From FEKameny@webtv.net Fri Nov 6 10:08:40 1998 Date: Fri, 6 Nov 1998 13:08:31 -0500 (EST) Subject: Re: *QL*: Nov. 6 actions on same-sex marriage at local bureaus Adding to the long list of substantive improvements in our situation since 1970: In 1970, there was a total ban on the employment of gays in the US civil service, as rigorously administered and as ferociously enforced as the current ban on gays in the military. In 1998 we have a Presidential Excutive Order banning discrimination against gays in the Federal civil service. In 1970 there was a total ban on the issuance of security clearances to gay people. In 1998, we have an Executive Order prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in the issuance of security clearances. In 1970, the American Psychiatric Association (APA), the "keeper of mental illness", classified gay people as mentally ill and emotionally disturbed. In 1998, we have been removed from that classification, and the APA has an officially-recognized office of gay concerns (under some name; not that) as part of its formal structure. In fact, "a few sodomy laws"?! In 1970 approximately 45 or so states still had anti-sodomy laws on their books, covering the great majority of the total US population. In 1998 fewer than 20 states still have such laws on their books, covering less than 1/3 to 1/4 of the total population. The difference in our status between 1970 and the present is as day unto night! Date: Thu, 5 Nov 1998 16:11:35 -0600 From: Mike Silverman Subject: Re: *QL*: Nov. 6 actions on same-sex marriage at local bureaus At 7:13 PM -0600 11/4/98, Jude Rene Montarsi wrote: >Well Folks, > in light of the disappointments in certain areas of the country, and in >light of the fact that little progress of any real consequence other >than the repeal of a few sodomy laws has taken place since probably >since my coming out in 1970 I beg to differ. States with gay civil rights laws in 1970: 0 States with gay civil rights laws is 1998: 10 Openly gay elected officials in 1970: 0 Openly gay elected officials in 1998: approx 250 Cities with civil rights laws in 1970: 0 Cities with civil rights laws in 1998: approx 200 Private companies with DP policies in 1970: 0 Private companies with DP policies in 1998: approx 3500 Political entities with some form of DP in 1970: 0 Political entities with some form of DP in 1998: approx 80 Number of gay student groups (college and High School) in 1970: under 20 Number of gay student groups (college and High School) in 1998: over 400 Number of private companies in Fortune 500 with antidiscrimination statements in 1970: 0 Number of private companies in Fortune 500 with antidiscrimination statements in 1998: approx 400 -- Mike Silverman -- cubsfan@turnleft.com "the insurgency began, and I missed it"