FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 26, 1993
Contact:  Phyliss Gorman, PhD
	  Executive Director
	  (614)-299-2264
	  FAX 299-4408


		STONEWALL UNION OPPOSES SENATOR WATTS'
		   HOUSING DISCRIMINATION AMENDMENT

     (Columbus) State Senator Eugene Watts (R-Galloway) has once again
taken up the anti-Gay and Lesbian agenda with his efforts to attach
new discrimination regulations affecting student housing at state
affiliated colleges and universities to Ohio-s biennial budget bill
(HB 152).  Watts was apparently prompted by Ohio State University
President Gee's decision to open student family housing to Lesbian and
Gay couples.
     Stonewall Union's Executive Director Phyliss Gormans said, "Dr. Gee
has the authority to make a decision regarding housing policy at The
Ohio State University"s Buckeye Village Complex. This is an internal
university matter involving no expenditure of Ohio taxpayer dollars,
and should not be subject to the "micro-management" by members of the
state legislature."
     Watts has for years been a champion of the anti-Gay effort at the
Statehouse.  "Sexual orientation discrimination and fair housing are
civil rights issues.  We strongly object to this political
gamesmanship by Senator Watts," said. Gorman.  Stonewall Union opposes
all legislation designed to promote discrimination against individuals
based on their sexual orientation.
     The emergence of anti-Gay activities within the Ohio state
legislature at this time is ominous. The conservative religious right
has targeted Ohio as a potential battleground for a divisive
"Colorado-style" anti-Gay hate campaign.  Gorman said, "We must not
allow this debate to become a forum for spreading old negative
stereotypes and mythologies about Gay and Lesbian people."  She added,
"The notion that it is somehow inappropriate for Gay or Lesbian
student couples and our children to share in family housing is an
offense."
     Stonewall Union urges our community members and supporters to
contact their state representatives and senators to voice opposition
to the Watts amendment to HB152.  Solicit your legislator's support
to stop the Watts' effort.  Representative of Stonewall Union and
Ohio NOW (National Organization for Women) have conducted lobbying
this week.  a final vote on the Ohio biennial budget is expected
very soon.  Act now.

				-30-


Ed Pfeiffer

Preferred E-mail:  ejp62@cas.org                    We're tired
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