LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
The Way I See It |
by Steve Elkins, Editor |
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 illnessand 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 www.deshorebnbs.com. 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. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 14, No. 4 May 7, 2004 |