Indiana Equality

Peering Into the Legislative Kitchen

by Don Sherfick

My other half and I are consummate current events junkies. If CNN and MSNBC were on the federal List of Dangerous, Fattening, and Controlled Substances, or whatever it’s called, we’d both be serving more consecutive life sentences than there are delegates to both major national political parties combined. So with yesterday’s announcements about John Edwards pulling out of the Democratic nomination race, accompanied by a similar withdrawal by Rudy Giuliani, Ted Kennedy’s earlier endorsement of Barak Obama, Mike Huckabee’s pronouncements on amending the Constitution because the Bible can’t be, we’re so close to Nirvana that we get it confused with the Rapture.

Stack that on top of the current “short” session of the Indiana General Assembly which is going on simultaneously and we have to increase our daily dose of anti-inflammatory pills to avoid a condition of pure bodily meltdown. The ultimate experience, which I partook of Tuesday, was watching the returns from the Republican primary in Florida on the big screen while keeping an eye on Indiana House Speaker Pat Bauer and his colleagues on the Legislature’s streaming video site on my laptop. If you never have tuned into the latter, take a look here sometime. Some say it is the ultimate experience in the Hoosier democratic process. Others paraphrase that saying that if you ever saw the kitchen of most restaurants, even the better ones, you would never eat there. The truth in the eye of the beholder lies somewhere in between.

Much of the legislative process seems to consist of a clerk reading things so fast that you think you want to raise your hand and get her just to say “SOLD to the lady with the STOP SJR7 sign in the gallery that she ought not to have”. But then there are those times when discussion gets very substantive and you get the sense that this is where the action is for things that can and frequently do affect your daily lives.

This is where SJR7, the so-called “Marriage Protection Amendment” whether waiting for the coroner or still on life support, ultimately gets dealt with. This is where Indiana either continues to be one of a tiny handful of states without a Hate Crime statute or joins the great majority of states in more enlightened and protective lawmaking. This is where discrimination can get enshrined into law, or the Indiana Constitution’s mandate for equal protection for all citizens, stated in its Bill of Rights is treated with the greatest reverence.

I invite you to spend a little time at the laptop or desktop watching and listening to your lawmakers. The session has to end by March 15th…..that’s almost certainly going to be before the writers' strike does.

Labels: hate crimes, Indiana General Assembly, legislation, marriage, SJR7

Peering Into the Legislative Kitchen

by Don Sherfick

My other half and I are consummate current events junkies. If CNN and MSNBC were on the federal List of Dangerous, Fattening, and Controlled Substances, or whatever it’s called, we’d both be serving more consecutive life sentences than there are delegates to both major national political parties combined. So with yesterday’s announcements about John Edwards pulling out of the Democratic nomination race, accompanied by a similar withdrawal by Rudy Giuliani, Ted Kennedy’s earlier endorsement of Barak Obama, Mike Huckabee’s pronouncements on amending the Constitution because the Bible can’t be, we’re so close to Nirvana that we get it confused with the Rapture.

Stack that on top of the current “short” session of the Indiana General Assembly which is going on simultaneously and we have to increase our daily dose of anti-inflammatory pills to avoid a condition of pure bodily meltdown. The ultimate experience, which I partook of Tuesday, was watching the returns from the Republican primary in Florida on the big screen while keeping an eye on Indiana House Speaker Pat Bauer and his colleagues on the Legislature’s streaming video site on my laptop. If you never have tuned into the latter, take a look here sometime. Some say it is the ultimate experience in the Hoosier democratic process. Others paraphrase that saying that if you ever saw the kitchen of most restaurants, even the better ones, you would never eat there. The truth in the eye of the beholder lies somewhere in between.

Much of the legislative process seems to consist of a clerk reading things so fast that you think you want to raise your hand and get her just to say “SOLD to the lady with the STOP SJR7 sign in the gallery that she ought not to have”. But then there are those times when discussion gets very substantive and you get the sense that this is where the action is for things that can and frequently do affect your daily lives.

This is where SJR7, the so-called “Marriage Protection Amendment” whether waiting for the coroner or still on life support, ultimately gets dealt with. This is where Indiana either continues to be one of a tiny handful of states without a Hate Crime statute or joins the great majority of states in more enlightened and protective lawmaking. This is where discrimination can get enshrined into law, or the Indiana Constitution’s mandate for equal protection for all citizens, stated in its Bill of Rights is treated with the greatest reverence.

I invite you to spend a little time at the laptop or desktop watching and listening to your lawmakers. The session has to end by March 15th…..that’s almost certainly going to be before the writers' strike does.

Labels: hate crimes, Indiana General Assembly, legislation, marriage, SJR7

A Change in the Air (Quality)

There has been something of a general panic among discriminatory forces at the Statehouse recently, and there is no doubt that the LGBT community will need to avert their last, desperate attempts to write discrimination into the constitution. Just Tuesday, the Senate passed SJR-7, the Marriage Discrimination Amendment (it would be less painful to have passed a kidney stone). It is now the role of the Indiana House of Representatives to stand up for what we know is right. While this same battle is being fought once again (and hopefully for the final time), in the special election for Indiana’s 7^th Congressional district (which covers most of Marion County), there is a far more positive piece of news.

The late and beloved Julia Carson was a firm friend for the LGBT community in Indiana. I remember I was fifteen when she lambasted five City-County Council Democrats for their initial failure to pass the bill that added sexual orientation and gender identity to Indianapolis’s human rights ordinance, a bill that did indeed eventually pass. I remember that I was so tickled with Ruth Holladay’s vivid description of the fiery scolding that I cut it out of the paper. I still have it tacked on my wall.

It will be tough to measure to Representative Carson, in any manner. However, the dialogue in the special election to replace her is enough to show the progress she helped build. Jon Elrod, the Republican candidate for her seat, has publicly opposed the Marriage Discrimination Amendment, and even his website is refreshingly on-task. On his “Views” page, he focuses on taxes, leadership, veterans, the elderly, and funding Medicaid and Social Security. Hardly the usual dreary gamut of hate-mongering distractions.

André Carson is, of course, the chosen one of the Democratic party, and his candidacy was encouraged by both former Indiana Congressman Andy Jacobs and his grandmother. While there have been some mutterings as to his LGBT-friendliness, he has repeatedly denounced bigotry and discrimination, and has even specifically listed sexual orientation under the “Advocate for Human Rights” section on his website’s “Issues” page.

The lack of hateful rhetoric towards gays in this election is a clear demonstration of what a courageous, progressive leader like Julia Carson can accomplish by taking a stand against hatred and bigotry. By using her popularity to help defend the LGBT community and her constituents, she helped rid the discrimination of some of the divisive and reactionary power (read: votes) it commanded, and brought the focus to real issues that benefit Hoosiers. I am endorsing neither André Carson nor Jon Elrod, or any of their positions, but simply am proud to live in Indiana’s 7^th Congressional district, where for once, we have an election entirely focused on what matters: what’s best for Hoosiers of all communities. Thank you, Julia, for helping make that possible. It’s a welcome change, and I hope it stays.

A Change in the Air (Quality)

There has been something of a general panic among discriminatory forces at the Statehouse recently, and there is no doubt that the LGBT community will need to avert their last, desperate attempts to write discrimination into the constitution. Just Tuesday, the Senate passed SJR-7, the Marriage Discrimination Amendment (it would be less painful to have passed a kidney stone). It is now the role of the Indiana House of Representatives to stand up for what we know is right. While this same battle is being fought once again (and hopefully for the final time), in the special election for Indiana’s 7^th Congressional district (which covers most of Marion County), there is a far more positive piece of news.

The late and beloved Julia Carson was a firm friend for the LGBT community in Indiana. I remember I was fifteen when she lambasted five City-County Council Democrats for their initial failure to pass the bill that added sexual orientation and gender identity to Indianapolis’s human rights ordinance, a bill that did indeed eventually pass. I remember that I was so tickled with Ruth Holladay’s vivid description of the fiery scolding that I cut it out of the paper. I still have it tacked on my wall.

It will be tough to measure to Representative Carson, in any manner. However, the dialogue in the special election to replace her is enough to show the progress she helped build. Jon Elrod, the Republican candidate for her seat, has publicly opposed the Marriage Discrimination Amendment, and even his website is refreshingly on-task. On his “Views” page, he focuses on taxes, leadership, veterans, the elderly, and funding Medicaid and Social Security. Hardly the usual dreary gamut of hate-mongering distractions.

André Carson is, of course, the chosen one of the Democratic party, and his candidacy was encouraged by both former Indiana Congressman Andy Jacobs and his grandmother. While there have been some mutterings as to his LGBT-friendliness, he has repeatedly denounced bigotry and discrimination, and has even specifically listed sexual orientation under the “Advocate for Human Rights” section on his website’s “Issues” page.

The lack of hateful rhetoric towards gays in this election is a clear demonstration of what a courageous, progressive leader like Julia Carson can accomplish by taking a stand against hatred and bigotry. By using her popularity to help defend the LGBT community and her constituents, she helped rid the discrimination of some of the divisive and reactionary power (read: votes) it commanded, and brought the focus to real issues that benefit Hoosiers. I am endorsing neither André Carson nor Jon Elrod, or any of their positions, but simply am proud to live in Indiana’s 7^th Congressional district, where for once, we have an election entirely focused on what matters: what’s best for Hoosiers of all communities. Thank you, Julia, for helping make that possible. It’s a welcome change, and I hope it stays.

UPDATE from the Indiana House on "Marriage Protection Amendment" Maneuver

As of early this Tuesday evening the media are reporting that Representative Eric Turner's attempt to amend HJR1, containing a proposed constitutional concerning property taxes, to include the text of the "Marriage Protection Amendment", will not be succeed because Speaker Bauer does not intend to call up HJR1 for second reading. Today is the last day for second readings. Because a proposed amendment initiated in the Senate concerning a simlar property tax measure remains alive, and the amendment concerning marriage has passed the Senate and will come to the House, this seems to simply postpone, rather than completely end, the possibilities of renewed attempts to maneuver SJR-7 back onto the stage. What's been said before about it not being over until it is over remains.

UPDATE from the Indiana House on "Marriage Protection Amendment" Maneuver

As of early this Tuesday evening the media are reporting that Representative Eric Turner's attempt to amend HJR1, containing a proposed constitutional concerning property taxes, to include the text of the "Marriage Protection Amendment", will not be succeed because Speaker Bauer does not intend to call up HJR1 for second reading. Today is the last day for second readings. Because a proposed amendment initiated in the Senate concerning a simlar property tax measure remains alive, and the amendment concerning marriage has passed the Senate and will come to the House, this seems to simply postpone, rather than completely end, the possibilities of renewed attempts to maneuver SJR-7 back onto the stage. What's been said before about it not being over until it is over remains.

SJR7 Passes Senate (Again): Fat Lady Taking Detour On Way To Final Aria

by Don Sherfick

This afternoon, as expected, the Indiana passed 39-9 the so-called "Indiana Marriage Protection Amendment" on third (final) reading and sent it to the House. The measure had been passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee 5-4 last Thursday. Opinions differ on whether or not the Senate had to take the measure up again in this 2008 "short" session of the 2007-2008 biennium, since it had also passed there in the "long" 2007 session.

By the way, the Senate Judiciary Committee rejected an amendment that would have taken out the controversial second sentence, which one of the drafters of the language used had found "poorly drafted", and had prompted changes which Indiana proponents continue to resist. The vote by the Judiciary Committee along party lines to keep the defective and discarded language in simply reinforces suspicion that proponents have an agenda well beyond simply "banning gay marriage", something that Indiana law already does.

As passed by the Senate, the measure now goes over to the House, where Representative Eric Turner has not only filed the identical language (designated HJR8), but also yesterday filing a second reading amendment to HJR1, a property tax "circuit breaker" amendment to the constitution, adding in the SJR7/HRJ8 text. This is likely to produce some fireworks later today, as it must be dealt with before the midnight deadline. As of 3:30 the session had been in adjournment as both parties caucused, and it seems a sure bet that strategies on both sides are provoking some interesting conversations. It's frustrating enough that an amendment that would reduce, not broaden, the Bill of Rights to our Indiana Constitution is even on the agenda. It's even more so to realize that because of attempts to entangle it with important property tax matters, both the GLBT community and straight unmarried couples are pawns in this tawdry game of legislative chess.

Stay tuned, and vigilant. That proverbial Fat Lady just won't follow the script.

SJR7 Passes Senate (Again): Fat Lady Taking Detour On Way To Final Aria

by Don Sherfick

This afternoon, as expected, the Indiana passed 39-9 the so-called "Indiana Marriage Protection Amendment" on third (final) reading and sent it to the House. The measure had been passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee 5-4 last Thursday. Opinions differ on whether or not the Senate had to take the measure up again in this 2008 "short" session of the 2007-2008 biennium, since it had also passed there in the "long" 2007 session.

By the way, the Senate Judiciary Committee rejected an amendment that would have taken out the controversial second sentence, which one of the drafters of the language used had found "poorly drafted", and had prompted changes which Indiana proponents continue to resist. The vote by the Judiciary Committee along party lines to keep the defective and discarded language in simply reinforces suspicion that proponents have an agenda well beyond simply "banning gay marriage", something that Indiana law already does.

As passed by the Senate, the measure now goes over to the House, where Representative Eric Turner has not only filed the identical language (designated HJR8), but also yesterday filing a second reading amendment to HJR1, a property tax "circuit breaker" amendment to the constitution, adding in the SJR7/HRJ8 text. This is likely to produce some fireworks later today, as it must be dealt with before the midnight deadline. As of 3:30 the session had been in adjournment as both parties caucused, and it seems a sure bet that strategies on both sides are provoking some interesting conversations. It's frustrating enough that an amendment that would reduce, not broaden, the Bill of Rights to our Indiana Constitution is even on the agenda. It's even more so to realize that because of attempts to entangle it with important property tax matters, both the GLBT community and straight unmarried couples are pawns in this tawdry game of legislative chess.

Stay tuned, and vigilant. That proverbial Fat Lady just won't follow the script.

I Haven't Heard the Fat Lady Sing, Have You?

As Don, Brandon, Robb and others have stated over the past few days, it isn't over until this legislative session is over. By "it", I'm referring to SJR7 - The Marriage DISCRIMINATION Amendment.

As recent as last week I had a lengthy conversation with a lesbian friend who voiced her concerns to me about SJR7. I use the word "concerns" loosely. My friend said she is tired of hearing about SJR7 and the arguments around it. As a 50+ year old lesbian in a committed partnership, she doesn't understand the fuss. She says her and her partner have powers of attorney, wills, trust agreements, yada yada yada which will allow them to do all the things that SJR7 would prevent them from doing, and therefore, in her opinion, everyone else should do as she has done - game over - problem solved.

If the view through her rose colored glasses doesn't shock you, she then stated that gay marriage was over-rated. Further, that there is no reason on earth why any glbt person would ever (should ever) want to get married. I was speechless! Her rationale was that glbt people have never been allowed to get married, so it isn't like we are losing anything if SJR7 is passed and voted in the affirmative at a referendum. Mind you, my friend has, over the last 30-or-so years has been in many relationships, some lasting as short as a week or so, and some as long as 5 years. Through it all, she says she never had the desire to get hitched, and can't understand why anyone else would either.

What is the point of this post? My friend is not the only one in the glbt community that feels this way. There are many, many glbt Hoosiers who share the same beliefs. The lack of unity within the glbt community on this very, very important issue should be of great concern to all of us. We must continue to spread the word, even among our glbt friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. We cannot assume that just because a person is a member of our community that they understand the issue, or that they are "on board".

Never miss an opportunity to educate those with whom you share your time. Do not expect that just because you are informed of the significant issues facing us this legislative session that others are as well. While we continue to educate our allies in the heterosexual/straight community let's not leave our own behind. We truly need to solidify our base while we endeavor to expand upon it.

The fat lady hasn't begun to sing, so don't head for the parking lot yet. Keep your seat, and talk to the person sitting next to you. Tell them of the importance of defeating SJR7. Answer their questions honestly. Make it personal. Most of all, refer them to the IE website to they can get more information.

I Haven't Heard the Fat Lady Sing, Have You?

As Don, Brandon, Robb and others have stated over the past few days, it isn't over until this legislative session is over. By "it", I'm referring to SJR7 - The Marriage DISCRIMINATION Amendment.

As recent as last week I had a lengthy conversation with a lesbian friend who voiced her concerns to me about SJR7. I use the word "concerns" loosely. My friend said she is tired of hearing about SJR7 and the arguments around it. As a 50+ year old lesbian in a committed partnership, she doesn't understand the fuss. She says her and her partner have powers of attorney, wills, trust agreements, yada yada yada which will allow them to do all the things that SJR7 would prevent them from doing, and therefore, in her opinion, everyone else should do as she has done - game over - problem solved.

If the view through her rose colored glasses doesn't shock you, she then stated that gay marriage was over-rated. Further, that there is no reason on earth why any glbt person would ever (should ever) want to get married. I was speechless! Her rationale was that glbt people have never been allowed to get married, so it isn't like we are losing anything if SJR7 is passed and voted in the affirmative at a referendum. Mind you, my friend has, over the last 30-or-so years has been in many relationships, some lasting as short as a week or so, and some as long as 5 years. Through it all, she says she never had the desire to get hitched, and can't understand why anyone else would either.

What is the point of this post? My friend is not the only one in the glbt community that feels this way. There are many, many glbt Hoosiers who share the same beliefs. The lack of unity within the glbt community on this very, very important issue should be of great concern to all of us. We must continue to spread the word, even among our glbt friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. We cannot assume that just because a person is a member of our community that they understand the issue, or that they are "on board".

Never miss an opportunity to educate those with whom you share your time. Do not expect that just because you are informed of the significant issues facing us this legislative session that others are as well. While we continue to educate our allies in the heterosexual/straight community let's not leave our own behind. We truly need to solidify our base while we endeavor to expand upon it.

The fat lady hasn't begun to sing, so don't head for the parking lot yet. Keep your seat, and talk to the person sitting next to you. Tell them of the importance of defeating SJR7. Answer their questions honestly. Make it personal. Most of all, refer them to the IE website to they can get more information.