As "May flowers" burst into bloom all around us, so too does the
realization that the summer season is practically here. With this issue of
Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, we return to our biweekly publication
schedule, and at the same time kick all our efforts up a notch or two as
we get ready for the many activities, events, programs, and projects that
are a part of summer 2004.
One of the most important issues for gay and lesbian Delawareans over
the last few years has been HB99, the bill that prohibits discrimination
against persons on the basis of sexual orientation in housing, employment,
public works contracting, public accommodations, and insurance. HB99 is
again stalled in the Senate, despite last year’s promise by Senate Pro
Tem Thurman Adams that this year it would at least get a vote. On May 4
the "Release HB99 Rally" at Legislative Hall in Dover helped
galvanize supporters of the bill, and CAMP Rehoboth has joined with
supporters all over the state to run a full page ad in The News Journal
calling on Senator Adams to bring HB99 out of committee. Please read Rich
Barnett’s "Call to Action" for the Committee to Release HB99
on page 6, and find out what you can do to make a difference in this very
important campaign against discrimination.
Speaking of discrimination, if you’ve been following the news out of
Michigan, their legislature passed laws that would protect medical
professionals (including pharmacists) from being sued or fired for
refusing to do procedures they are opposed to. The bill allows doctors to
refuse to treat members of the GLBT community because of moral, ethical,
or religious beliefs. Our friend Kathleen DeBold, executive director of
The Mautner Project was quoted on gfn.com. "By codifying
discrimination in healthcare," she said, "this measure not only
tramples the Hippocratic Oath that each physician is sworn to uphold, it
puts this medically underserved population at even greater risk of serious
illness—and worse." I would add that it (like the proposed
Constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage) attempts to write
discrimination into the laws of our land and reminds us that we should
never take progress for granted.
For many years now, Fay Jacobs’ CAMPout column has been an important
part of this magazine, and Fay herself is a valued part of CAMP Rehoboth,
serving as Features Editor for Letters, and as a member of the CAMP
Rehoboth Board of Directors. Now all those columns that have kept us
laughing out loud for so many years have been gathered together into one
book. As I Lay Frying: A Rehoboth Beach Memoir is being published by
A&M Books and on Saturday, May 22, from 4-6 p.m. CAMP Rehoboth will
host a book signing to celebrate its release. Don’t miss this chance to
congratulate Fay and to pick up an autographed copy of what might become a
Rehoboth Beach classic.
Inez Conover and Kathleen Bailey are the innkeepers of Sea Witch Manor
and the new Bewitched and Bedazzled guest houses on Lake Avenue. Last
weekend, as a part of the Rehoboth Wine Festival, the two hosted a wine
tasting and brunch that benefitted CAMP Rehoboth. Inez was also among the
many Rehoboth area innkeepers who gathered last week at the Corner
Cupboard Inn for the Association of Delaware Shore Inns and B & B’s
afternoon social. For information about the group, or to visit any of the
charming inns in the area visit their Web site at
.
It’s going to be another busy summer season, so watch for information
about the many upcoming events. On May 29 the HeART of the Community
paintings will preview at CAMP Rehoboth, to be followed the next week by
the fourth annual CAMP Rehoboth Community Center Founders’ Circle Black
and White Beach Ball at the Atlantic Sands, and not long after by the
Mermaid Splash Dance, Love Weekend...and much, much more.
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