LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
The Way I See It |
by Steve Elkins, Editor |
State politics got very interesting recently, when the non-discrimination bill (HB5) and a proposal to amend the state constitution to say that marriage should be defined as only between a man and a woman (SB27), came up for a vote on the same day in their respective houses. Braving a sea of protesters decked out in white t-shirts that read "one man, one womanthat's marriage," those of us who made it to Dover for the debate and subsequent vote were, needless to say, pleased with the outcome. HB5 passed in the House, 26 yes, 14 no, and one absent. SB27 was defeated in the Senate, 9 yes, 11 no, with one not voting. HB5 will now have to go to the Senate, where in previous years its predecessors have died in committee. If it is allowed to come to a debate and vote on the Senate floor, we believe there is enough support for its passage. SB27 is dead for now, as it cannot be reintroduced in this session. Many thanks, of course, should be given to our own Representative Pete Schwartzkopf, the primary sponsor of HB5 and the Majority Leader of the House, for his unceasing efforts on our behalf. For more, see my conversation with Fay Jacobs at Legislative Update in this issue.
If the non-discrimination bill finally becomes law, the Delaware Human Relations Commission of which I am a part, will be the agency responsible for hearing complaints about many of its violations. Even though sexual orientation is currently not covered under Delaware law, the Delaware Human Relations Commission and CAMP Rehoboth have been recording instances of discrimination in the state. To share a story of discrimination, contact me at editor@camprehoboth.com or call 302-227-5620. On April 17-19, CAMP Rehoboth will open the doors on our ninth annual CAMP Rehoboth Women's Weekend. From its many Conference workshops to the first class entertainment it provides, Women's Weekend has something for all ages and all tasteseven for the men. Murray and I always enjoy channeling our "inner lesbian" for this event, and I always try to take a moment to remind the men that the entertainment is available for all to enjoy. We've especially loved the various comics who have been a part of the Women's Weekend over the years. For information about Women's Weekend, go to beachwomensweek.com or call the CAMP office. Looking ahead to the summer, one of the most exciting changes to our summer lineup is the expansion of the Love Weekend into a major event for the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. The first night of the Whole Lotta Love Weekend, as we are calling it, will be Lotto HeARTa fabulous new event where players (those who purchase Lotto HeART tickets) are guaranteed to walk away with an original piece of art. The evening will also include the HeART of the Community Art Auction and will be hosted by the one and only Christopher Peterson. The next night, DJ Julian Marsh returns for another sensational night of "Love" dancing at the Convention Center. Much of the work for Lotto HeART has come out of the CAMP artist's group formed over the last year. That group, by the way, is open to all artists in the area, and is now responsible for all art and art related events, shows, and exhibitions at the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. Under the incredible direction of artist Sondra Arkin, the group has issued a call to all artists, from anywhere in the world, to do two original, unframed (5" x 7" exactly) works of art for Lotto HeART. Deadline to sign up is April 10, with a delivery deadline on June 15. For information see page 14, or call the CAMP office and we'll email the guidelines. Sign up at heart@camprehoboth.com. With all the committees and teams being assembled to help manage the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center, there are many new ways to get involved. Recently the Development Advisory Board issued a call for participants on their new Membership Team. Email Beth Cohen at bcohen@camprehoboth.com if interested. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 19, No. 03 April 03, 2009 |