LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Gay Rights...A Sign of Things to Come |
by Kelli Steele |
For the Rev. Richard Avant, pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church in Dover, comparing homosexual behavior to the terrorist attack on New York City Sept. 11, seemed to bring him at least some satisfaction. But to the hundreds of gays, lesbians and bisexuals present for a hearing on a bill that would make Delaware the 13th state to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation, his comment was simply asinine! More than 870 people turned out in Dover Monday, January 28 for a three-and-a-half-hour public hearing by the Senate Small Business Committee on House Bill 99 in the state Senate chambers at Legislative Hall. The bill, proposed by Rep. William Oberle Jr., R-Beecher's Lot, proposes adding the words "sexual orientation" to state laws that prohibit discrimination in employment, public accommodations, such as hotels, motels and restaurants, and in getting housing and insurance. "This bill is a blatant homosexual and lesbian attempt to put their agenda in our state," said Rev. Avant. "I stand opposed to it because it is against the word of God." Other opponents like Avant, wore white stickers proclaiming their opposition. And one by one they made their way to the microphone to speak. "Homosexuality is an unwise, unhealthy and potentially harmful choice," said Pastor David Perdue of the First Baptist Church in Milford. "Gay people should have to live with the consequences of their choices." Dr. Earl Fox went so far as to say, "homosexual behavior is a mind control program. It is a compulsive addiction...harder to cure than alcoholism." The House of Representatives passed the bill by one vote last year (21-20). Since that time, the bill, assigned to the Senate's Small Business Committee, has been held 'hostage' by Sen. Robert Venables, D-Laurel, SSBC Chairman and the bill's staunch nemesis. "If I support this bill," Venables said, "there's no need to run again for office." Others feel differently however, and wore white stickers proclaiming their support along with rainbow ribbons a symbol of gay pride. Speakers alternated between those who opposed the "gay rights bill," and those who supported it. One such proponent was Carolyn White of Newark, who is married and is expecting her first child in June. "I took a vacation day from my state job today because I felt it was time for me to quit sitting around my kitchen table complaining about what goes on down at Legislative Hall," said White. Fighting back tears, she continued, "I don't want my baby born into a state that follows a path of bigotry. I want by child to be proud the First State stands for justice and equality." Another supporter, Calvin Christopher, chairman of the state Human Relations Commission called the bill, "long overdue civil rights legislation. Currently, a person can be denied service at a restaurant or the ability to rent or buy a home simply because of someone else's perception of their sexual orientation. Access to food and shelter is a basic civil right, and I encourage committee members to put the bill to vote on the Senate floor." The Senate Small Business Committee is comprised of four members including Sen. Venables. The other members are: Sens. George H. Bunting Jr., D-Bethany Beach, Harris B. McDowell III, D-Wilmington North, and John C. Still III, R-Dover North. While both Bunting and McDowell have expressed support for H.B. 99, Senator Still hasn't publicly said if he's for or against the measure. Several other legislators including Sen. Margaret Rose Henry, D-Wilmington East, were present at the hearing to voice their support. "House Bill 99 would provide equal treatment for a group of people who have not been granted equal treatment," said Henry. "We must end this last bastion of bigotry and hatred. People are all member of one race...the human race" Rep. Stephanie A. Ulbrich, R-Newark South also had a few strong words for the SSBC and proponents of H.B. 99. "House Bill 99 is a simple bill. It's about discrimination only. I do not support discrimination, never have, never will," said Ulbrich. The bill's sponsor, Representative Bill Oberle also made a plea to the SSBC to let the bill out of committee so the full Senate can vote on it. "H.B. 99 cries out for a full hearing," said Oberle. "I would not associate myself with an issue I didn't deem was not a problem. And in my opinion, discrimination is a problem in Delaware." Immediately following the public hearing, Senator Venables said that he would put the bill on a Small Business Committee meeting agenda after March 12, when the Legislature resumes session. Meantime, many members of the gay, lesbian and bisexual community had some thoughts on the hearing's outcome. "It's a sign of interesting things to come," said George Meldrum, a gay father whose family has experienced and had to deal with discrimination first-hand. Suzanne Long, president of the Delaware Liberty Fund said she felt the entire hearing, "raised some eyebrows. Once again it's obvious that Jesus does love gays. Just look at this gorgeous weather; there was even a rainbow in the sky this morning. This is perfect weather for debating H.B. 99," said Long. "I thought there was some pretty convincing testimony today," said Peter Medwick, statewide coordinator for the Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights Project. "I think today went well...there were a lot of ugly words sputtered, but it could have been uglier!" Kelli Steele is the Press/Policy Assistant to Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 12, No. 01, February 1, 2002. |