Date: Mon, 18 Mar 1996 17:39:16 -0500 From: Virginians For Justice Subject: VJ Newsletter (long) The Voice of Virginians for Justice March-April 1996 HOUSE OF DELEGATES COMMITTEE THWARTS JUSTICE BILLS AGAIN, SAME-SEX MARRIAGE BILL DIES For the third consecutive year, House of Delegates committee members failed to move both hate crimes law and Crimes Against Nature law reforms to the floor of the House. Despite a significant increase in the number of cosponsors on both bills and a flurry of lobbying activity by Virginians for Justice lobbyists and members, as well as substantial assistance from other progressive interests, the House of Delegates Courts of Justice committee voted not to move the bills forward. The same committee also voted to strike, at the sponsor's request, legislation that was submitted to prevent any other state's future recognition of "gay marriages" from overriding Virginia's current ban on same-sex marriage. Rather than a victory for equal justice, VJ interprets the defeat of this bill as dodging a bullet that is likely to reappear next year. Although the committee failed to pass VJ's primary bills, substantial progress was evident. VJ lobbyists spent countless hours meeting with legislators and reported that support is growing. Veteran VJ lobbyist David Perry concentrated his efforts on securing six cosponsors for the Crimes Against Nature bill, patroned for the third consecutive year by Delegate Karen Darner (D-Arlington). Hate crimes legislation was the focus of lobbyist Campbell Spencer, who was incredibly effective assisting Delegate James Almand (D-Arlington) in signing on a phenomenal eighteen cosponsors to his hate crimes law revision legislation. While David and Campbell were roaming the halls of the General Assembly and Capitol Buildings, VJ's Shirley Lesser and several key volunteers monitored committee meetings and kept the information flowing via telephone calls and our Internet Activist Network. A special note of thanks is due Adam Ebbin and Virginia Partisans Gay and Lesbian Democratic Club. Adam spent several days in Richmond lobbying and secured commitments of support from many Democratic legislators. HB234: HATE CRIMES BILL For the second consecutive year, Delegate James Almand (D-Arlington) submitted hate crimes legislation, this year with eighteen cosponsors (see list on page 3). House Bill 234 would have added "sexual orientation and gender" to Virginia's existing hate crimes penalty enhancement laws. In an important first step for gay-inclusive legislation, VJ lobbyist Campbell Spencer was able to secure the bill's first Republican cosponsor, Delegate James Dillard of Fairfax. Only eight legislators, all Democrats, signed on to Almand's bill last year. Officially, HB234 was "carried over" to the 1997 session by an 18-4 vote in the House Courts of Justice Committee. The committee initiated a voice vote to move the bill forward, but it appeared that the motion was failing, so a substitute motion to "carry over" was made. Carrying over is usually a courtesy to a bill's sponsor when the legislation appears to be headed for defeat, so HB234 was effectively killed. In spite of the overwhelming evidence for the need to protect Virginia's sexual minorities, the committee members could not muster up the courage to move the bill to the House floor. VJ's Campbell Spencer met several times with several influential committee members, including Delegate Richard Cranwell (D-Vinton), but in the end, most chose not to vocalize their support for the bill when the voice vote was taken. All seven Republicans and several Democratic members of the committee appeared to vote "no" on the voice vote to pass the bill, with the remainder either voting "yes", or not voting at all. When a substitute motion is made prior to an official roll call vote is called for, voice votes are generally not recorded. For this reason it is difficult to ascertain how every delegate voted on the motion to pass the bill, but questions and comments by each legislator were closely observed by VJ's legislative monitors. In an encouraging development, the Courts of Justice committee invested a great deal of time debating the merits of HB234. Although homophobic rhetoric was not evident, it was apparent that several legislators were concerned not with the merits of protecting Virginians from violence and harassment, but were instead preoccupied with their parochial contention that HB234 would establish a precedent of adding "sexual orientation" to Virginia law. Superb testimony in support of HB234 was given by many informative and eloquent speakers, including VJ's Shirley Lesser, Campbell Spencer and Bob Greene. Lesser presented case histories collected from VJ's 1-800-2JUSTIC reporting line. Especially effective was Al Eisenberg of the Arlington County Board of Supervisors. HB1468: CRIMES AGAINST NATURE BILL House Bill 1468, sponsored by Delegate Karen Darner (D-Arlington), proposed to add a section of code relating to sexual acts between consenting adults. Similar to bills introduced in the 1994 and 1995 sessions, HB1468 sought to reform Subsection A of 18.2-361 (Crimes Against Nature), the Virginia law that categorizes oral and anal sex between consenting adults, regardless of sexual orientation, as a felony. The bill, as originally submitted, would have added the phrase "notwithstanding any other provision of law, intimate sex acts between consenting adults in private for noncommercial purposes shall not be illegal", thereby removing penalties for such acts. In an important step forward, testimony in support of HB1468 was heard by the full Courts of Justice committee rather than its Criminal Law subcommittee as in past years. Committee members heard testimony from VJ board member Bob Greene, VJ member Kelly McHugh, and Virginia ACLU lobbyist Julie McConnell. The full committee also debated several possible language substitutes presented by Del. Darner, settling on a version that would make the current subsection apply only to acts committed with persons under the age of eighteen years. VJ was strongly supportive of this change because the subsection would then be used to protect minors rather than to persecute lesbigay adults. One of HB1468's cosponsors, Del. Ken Melvin (D-Portsmouth), offered a motion to report the bill to the House for a floor vote. This motion appeared to be heading for voice vote defeat and, as with the hate crimes bill, a substitute motion to carry the bill over to the 1997 session passed 20-2. The only "nays" were Del. Roscoe Reynolds (D-Martinsville) and Del. Thomas Baker (R-Dublin). Once again, an official tally was not recorded on the motion to move the bill to the floor of the House, but VJ's legislative monitors carefully observed the lines of questioning and apparent "degree of uncomfortableness" of each legislator. HB1468 and HB234 caused obvious discomfort for some legislators, but there was no anti-gay rhetoric nor evidence of anti-gay asides as in the past. The legislators know we are watching. In another step forward for what VJ has expected to be a multi-year effort, HB1468 saw considerably more support from both houses and no one spoke in opposition to HB1468 when testimony was called for. Just as importantly, Virginians for Justice lobbyists and representatives were treated with the same respect other lobbying groups are treated with. Some of this year's goals for C.A.N. law reform were met: we considerably increased the number of co-patrons for the bill, enlisted supporters in both the House of Delegates and the Senate (see cosponsor list on page 3), and saw the bill move from subcommittee to full committee. While our attempt to reform Crimes Against Nature law did not reach our ultimate goal of passage, we need to focus on the substantial progress made. HB234 COSPONSORS - Hate Crimes Reform House of Delegates Name Party/City District Plum, Kenneth R. D-Reston 36 Hull, Robert D. D-Falls Church 38 **Watts, Vivian E. D-Annandale 39 Dillard II, James H. R-Fairfax 41 Puller, Linda T. D-Alexandria 44 Van Landingham, Marian D-Alexandria 45 **Moran, Brian J. D-Alexandria 46 *Almand, James F. D-Arlington 47 Connally, Julia A. D-Arlington 48 Darner, L. Karen D-Arlington 49 Van Yahres, Mitchell D-Charlottesville 57 Cunningham, Jean W. D-Richmond 71 Melvin, Kenneth R. D-Portsmouth 80 Jones, Jerrauld C. D-Norfolk 89 Senate Name Party/City District Lambert III, Benjamin D-Richmond 9 **Couric, Emily D-Charlottesville 25 **Ticer, Patricia S. D-Alexandria 30 **Whipple, Mary Margaret D-Arlington 31 Howell, Janet D. D-Reston 32 * HB234 patron ** newly elected to seat HB1468 COSPONSORS - C.A.N. Reform House of Delegates Name Party/City District **Moran, Brian J. D-Alexandria 46 Almand, James F. D-Arlington 47 *Darner, L. Karen D-Arlington 49 Melvin, Kenneth R. D-Portsmouth 80 Jones, Jerrauld C. D-Norfolk 89 Senate Name Party/City District Lucas, L. Louise D-Portsmouth 18 **Ticer, Patricia S. D-Alexandria 30 * HB1468 patron ** newly elected to seat VJ thanks our consistent cosponsors and our many new cosponsors for their commitment to equal justice and hope you will do the same. We are particularly pleased with the number of newly elected legislators whose campaign promises translated into legislative action. The consistent support of many members of the Black Legislative Caucus should also be recognized. HB1189: SAME-SEX MARRIAGE BILL House Bill 1189, sponsored by Delegate Roger McClure (R-Centreville), proposed to enact a new section of code that would prohibit any marriage that is void in Virginia from becoming legal should it be lawful in another state or country. At least 17 other states are considering legislation that would nullify the effects of the Hawaii "gay marriage" court case should that decision legalize same-sex marriages in Hawaii. The Hawaii case is scheduled to be heard before the Hawaii Supreme Court in the fall of 1996. Del. McClure's co-patron was the notoriously anti-gay Del. James O'Brien (R-Clifton), who in 1993 was unsuccessful in his attempt to codify a ban on lesbians and gays in the Virginia National Guard. Both McClure's and O'Brien's districts are in Fairfax County. Fortunately, HB1189 was stricken from the House Courts of Justice committee's docket by a 22-0 vote prior to testimony or debate on the bill's merit. Del. McClure, himself a committee member, asked to strike his bill, indicating that he did not wish to pursue it. VJ interprets this move not as a sudden shift towards equal justice, but as a realization that the bill's language was flawed. The bill referenced not only Virginia's existing ban on same-sex marriage but also other code sections that deal with other prohibited marriages, including age of consent issues. If approved as submitted, HB1189 could have invalidated marriages performed in states with different ages of consent. Currently, Virginia does recognize these marriages, as well as those from states with differing blood test requirements. VJ believes that Del. McClure, or some other legislator affiliated with the radical right, is likely to bring a revised version of HB1189 back in the 1997 legislative session. Several other states' legislative bodies have been receptive to similar bills, so Virginia's 1997 General Assembly may serve as a soapbox for anti-gay forces should a revised bill surface that specifies same-sex marriages. Legal scholars across the nation agree that the nationwide effects of the Hawaii case, should it come down on the side of same-sex marriage are still unknown. However, many of these scholars agree that bills such as HB1189 set a dangerous precedent by recklessly choosing to ignore a particular aspect of interstate contract law. Even if legislative bodies should be bigoted enough to disapprove of gay and lesbian marriages, they should carefully consider ignoring the portion of the US Constitution that requires every state to give "Full Faith and Credit" to the "public acts, records and judicial proceedings of every other state." In the coming months, VJ will be working to develop legislative support for keeping a similar bill under wraps should it appear next session. It may be difficult to defeat a bill should it make it to the floor of the House or Senate, so VJ will be working to legislators that they should not formulate Virginia laws on what might happen in other states. Otherwise, the General Assembly will be even more bogged down than it already is. HIV/AIDS LEGISLATION The Virginia Organizations Responding to AIDS (VORA) held a very successful AIDS Legislative Day in Richmond on February 7 with almost 90 citizens in attendance. VORA is also part of an effort to develop the AIDS Advocacy Network, a statewide legislative advocacy group that will communicate with state legislators. If you are interested in representing your legislative district, and you have access to a fax machine, contact John Devaney at 703-237-4900. Fortunately, the legislature retained its tradition of supporting reasonable HIV-related bills and rejecting legislation that could adversely impact those with HIV/AIDS. A brief summary of 1996 activity: House Joint Resolution 132 (HJR132) passed the House (100-0) and Senate (40-0), but was awaiting final Senate passage of an amended version. HJR132 will continue the Joint Subcommittee Studying HIV/AIDS for another 5 years. Since its inception in 1988, the committee has been incredibly fair-minded in dealing with HIV/AIDS legislation. HB869, sponsored by Del. Jean Cunningham (D-Richmond) was carried over until 1997 by a 21-0 vote in the House Courts of Justice committee. This bill would allow currently mandated HIV test results for those convicted of prostitution to be admissible in court and increases the penalty for those convicted of prostitution when knowingly infected with HIV. HB871 was carried over to 1997 by the House Corporations, Insurance and Banking committee (22-0). HB871, sponsored by Del. Van Landingham (D-Alexandria), proposed that persons providing or brokering viatical agreements must first register with the State Corporation Commission. The bill also awarded investigatory powers to the SCC should complaints be lodged against anyone offering such agreements. Viatical agreements are often utilized by persons with AIDS who assign their life insurance benefits to a viatical company in exchange for financial resources to cover their immediate needs. HB1014 was carried over to 1997 by the House Health, Welfare and Institutions committee (22-0). Sponsored by Del. Kenneth Melvin (D-Portsmouth), HB1014 would make modifications to deemed consent provisions relating to HIV testing. The bill provides a mechanism for mandatory blood tests for public safety officials who have inadvertently been exposed to blood-borne pathogens, but refuse to be tested. HB1148 also unanimously passed the House (100-0) and Senate (40-0). It continues the Insurance Premium Assistance Program and opens up additional avenues for obtaining program funds. This program actually saves the Commonwealth money by providing medical insurance premium assistance for AIDS victims so that they do not have to rely on state-provided medical care. Del. Karen Darner sponsored this legislation as she did when the program was initiated in 1994. Budget Amendment: As of press time, the legislature was still at a budgetary impasse, so this amendment has yet to be fully considered. Sponsored by Del. Van Landingham (D-Alexandria) and Sen. Lambert (D-Richmond), it asks for an additional $600,000 for HIV Prescription Drug Assistance. FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION (FLE) Virginia apparently has escaped all legislative attempts to water down health and sex education in its public schools. Unlike last year, there were no legislative attempts to eliminate or weaken FLE in public schools. VJ believes that watering down health and sex education would have a drastic affect on gay and lesbian youth by increasing ignorance about HIV transmission and sexuality in general. HOW DO WE MOVE FORWARD? Our success in obtaining cosponsors for HB234 and HB1468 makes the answer to this question easy: TALK TO YOUR SENATOR AND DELEGATE THIS SPRING AND SUMMER! Our representatives in the General Assembly need to hear from us again, especially those in a position to vote on our issues. Our substantial increase in cosponsors can be directly attributed to the influence of VJ members and VJ professional lobbyists, as well as the support and lobbying of other progressive organizations. We will be working hard to broaden our coalition of citizens, organizations, churches, public figures and elected officials that support equal justice. Above all, we all need to commit ourselves to fighting for justice, and commit ourselves over the long haul. Virginians for Justice is committed to equal rights and equal justice, but we will need your assistance to keep our momentum boost on track over the coming year. In the next issue of The Voice, after legislators have time to relax after the 1996 General Assembly adjourns, we will be encouraging VJ supporters to begin building on this year's momentum for hate crimes and C.A.N. law reforms. With your help, next session, we will have even more cosponsors! VJ will be targeting particular legislators and asking for appropriately focused home office constituent visits. The remainder of 1996 should provide an excellent opportunity for constituents to meet with their Senator and Delegate because they won't be bogged down with their election campaigns. VJ CITIZEN LOBBYISTS DESCEND ON LEGISLATURE On Monday, January 29, thirty VJ members and supporters spent the day in Richmond lobbying the General Assembly for support of HB1468 and HB234. Participants gathered for a short lobby briefing by VJ lobbyists David Perry and Campbell Spencer at our Lobby Day Hospitality Suite in the Commonwealth Park Suites Hotel just across from the Capitol. Then it was off to the General Assembly building to meet with legislators or their aides. This year's Lobby Day was particularly productive because both bills had yet to be heard by the House Courts of Justice committee. Several VJ supporters were able to make a significant impact by obtaining commitments of support. The Virginians for Justice contingent also made an impression by being introduced to both the House and the Senate this year. A warm thank you is due Senator Mary Margaret Whipple (D-Arlington) and Del. Marian Van Landingham (D-Alexandria) for their introductions and to those who attended. VJ is particularly appreciative of the Alexandria Gay and Lesbian Community Association members who make the trip to Richmond an annual event. Virginia's Secret also turned out enforce for the second year in a row HATE CRIMES SPATE ROCKS RICHMOND AND POINTS TO NEED FOR GAY-INCLUSIVE PENALTY ENHANCEMENTS Over the weekend of February 24-25, Richmond's religious community was subjected to a series of vandalism incidents that included a broken window at Metropolitan Community Church, a congregation that serves many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Richmonders. Windows at two synagogues were also broken, adding to previous damage at another synagogue whose windows were broken with a cinder block. On Monday, February 26, representatives from the synagogues, MCC, the Anti-Defamation League and the Jewish Community Federation; legislators; Lt. Governor Donald Beyer and Attorney General James Gilmore called a well-covered press conference to condemn the incidents and to publicize the offering of $1,000 rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the vandals. Strangely enough, when Gilmore addressed the media, he ignored MCC and the fact that the church was likely selected by the vandals because of their ministry to the gay community. Other speakers, including Lt. Gov. Beyer, recognized MCC in their remarks. Del. Eric Cantor (R-Henrico County), who two weeks earlier had voted to kill legislation that would have added sexual orientation and gender to Virginia's hate crimes law, also attended. Del. Cantor asked the Attorney General for the assistance of State Police in investigating the vandalism as crimes motivated by religious hatred. VJ's Shirley Lesser adroitly pointed out to the media that the MCC vandalism was likely not motivated by religious hatred, but by bias based on sexual orientation. Lesser's comments about the legislature's inability to recognize the connection between religious bias, racism and anti-gay hate crimes were widely quoted in newspapers throughout the state. The legislature also decried the vandalism as motivated by religious hatred when they unanimously passed resolutions condemning the incidents. The resolutions stated that the G.A. "deplores the acts of bigotry, hatred, violence, and intolerance...", a sanctimonious choice of words considering their inability to pass HB234. VJ plans to further educate the General Assembly on the need to protect ALL Virginians from hate-motivated crimes. Many thanks to the VJ Supporter, who wishes to remain anonymous, for the generous donation of funds for a new copy machine and laser printer. Thanks to you, our office will never be the same! ANNUAL MEETING TO FEATURE WORKSHOPS ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGE AND LEGISLATIVE ISSUES On Saturday, May 18, citizens from across the Commonwealth are invited to attend VJ's Annual Meeting in Richmond. The meeting will consist of two roundtable workshops: one on the explosive issue of Virginia's reaction to the impending same-sex marriage decision in Hawaii's Supreme Court and another focusing on building support for VJ's legislative efforts on C.A.N. and hate crimes law reform. We will be inviting experts on the "gay marriage" issue not only to help shape our strategies, but also to stimulate debate on the need for same-sex marriages in Virginia This year's meeting will be held in Keller Hall on the University of Richmond campus in suburban Richmond. The tentative schedule is as follows: 10:30 a.m. Legislative Roundtable Noon Annual meeting and Lunch 1:30 p.m. Same-Sex Marriage Roundtable An evening social event is also being planned. More details and directions to the U. of R. campus will be published in the May issue of The Voice. The Annual meeting is a good opportunity for the membership and our supporters to gain valuable information that we hope you will take back to your localities. It is provides a mechanism for you to influence VJ policy and legislative tactics. We hope to see you there! Virginians for Justice ON THE ROAD If any group is interested in learning how to influence local legislators or learning more about the laws that affect the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Virginians, VJ is more than willing to travel to your part of the state. Contact our office for information. Here are some of our recent travels: Hampton Roads/Southside PFLAG January 14, Norfolk - VJ's Legislative Coordinator, Patrick Heck updated PFLAG's on HB1468, HB234 and other goings on in the General Assembly. Blue Ridge Business & Professional Guild January 17, Roanoke - VJ Board member Bob Greene spoke to the Guild on VJ's work in the 1996 legislative session, including the need for Roanoke area residents to contact House Majority Leader Richard Cranwell whose district includes portions of the Roanoke Valley. Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Alliance January 31, Harrisonburg - VJ Lobbyist David Perry brought the SVGLA up to date on HB1468, HB234 and HB1189. He also discussed how easy it is for constituents to lobby their legislators. Membership Contest Prize Awarded Congratulations to Del McWhorter of Richmond who recently won a $100 gift certificate to the Virginia restaurant of her choice in VJ's membership contest. Del's hard work and activism paid off as she was able to recruit a total of eight new VJ members. With several other entrants nipping at her heels, Del pulled ahead in December by hosting a House Party to benefit Virginians for Justice where she signed up several new members. Thanks again Del for your dedication and assistance in the fight for equal justice. WITH VHDA BOARD PACKED, IS EDUCATION NEXT FOR CLOSE-MINDED COMMISSIONS AND BIGOTED BOARDS? In a move long-sought by Governor George Allen, the Virginia Housing Development Authority Board of Commissioners voted on January 23 to approve a policy revision that restricts Virginia Housing Development Authority loans for first-time low and moderate income home buyers to people related by blood, marriage or adoption. Exemptions for elderly and disabled people with personal or financial hardships were included in the new policy. Virginia home buyers who apply for VHDA loans as individuals, rather than jointly, are unaffected by the change. All six of Gov. Allen's appointees to the 10-member board voted for the new policy with only two members voting against it. While the Governor rightly has the power to appoint many boards and commissions in various facets of state government, VJ rebukes his transparent efforts to modify the VHDA board's makeup, apparently, for the sole purpose of changing this policy. During his first two years in office, Governor Allen has also been actively replacing members of the State Board of Education with persons such as former Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources Kay Cole James, a staunch advocate of gutting Family Life Education and restricting access to school counselors. Likewise, the Governor's Commission on Champion Schools, packed with representatives from the extreme right, recommended that public school students be required to have parental permission to discuss non-academic matters. VJ is concerned that these boards and commissions will continue to chip away at students' access to professionally trained counselors and much needed education on AIDS prevention and sexuality. Fortunately, the General Assembly has not yet been willing to accommodate Governor Allen's wishes to restrict or eliminate these crucial resources for Virginia's youth. In future issues of The Voice, we plan to keep you posted on the specific activities of these boards so that you can contact them to express your opinions. We have our work cut out for us, evidenced by the VHDA's bigoted action despite being swamped with faxes, phone calls and letters opposing their policy change when it was proposed. CONSIDER FURTHERING YOUR COMMITMENT TO EQUAL RIGHTS Board of Directors ANNUAL ELECTION As evidenced by our gradual progress in the General Assembly, we believe that Virginia's legislature is moving substantially closer to passing its first piece of pro-gay legislation. In order to take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity, we need a strong and diverse Board of Directors. VJ is currently accepting nominations for our annual Board of Directors election to be held this spring. Nominees are required to attend at least one board meeting prior to the election, so please contact VJ in Richmond or phone any of the current board members listed above if you have an interest. We seek a diverse Board free from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, color, age, handicap or political affiliation. In spite of VJ''s movement forward in the struggle for equal justice, VJ's Board of Directors is finding it increasingly difficult to maintain our efforts without ample leadership from across the state. As you can see, many areas of the state are not represented or are severely under-represented, however, we are interested in all qualified candidates, regardless of which city or county you may live in. If you are interested in furthering your commitment to equal justice, or recommending someone who may be qualified, call VJ and we'll fill you in. We can't do it without your active support! VJ BOARD OF DIRECTORS Board Members and the areas they represent: Gary Antonucci - Secretary 804-253-0789 (Williamsburg) Bob Greene 804-355-6218 (Richmond) Patrick Heck 804-622-1695 (Norfolk) Penny Huggins 804-353-0517 (Richmond) Bonnie Rabichow - Treasurer 703-360-1261 (Alexandria) Sarah Richardson - Chair 804-932-8187 (New Kent) Heather Womer Ashburn 804-222-5802 (Richmond) WISH LIST The following items are needed to keep our office operating smoothly: 32¢ stamps (books, rolls, sheets, ...) We can use any amount that you can send from 1 to 100. A ream or box of plain white copy paper. Fax paper rolls, 1/2" core diameter, to fit a Savin SX 1000. If you are interested in volunteering, or underwriting or donating an item, please phone our office. HOUSE PARTY RAISES MORE THAN $900 DURING G. A. On Saturday evening, February 10, Richmonders gathered in the Monument Avenue home of Tom Kujawski for a gala house party to benefit Virginians for Justice. Attendees were treated to magnificent hors'douevres and the opportunity to chat with VJ staff, lobbyists and board members who were busy shuttling back and forth to the General Assembly Building for committee meetings. The House Courts of Justice committee was scheduled to vote on HB234, the hate crimes bill, during the house party, so party-goers were continually updated on the bill's status via phone calls. By the evening's end, more than $900 was raised. These funds are particularly appreciated considering VJ's perennial budget shortfall during the legislative session. Thanks to Tom and his cohosts David Powers and VJ Board member Penny Huggins, VJ stayed in the black during February for the first time in several years. Contact VJ if you are interested in hosting a similar event. We do virtually all of the party preparations, but do rely on the hosts to invite persons who might be interested in helping or joining VJ. Call 804-643-4816 for house party advice. CALENDER OF VIRGINIA EVENTS Mar. 9 - General Assembly adjourns Mar. 16 - VJ Board meeting: Richmond Apr. 20 - VJ Board meeting: Richmond May 18 - VJ Annual meeting: Richmond May 31-June 1 - State Republican Convention: Salem June 7-8 - State Democratic Convention: Hampton VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES VJ is searching for volunteers to work in our Richmond office and as volunteers in other areas of the state. Time commitments can range from a few hours per month to several hours each week. Available tasks include: Working on a research and data entry project that will identify our member's legislative districts. Hosting a House Party in your area. All you have to do is host a small party while VJ staff and Board members do the rest! Call for info. Answering phones or keeping records. Working on a campaign to increase awareness of VJ's 1-800-2JUSTIC hate crimes reporting line The Voice is published bi-monthly by Virginians for Justice PO Box 342 Richmond, VA 23218-0342 804-643-4816 va4justice@aol.com Virginians for Justice advances equal justice for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and those affected by the HIV epidemic, through the state's legislative, administrative and judicial systems. G.O.P. AND DEMOCRATIC STATE CONVENTIONS This summer will provide two good opportunities for supporters of equal justice to influence the state Republican and Democratic parties. The respective parties will hold their state conventions in June to nominate their candidates for the U.S. Senate seat currently held my John Warner and U.S. Congressional seats. Delegates to national conventions will also be selected. From VJ's perspective, the events are especially valuable because the state party's policies and steering committees can be greatly influenced if attendees ask for gay-supportive policy resolutions. Simply being a visible supporter of equal rights will also be invaluable. Most of Virginia's General Assembly members and local party leaders will be in attendance, so we recommend choosing your favorite party and exploring what it takes to become a delegate to their convention. DEMS. TO MEET JUNE 7-8 The State Democratic Convention will be held in Hampton on June 7-8. Delegates to the convention will be chosen at local caucuses on either April 13 or April 15. Contact Virginia Partisans Gay and Lesbian Democratic Club at 703-671-9780 or the Democratic Party of Virginia at 1-800-322-1144 for more information. Virginia Partisans is pushing to elect as many openly-gay and lesbian delegates as a possible, so if you are Democratically-inclined, give them a call. G.O.P. TO MEET MAY 31-JUNE 1 The State Republican Convention will be held in Salem on May 31- June 1. Delegates to the convention will be chosen at local caucuses during the month of March. Contact the Republican Party of Virginia at 804-780-0111 for more information. VJ is unaware of any organized effort to promote equal justice at the Republican convention, but we'd be glad to publicize any effort to do so. If you are not comfortable with either of the major parties, consider getting active with the Libertarian Party or another group! Do you have any newspaper articles, video, research results, legal briefs or similar material that VJ might need in our issue archives? If so, give us call or send it to our Richmond headquarters. We are building a resource of documents that relate to hate crimes, child custody, Crimes Against Nature, gay-related research, anti-gay activities, etc.. We receive many requests from legislators, researchers and the media for this info. It will remain in good hands! JUDGE DISREGARDS CHANGE IN BOTTOMS CUSTODY CIRCUMSTANCES On February 27, a Richmond circuit court judge refused to grant Sharon Bottoms custody of her son, Tyler Doustou, despite a preponderance of evidence supporting the claims of Sharon's attorneys at the Virginia ACLU. Her attorney's documented Sharon's improving financial situation as well as the deteriorating quality of care that Sharon's mother has been giving Tyler. A multitude of violations of the custody agreement by Kay Bottoms were also presented to the judge. An appeal of the decision is pending. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you haven't yet, join VJ and we will keep you informed about our work to obtain equal justice for ALL Virginians Name __________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________ City _______________________ State/Zip________________ Phone ________________________________________ Enclosed is my Annual Membership of: INDIVIDUAL BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION $25 Regular $125 Bronze ($100 for non-profit) $40 Family $250 Silver ($200 for non-profit) $100 Major Donor $500 Gold ($400 for non-profit) $200 Sponsor $400 Patron $______ (other) Please make check payable to Virginians for Justice. Thank You. VJ's primary activity is lobbying, so contributions are not tax-deductible. A financial statement is available upon written request from the Virginia State Division of Consumer Affairs LEGAL REFERRAL SERVICE VJ has compiled a list of Virginia attorneys who are willing to assist the lesbian and gay community. They are knowledgeable on issues of concern to sexual minorities, so please take advantage of their assistance. If you or someone you know is in need of legal advice, please call VJ at 804-643-4816. SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM VJ offers our organizational and corporate donors the opportunity to show their support by becoming Advertising Sponsors. VJ Advertising Sponsors can advertise in The Voice, thereby reaping the benefits of gaining publicity among VJ readers as well as securing a tax benefit for their business. Rates for a full year (six issues) of advertising sponsorship are: $125 - Bronze ($100 non-profit) $250 - Silver ($200 non-profit) $500 - Gold ($400 non-profit) The Voice reaches more than 1,700 Virginia homes, organizations, and businesses. Add yours to the list by contacting VJ at 804-643-4816. Virginians Against Domestic Violence 2850 Sandy Bay Rd., #101 Williamsburg, VA 23185 Virginia Family Violence Hotline 1-800-838-8238 Virginia's Secret A Transgender Support Organization PO Box 7386 Richmond, VA 23221 804-222-6796 William & Mary Gay & Lesbian Alumni A nationwide organization of Wm. & Mary alumni PO Box 15141 Washington, DC 20003 Fairfax Lesbian and Gay Citizens Assoc. Serving the Entire Fairfax County Area PO Box 2322 Springfield, VA 22152 703-451-9528 The Arlington Gay and Lesbian Alliance Serving the Arlington Area PO Box 324 Arlington, VA 22210 703-522-7660 The Alexandria Gay & Lesbian Community Association PO Box 19401 Alexandria, VA 22320 703-684-0444 Dignity - Northern Virginia Gay and Lesbian Catholics and Friends PO Box 10037 Arlington VA 22210 703-912-1662 Metropolitan Community Church of Richmond 2501 Park Avenue Richmond VA 23220 804-353-9477 VIRGINIA PARTISANS Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club PO Box 6234 Arlington, VA 22206 703-671-9780 American Express Financial Advisors, 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) MacGraphics, Inc. Production of Brochures, Ads, Newsletters, Logos, Menus 198 S. Rosemont Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 804-486-3546 804-431-1547(fax) Nesbit Hair & Cetera 804-355-8775 Main Street Therapy and Fan Tan 804-355-9941 2215 and 2219 West Main Street Richmond VA 23220 NORFOLK FLORIST "Hampton Roads' Finest" 8 locations throughout Hampton Roads charge by phone: 804-464-1515 out of town customers: 800-873-1550 EFFINAR STUDIOS LTD. Haircare 2163 North Glebe Road Arlington, VA 22222 703-524-1940 ILLUMINESSENCE Special Event Lighting Norfolk, Virginia 804-588-0638 THE TIDEWATER BEARS PO Box 2241 Denbigh, VA 23609-0241 804-622-8755