David Orr, Take 4
A response to last week's letter on the David Orr marriage issue.
Mr. [ Brad ] Abbott; I take issue with you calling me a self-anointed arbiter of gay thought. It is a shame that you do not appreciate the work done by activists in our community. The list of my achievements would take more time to type than a response to you is necessary. Suffice to say I have been elected to 14 different gay organizations over the last 40 years, just recently to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force [ second time; first in 1978-'85 ] . In addition I have received 26 awards from gay and lesbian organizations, including being one of the first to be inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall Of Fame. These credentials dispel my being self- appointed. As for David Orr, a wise man does what would be best for obtaining the results he wants. To charge ahead and copy other persons is stupid. In the long run I believe David can do more good for our community by deciding what and where to put his resources, and since he has proven he is with us, I trust his judgment.
Chuck Renslow
Indiana Marriage
In Indiana today the LGBT community is facing the most daunting task we have ever faced. Republicans ( and some Democrats ) are working to pass an anti-gay constitutional amendment; the Indiana Court of Appeals has turned down a lawsuit in favor of gay marriage; and a U.S. Appeals Court has ruled that the federal Defense of Marriage Act is constitutional. All of this on the inauguration day of George W. Bush to a second term as the U.S. President.
In 2004, with the Democrats in control of much of our state government, we were able to stop the anti-gay amendment process. This year, both the governor's office and the general assembly are in Republican control. The process to legalize discrimination, and to put it in our state constitution, has begun.
We expect to be facing an anti-gay amendment to the Indiana Constitution on the ballot as early as 2008. We would be facing this challenge in 2006 were it not for the brave leadership of the Democrats in the Indiana House in 2004. The Democrat Speaker of the House led a brave fight to stop this measure. The Democrats paid a high price for this act. Using this wedge issue, the Republicans regained control of the House and the governor's office. Now that they are in control, the Republicans are proceeding more slowly.
Why the change in tactics? The Republicans have learned that anti-gay bigotry helps them win elections. We expect them to beat the drums of division for a long time to come. We expect homophobic hearings will take place across the state. They will give them another name, but their intent seems clear.
If they can keep the focus on divisive issues, they expect they can easily re-elect both the governor and maintain control of the legislature. We suspect that their real strategy is to drag the gay bashing out as long as possible to do the maximum damage to our few Democrat supporters.
In this climate, it is our prediction that ALL of the Republicans and a majority of the Democrats will vote to add discrimination to the Indiana Constitution for the first time.
In Evansville, we are already seeing an increase in anti-gay protests. One of the issues we face is that too many communities in Indiana have NO GLBT organizations or support groups.
NOW is the time for our communities and allies to get active. Lobbying in the General Assembly and organizing a couple of demonstrations will not win us the day. We need a comprehensive vision to strengthen the LGBT communities in Indiana across the state, and to identify allies who are willing to roll up their sleeves and help. A vision to mobilize the community not only this year, but to make Indiana an easier place to come out. We need to organize across the state so that people feel more comfortable about coming out, and so our allies will help us fight this battle. We need help making communities more LGBT-friendly, electing more friendly leaders, and pushing our officials to take the right stand.
Form P-Flag Chapters. Support the Indiana Stonewall Democrats. Volunteer for groups. Donate money. Help circulate our petition.
E-mail wallypaynter@aol.com with your snail mail address, or call ( 812 ) 422-5951.
Wally Paynter, Chair, Indiana Justice Fund
