LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Speak Out |
As a resident of Delaware I work hard at my job, support the tax base, participate in community events, and have become involved in my church, neighborhood watch, and the political issues of my community and state. I support House Bill 99 because it is the right thing to do. It is not right to discriminate or prevent anyone from equal rights. It is only just that individuals not be discriminated against in employment, housing, public accommodations, insurance and public works no matter what walk in life. When injustice is brought forth it is our duty as citizens to correct that injustice. House Bill 99 does not require Delaware employers to offer spousal benefits to lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender employees. It does not invalidate Delaware's law prohibiting recognition of same-sex marriages. Nor does HB99 provide additional protections over and above those currently afforded by Delaware law. It prevents discrimination against hard working employees who report to work and do their job according to the work ethic. Society is an evolving organism that hopefully does not fragment but utilizes the talents and abilities of all people. As a public school teacher, I teach my students to do the right thing...because it is the right thing to do and at time that means setting aside your own prejudices. I would ask those in the Senate to pass House Bill 99. William Paul Robbins I would like to clarify the reason the definition of sexual orientation in House Bill 99 includes the phrase "real or perceived." The word "perceived" allows the protection from discrimination to apply to all persons, whether they are heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual. For instance, if a heterosexual employee is fired because their employer thinks they are homosexual, the word "perceived" gives them protection. I am aware of three instances in Delaware where a heterosexual has lost a job because they were incorrectly thought to be homosexual. It is also important to understand that the language, "real or perceived," is exactly the same as the language used in the Americans With Disabilities Act. This means there is already well-settled law about what the word "perceived" means. In fact, the standard set by the Courts to prove discrimination based upon perception is so high that a man with a visible limp did not prove that his employer perceived him to be disabled. Also, contrary to assertions by HB 99's opponents that there will be a flood of litigation if this legislation is enacted, the non-partisan General Accounting Office issued a report in April 2000 which studied states that have already passed similar laws and found instead that relatively few complaints of discrimination based upon sexual orientation have been filed. For instance, in 1999, the percentage of sexual orientation cases relative to total discrimination complaints ranged from 0.8 percent to 3.3 percent. HB99 is about treating all Delawa-reans fairly and deserves a full vote. Deborah I. Gottschalk, Esq. Recently, some opponents of HB99 have tried to portray the bill as a public health issue; that passage of this legislation will result in an increase of poor health choices and risky sex practices. This is simply not the case. Anyone reading the text of HB99 will find that the bill has absolutely nothing to do with condoning or condemning personal behavior and everything to do with fair treatment under the existing laws of Delaware. If we really wanted to allow discrimination in our society based on the assumption of poor health choices or unprotected sex, then we would need to be sure that we start applying that standard across the boards. Will we start to ban unwed teenage mothers from restaurants? Will employers start firing all men who have sex without a condom? Prohibit smokers from buying homes? Of course not! These ideas are ridiculous. And yet these individuals are examples of behavior that can put one's health and the health of others at risk. The assumption that prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation will result in higher rates of STD's or increased healthcare costs is simply absurd. This simply is a scare tactic with no basis in truth. If people have concerns or are unclear as to the true extent of HB99, I strongly encourage them to contact their state senator and ask for a copy of the bill. I believe that they will find the bill to be very uncomplicated and direct in its structure and content and contains several exemptions that eliminate undue hardships for many small businesses, on-site landlords and religious organizations. Peter Medwick, Coordinator, ACLU-DE Lesbian & Gay Civil Rights Project Every Thursday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. a group of us come together and talk, laugh, and sometimes cry about whatever is on our mind. We know that this support group has helped improve the quality of our lives. If you are a gay or bisexual man that is HIV+ you are welcome to join us any Thursday evening at AIDS Delaware, 100 West 10th Street Suite 315, Wilmington, DE. If you have any questions about this or other gay and lesbian support groups call the Delaware Gay and Lesbian Switchboard at 1.800.292.0429 or email Ren at pugmire@aidsdelaware.org. Rene Pugmire, AIDS Delaware I need your help! The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, Inc. (DBCC) and Screening for Life (SFL), a Division of Public Health, are conducting a survey to find out more about lesbian's health practices, experiences in health care, and how we access health care. Please spread the word and send this message to your friends in Delaware! This is our chance to let health care providers know how we feel! You may download the survey at www.debreastcancer.org/Survey.pdf. Sandra J. Hoy, MA, Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, Inc. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 12, No. 02, March 8, 2002. |