lesbian and Gay Citizens Assoc. The Arlington Gay and Lesbian Alliance The Mandamus Society -- Norfolk The Supper Club -- Roanoke Dignity -- Norfolk If your organization is interested in becoming an official VJ sponsor, please contact a Board member in your area or phone the VJ office. Businesses are encouraged to support us either through advertising or by becoming a corporate sponsor. LEGAL REFERRAL SERVICE VJ has compiled a list of Virginia attorneys who are willing to assist the lesbian, gay and bisexual community. They are knowledgeable on issues of concern to sexual minorities, so please take advantage of their assistance. If you know of someone who is in need of legal advice, please call VJ at 804-643-4816. VJ ANNUAL MEETING On Saturday, May 21, 1994, Virginians for Justice will hold our Annual Meeting in VJ's Richmond headquarters, located at 6 North 6th St., Suite LL3, in downtown Richmond. This year's Annual Meeting will consist of an expanded Board of Directors meeting, including the results of our upcoming Board elections and plenty of time for members to interact with the Board. Your input and constructive criticism will be welcome. The Annual Meeting will begin at 1:00pm at continue until 3:00pm. DIRECTIONS TO VJ OFFICE 6 North 6th Street, Suite LL3, Richmond >From I-64 Westbound: Take the 5th St.-Downtown exit. 5th St. runs by the Richmond Center. Take 5th to Franklin St. and turn left. Go one block and turn right onto 6th. Look for street or lot parking. We are located in the basement of the Segal Building just down the hill on 6th St. (between Main and Franklin). Landmark: Christian Science Reading Room is on the first floor of the Segal Building. >From I-95 Southbound/I-64 Eastbound: Take the 3rd St.-Coliseum exit (exit 75), stay in right lane. Follow 3rd St. and turn left onto Franklin (about 7 blocks). Go 3 blocks, turn right onto 6th. We are in the middle of block as described above. ADVERTISING PROGRAM VJ has implemented a campaign to draw more support from businesses by encouraging them to advertise in The Voice. Our advertisers not only reap the benefit of gaining publicity among VJ members and other readers of the newsletter, but they also gain a tax benefit for their business. The Voice reaches more than 1,000 Virginia homes, organizations, and businesses. Contact VJ Board member Gary Antonucci (804-253-0789) for advertising information. Rates for a full year of advertising (six issues) are $100-Bronze, $250-Silver, $350-Gold, and $500-Platinum. URBAIN A Salon in Carytown 3103 Ellwood Avenue, Rear entrance Richmond, VA 23221 804-359-0200 MacGraphics, Inc. Production of Brochures, Ads, Newsletters, Logos, Menus 198 S. Rosemont Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 804-486-3546 804-431-1547(fax) IDS Financial Services, Inc. Gregory F. Smith, Certified Financial Planner Suite 190, Chadwick Bldg., 5029 Corporate Woods Dr. VA Beach, VA 23462 804-490-2705, 804-473-8678(fax) OutRight Books & Rainbow Cafe Gay & Lesbian Bookstore and Cafe 485 S. Independence Blvd., Suite 111 Virginia Beach, VA 23452 804-490-6658