Date: Wed, 8 Jan 97 13:55:57 HST
From: ramsey@math.hawaii.edu (Tom Ramsey)
Subject: HAWAII JAN 10

		THE EVOLUTION OF A LEGISLATOR

	It is now obvious to EVERYONE that, unless the legisature changes
Hawaii's Constitution, same-gender marriage will be a reality in Hawaii soon
(1998?).  So the pressure is intense on the legislature to do something
this session (it would still have to wait for the Nov. 1998 election for
final approval by the voters).

	The favored strategy by the opponents to same-gender marriage is
to somehow marry a (potential) ban on same-gender marriage with a domestic
partnership "compromise".  If our opponents win, this would in itself
be a great victory---no other state has yet passed a statewide domestic
partnership.  For some people, straight, gay or lesbian, domestic partnership
is the preferred term (perhaps avoiding certain religious overtones).  IT
SHOULD IN ITSELF BE AVAILABLE TO COUPLES, HETEROSEXUAL OR NOT.

	But, it is "half the loaf", second-class citizenship, separate and
unequal.  For example, health benefits provided under DP to a partner are
TAXED by the Federal government.  Health benefits provided to a spouse or
children of an employee are not (under marriage).  And what about the
federal income tax deduction, immigration rights, the right to decline to
testify against a "spouse" in federal court, etc?  So, why we welcome the
gradual enlightenment of the Hawaii legislature, let us not forget what
made domestic partnership the compromise position:  we work, and continue
to work, for equality, equality, equality, under the law.

	I'll close with a short history of Speaker Joe Souki's relationships
with h.e.r.m.p:
        1993, 1994, 1995:  refused to meet with h.e.r.m.p lobbyist or
                           any other marriage activists

	1996, spring:  met with Tracey Bennett, h.e.r.m.p's part-time lobbyist
		       but warned that nothing she said would change his
		       mind.  The meeting was cordial and ended with an
		       agreement to disagree.

	Nov. 1996:  On election night, Speaker Souki averred that they'd have
		    to do some domestic partnership because the gays and 
		    lesbians weren't going to go away

	Jan.  1997:  some kind of domestic partnerships will be in the
		     majority packet for the House

It's a remarkable evolution.

				Yes, we're not going away.

				Best Regards, Tom Ramsey
				President, Friends of h.e.r.m.p
				Ex-officio, h.e.r.m.p Steering Committee

P.S.  Donations to h.e.r.m.p support the court case (we're the only ones
who pay Dan Foley's legal fees) and support limited lobbying as permitted
of 501(c)(3) organizations under IRS regulations.  Donations are fully
tax-deductible, and may be made to h.e.r.m.p,  PO Box 11690, Honolulu, HI
96828.
      h.e.r.m.p is a project of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center in
Honolulu.  The Tax ID of the GLCC is 23-7387405.  Copies of the 1995 Form
990, as required by law, are available for public viewing at the GLCC
(951-7000).  The 1995 Form 990 is about 20 pages.
      h.e.r.m.p's lobbying activities are fully reported to the State of
Hawaii as required by law.  The lobbying reports are public record and may
be viewed at the appropriate state office.
      h.e.r.m.p's accounts have been supervised by a Ph.D. Professor of
Accounting and/or a CPA tax accountant throughout its history.
      To verify any of the above, please telephone attorney Dan Foley,
808 526-9500.