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FOIA Number:
2013-0028-F
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
Presidential Library Staff.
Collection/Record Group:
Clinton Presidential Records
Subgroup/Office of Origin:
Counsel Office
Series/Staff Member:
Steve Neuwirth
Subseries:
OA/ID Number:
9532
FolderlD:
Folder Title:
Gay Marriage [2]
Stack:
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Section:
Shelf:
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S
110
2
1
2
�Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
AND TYPE
001. memo
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
04/08/1996
Personal (Partial); DOB's (Partial) (1 page)
RESTRICTION
P6/b(6), b(7)(C)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Counsel Office
Steve Neuwirth
OA/Box Number:
9532
FOLDER TITLE:
Gay Marriage [2]
2013-0028-r
ini996
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act -144 U.S.C. 2204(a)|
Freedom of Information Act -15 U.S.C. 552(b)|
PI National Security Classified Information 1(a)(1) of the PRA|
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office 1(a)(2) of the PRA|
PJ Release would violate a Federal statute 1(a)(3) of the PRA|
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
financial information 1(a)(4) of the PRAI
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA|
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(l) National security classified information 1(b)(1) of the FOIA)
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
an agency 1(b)(2) of the FOIA)
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA)
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA|
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(b)(6) of the FOIA|
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes 1(b)(7) of the FOIA|
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
financial institutions 1(b)(8) of the FOIAj
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA|
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
of gift.
PRM. Personal record misfilc denned in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
2201(3).
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
�THE WHITE HOUSE
WASH
INGTON
April 8, 1996
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
JACK QUINN / V - ^
COUNSEL T O T H E PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
GAY MARRIAGE
The White House has received numerous inquiries concerning your position on gay
marriage. In addition. The Advocate, a widely-read gay and lesbian newspaper, is planning
to publish a story on this issue and would like to include a statement of your position. The
deadline for that story is tomorrow -- Tuesday, April 9.
With input from Marsha Scott, we have prepared the attached talking points. George
Stephanopoulos has reviewed and approved them.
The institutions of traditional marriage and family face tremendous pressures in
today's society. We must do everything we can to support and strengthen
these institutions. The President has previously said that he does not personally
support same-sex marriages.
The President is aware that many communities and institutions are considering
whether certain basic benefits can be provided outside the context of traditional
marriage. The challenge in addressing these issues is to remain sensitive to the
traditional values of our communities while preserving the fundamental right to
live free from unjustified discrimination.
In our country's history we have, for good reason, looked first to state and
local governments, as well as the private sector, to consider issues like these
involving community values and matters of conscience. The President believes
that these issues continue to be best resolved at this level of civil discourse.
Recommendation
That you approve the talking points set forth above.
AGREE
DISAGREE
DISCUSS
�April 9
Jack:
As you will see on the attached, the President has formally approved the talking points on gay
marriage. I think George and Marsha understood that this would make it appropriate for an
Administration official to talk to the reporter from The Advocate.
It seems to me that you are the most appropriate person to have that conversation with the
reporter.
The reporter is Josh Moss (phone: 202-462-4660).
As we discussed yesterday, the deadline for The Advocate story is today.
Please let me know if you will make the call or if this requires further discussion.
Thanks,
Steve Neuwirth
�e White House
COUNSEL'S OFFICE
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�THE WHITE HOUSE
WAS H I N G T O N
A p r i l 11, 1996
MEMORANDUM
FOR:
JACK QUINN
FROM:
D W C HIRWA
AN
CC:
STEVE NEUWIRTH
SUBJECT:
V i r g i n i a Housing Development A u t h o r i t y
^-^
Following i s a b r i e f suinmary of an issue which has arisen
concerning the V i r g i n i a Housing Development A u t h o r i t y (VHDA), a
s t a t e agency. The VHDA o r i g i n a t e s mortgage loans t h a t are
insured by the Federal Housing A d m i n i s t r a t i o n (FHA) a t the
Department of Housing and Urban Development and loans which are
guaranteed by the Department of A g r i c u l t u r e ' s Rural Housing
Services (RHS). VHDA recently changed i t s e l i g i b i l i t y c r i t e r i a
to e f f e c t i v e l y deny VHDA-issued mortgage loans to unmarried and
unrelated j o i n t applicants. This change appears to be directed
at same-sex couples, but has obvious r a m i f i c a t i o n s f o r coh a b i t i n g heterosexual couples as w e l l .
The FHA has received a request from a Democratic member of the
VHDA Board that the FHA determine whether VHDA's current
e l i g i b i l i t y regulations v i o l a t e the Equal Credit Opportunity Act
(ECOA), which p r o h i b i t s d i s c r i m i n a t i o n i n the p r o v i s i o n of
mortgage loans on the basis of m a r i t a l status, and thereby
jeopardizes VHDA's continued p a r t i c i p a t i o n i n the FHA and RHS
home loan programs. The National Housing Act empowers HUD t o
impose sanctions against mortgage programs which v i o l a t e ECOA,
i n c l u d i n g the withdrawal of FHA insurance f o r mortgage loans. I n
a d d i t i o n , RHS regulations r e q u i r e p a r t i c i p a t i n g loan programs t o
comply w i t h ECOA provisions.
However, due to exemptions included i n ECOA f o r c e r t a i n state
programs, the a p p l i c a t i o n of ECOA's non-discriminatory
requirements to the VHDA program i s unclear. HUD thus proposes
to request guidance from OLC on t h i s l e g a l issue. HUD's d r a f t
request to OLC i s attached. A g r i c u l t u r e may also request an
opinion from OLC independently, but they have not yet decided
whether to do so.
There i s a strong p o s s i b i l i t y t h a t OLC w i l l conclude that VHDA
e l i g i b i l i t y c r i t e r i a v i o l a t e ECOA and t h a t ECOA exemptions do not
apply to VHDA. I f OLC does a r r i v e at t h i s conclusion, HUD,
c e r t a i n l y , and A g r i c u l t u r e , p o s s i b l y , w i l l take action
challenging VHDA's continued p a r t i c i p a t i o n i n t h e i r programs, a
�move which has the p o t e n t i a l to become p o l i t i c a l l y c o n t r o v e r s i a l ,
impacting as i t w i l l on a s t a t e ' s attempt to prevent same-sex
couples from p a r t i c i p a t i n g i n a state-administered b e n e f i t s
program.
On the other hand, there appears to be a strong consensus w i t h i n
HUD t h a t the appropriate course at t h i s juncture i s to request a
l e g a l opinion from OLC on t h i s issue rather than leave i t
undecided. And, the C i v i l Rights D i v i s i o n at Justice i s already
conducting a preliminary i n q u i r y i n t o whether or not to take
a c t i o n against VHDA f o r v i o l a t i n g ECOA. An OLC opinion would
thus help c l a r i f y t h i s issue f o r a number of interested agencies.
At this point, unless you feel strongly otherwise, I believe that
we should not object to HUD's plan to request guidance from OLC.
I w i l l , of course, continue to closely monitor this situation and
keep you informed of OLC's progress.
I f you feel that additional
steps should be taken at this point, please let me know as soon
as you are able. I have promised to discuss this matter again
with Sara Rosen at HUD tomorrow — Friday, April 12.
Attachment
�04/09/96
11:46
PSST SECRETARY FOR HOUSING + 94561647
NO.774 P004/005
DRAFT
Walter Dellinger
Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Counsel
U.S. Department of Justice
10th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington. D.C. 20530
Dear Mr. Dellinger:
The Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) recently adopted a change to its
regulations that effectively denies loans to unmarried and unrelated joint applicants. VHDA
originates loans that are insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). (A copy of the
policy language is enclosed.) FHA received an inquiry concerning whether VHDA's change of
policy affected VHDA's continued participation in the FHA mortgage insurance program.
The National Housing Act empowers FHA'e Mortgagee Review Board (MRB) to impose
sanctions, indude withdrawal of approval, on any mortgagee found to be violating the Equal
Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA). HUD asked the Federal Reserve for guidance in evaluating
whether actions taken under the new VHDA policy violate ECOA (A copy of my letter to the
Federal Reserve and the response are enclosed.) The guidance provided, however, is not
determinative of the Issue, as the Board does not determine whether state programs qualify
for the exemption under ECOA for epecial purpose credit programs.
Therefore, I hereby request an opinion from the Department of Justice's Office of Legal
Counsel on whether actions taken under the new VHDA policy violate ECOA I would be
grateful if you would let me know when I might expect to receive a reply, if you have any
questions about this request, please feel free to call me or my Special Assistant, Sarah
R o s e n , both at (202) 708-3600.
I appreciate your assistance in this matter.
Sincerely yours,
Nicolas P. Retsinas
Assistant Secretary for Housing Federal Housing Commissioner
Enclosures
cc: Deval L Patrick. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, DOJ
Maureen Kennedy, Administrator, Rural Housing Services, USDA
Keith R. Pedigo, Director, Loan Guaranty Service, VA
Nelson Diaz, General Counsel, HUD
�.\\ 04/09/96 11:46 flSST SECRETARY FOR HOUSING - 94561647
>
v
NO.774 P005/005
Betsy Julian, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity,
HUD
Jodie Bemstein, Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC
Griffith L Garwood, Director. Division of Consumer and Community Affairs. FRB
�Sheri:
A more detailed follow-up to my message to you earlier:
The Advocate is writing a story about gay marriage, and it will focus, among other things, on
the Administration's position on this topic.
While Jack was on vacation last week, Kathy Wallman approved proposed Presidential talking
points on gay marriage. The President never reviewed them, but Marsha Scott and I
described them (without giving a copy) to some Congressional staffers with whom Marsha
has been working.
Marsha's office has learned that the Advocate has been told, presumably by one of the
Congressional staffers, that the White House Counsel's office is working on this issue for the
President. I don't know if the reporter was told that we have drafted talking points.
The question for Jack is whether he, or anyone else from the White House, should talk to this
reporter. As I told you earlier, the reporter's deadline is tomorrow.
A copy of the proposed talking points for the President is attached.
�Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
AND TYPE
001. memo
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
04/08/1996
Personal (Partial); DOB's (Partial) (1 page)
RESTRICTION
P6/b(6), b(7)(C)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Counsel Office
Steve Neuwirth
OA/Box Number:
9532
FOLDER TITLE:
Gay Marriage [2]
2013-0028-r
jni996
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)|
Freedom of Information Act -15 U.S.C. 552(b)|
PI
P2
P3
P4
h(l) National security classified information 1(b)(1) of the FOIA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
an agency |(b)(2) of the FOIA]
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute 1(b)(3) of the FOI A]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
information 1(b)(4) of the FOIA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(b)(6) of the FOIAj
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes 1(b)(7) of the FOIAj
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
financial institutions 1(b)(8) of the FOIA]
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
concerning wells 1(b)(9) of the FOIAj
National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA|
Relating to the appointment to Federal office 1(a)(2) of the PRA|
Release would violate a Federal statute 1(a)(3) of the PRA|
Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
financial information 1(a)(4) of the PRA)
PS Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA]
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(a)(6) of the PRA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
of gift.
PRM. Personal record misfile denned in accordance with 44 U.S.C
2201(3).
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
�O F F I C E
O F
08-Apr-1996
E X E C U T I V E
P R E S I D E N T
T H E
11:06am
TO:
Stephen R. Neuwirth
FROM:
M a i l L i n k Monitor
O f f i c e o f A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , 1ST
SUBJECT:
CONFIRMATION: APPT. REQUEST FOR NEUWIRTH, STEPHEN R
FROM:
Date:
Time:
WAVES OPERATIONS CENTER - ACO:
(b)(7)(c), P6/(b)(6)
04-08-1996
11:04:52
oai
L
T h i s message serves as c o n f i r m a t i o n o f an appointment f o r t h e
v i s i t o r s l i s t e d below.
Appointment With:
Appointment Date:
Appointment Time:
Appointment Room:
Appointment B u i l d i n g :
Appointment Requested by:
Phone Number o f Requestor:
Comments:
NEUWIRTH, STEPHEN R
4/8/96
12:00:00 PM
130
OEOB
NEUWIRTH STEPHEN R.
67903
WAVES APPOINTMENT NUMBER:
U81718
I f you have any questions r e g a r d i n g t h i s appointment,
please c a l l t h e WAVES Center a t 456-6742 and have t h e
appointment number l i s t e d above a v a i l a b l e t o t h e
Access C o n t r o l O f f i c e r answering your c a l l .
*******************************************************
TOTAL NUMBER OF NAMES SUBMITTED FOR ENTRY : 6
TOTAL NUMBER OF NAMES OF CLEARED FOR ENTRY: 6
***********************************************************************
BARRON, DANIEL
BARRON, ELISHA
BARRON, FRANCIS
BARRON, SUSANNAH
SUNDELSON, CHARLOTTE
SUNDELSON, EVE
P6/(b)(6)
�To: Neuwirth, Steve
3-25-96 7:27pin
From: Y N U A P
ADR
III 3
THE WHITE HOUSE
To: Neuwirth, Steve
From: YANDURA P
Date: 3-25-9G
Page 1 of 2
p. 1 of 2
�Tn: Neuwirth, Steve
3-25-96 7:27pm
From: Y N U A P
ADR
M E M O R A N D U M TO:
M A R K AGRA ST
BRIAN BOND
C A R L A DARBY
J I M JONES
MARCIA KUNTZ
ROBERT RABEN
RICHARD SOCARIDES
JEFF L E V I
NAN HUNTER
STEVE N E U W I R T H
PHIL DUFOUR
DATE:
M A R C H 25, 1996
FROM:
MARSHA SCOTT
RE:
M A R R I A G E FOLLOW-UP M E E T I N G
On Friday, March 30, 1996 at 11 a.m. I would like to have a follow-up meeting concerning
gay and lesbian marriage and our response. We will meet again in room 180 in the Old
Executive Office Building. Please remember that any language or ideas should be submitted
to Steve Neuwiith by Wednesdav, March 27, 1996.
F A X at 456-1647.
Steve can be reached at 456-5115 or by
Please contact Paul Yandura in my office at 456-2674 at your earliest convenience to confirm
that vou w i l l be there.
See von Friday.
p. 2
of 2
�The institutions of traditional marriage and family face tremendous pressures in
today's society. We must do everything we can to support and strengthen these institutions.
I have previously said that I do not personally support same-sex marriages.
I am aware that many communities and institutions are considering ways, outside the
context of traditional marriage, to address issues relating to same-sex partnerships, including
whether certain basic benefits can be provided to same sex-partners. The challenge in
addressing these issues is to remain sensitive to the traditional values of our communities
while preserving the fundamental right to live free from unjustified discrimination.
In our country's history we have, for good reason, looked first to state and local
governments, as well as the private sector, to consider issues like these involving community
values and matters of conscience. I believe that issues relating to same-sex partnerships
continue to be best resolved at this level of civil discourse.
�M R - 7 3S 11:58 FROM: COUNSEL OFFICE
A-2
202-456-2632
TO:61647
PAGE:02
The institutions of traditionalVnarriagfe and family face tremendous pressures in
today's society. We must do everything w/can to support and strengthen these institutions.
I have previously said that 1 do not peVsonftlly support same-sex marriages.
Owtcide tho oome«t ef trnditityul liofriagt^ many comnJunities and institutions are
considering thtPfest-wayflo addres^sues^relating to aomo oo4 partnerships^ While m I / M ^ U - C U " ^ '" ^T "
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to live free from unjustified discrimination.
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governments, as well as the private sector, to consider optiono foil addnMiag diffioolt issues (fj^a. ftv^
involving community values and matters of conscience. I believcithat issues relating to samesex partnerships «m best resolved at this level*
> «*? best re!
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�e White House
COUNSEL'S OFFICE
FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION COVER SHEET
DATE:
TO:
FACSIMILE NUMBER:
TELEPHONE NUMBER:
FROM:
(° Mo t /
5? fvlmjULnAXZ^
TELEPHONE NUMBER:
PAGES (WITH COVER):
COMMENTS:
>
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v
PLEASE DELIVER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
The document(s) accompanying this facsimile transmittal sheet is intended only for the use
of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. This message contains information which
may be privileged, confidential or exemptfromdisclosure under applicable law. If the reader
of this message is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for
delivering the message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure,
dissemination, copying or distribution, or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents
of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this information in error,
please immediately notify the sender at their telephone number stated above.
�MSAE CNIMTO
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�THE WHITE H O U S E
WASH INGTON
March 28, 1996
MEMORANDUM FOR GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS
MARSHA SCOTT
FROM:
KATHY WALLMAN
Kathy Wallman has advised me that the attached represents Jack Quinn's proposal on
what the President should say about the issue of gay marriage.
Kathy has asked me to forward this statement to you for your review. She has also
asked me to request that we meet as promptly as possible to discuss this.
�THE WHITE H O U S E
WASH INGTON
March 28, 1996
MEMORANDUM FOR GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS
MARSHA SCOTT
FROM:
KATHY WALLMAN
Kathy Wallman has advised me that the attached represents Jack Quinn's proposal on
what the President should say about the issue of gay marriage.
Kathy has asked me to forward this statement to you for your review. She has also
asked me to request that we meet as promptly as possible to discuss this.
��yM\>
E X E C U T I V E
O F F I C E
15-Mar-1996
TO:
Articles
P R E S I D E N T
08:07am
BCS41
SUBJECT:
T H E
Yandura_P
FROM:
OF
-
3/15/96
CONTENTS:
1. USA TODAY: Boston C i t y C o u n c i l v o t e s t o extend b e n e f i t s t o domestic
partners
2. THE NEW YORK TIMES: Judge denies request from I r i s h Lesbian and Gay
O r g a n i z a t i o n t o h o l d t h e i r own St. P a t r i c k ' s Day parade; Gerry Adams makes
s u p p o r t i v e remark and t h e n b a c k t r a c k s
3. THE SAN JOSE (CA) MERCURY NEWS: F i l m r e v i e w o f "The C e l l u l o i d C l o s e t "
which opens i n movie t h e a t e r s today - "You've g o t a l o n g way t o go, baby"
4. PRESS RELEASE: C e l e b r i t i e s donate dozens o f autographed i t e m s f o r
Washington DC g a l a on b e h a l f o f g a y / l e s b i a n y o u t h t o be h e l d March 25
5. FEEDBACK:
a. Iowa House Rep. F a l l o n overwhelmed, i n a good way, by p o s i t i v e
responses t o h i s s u p p o r t o f gay marriage - 1,012 e-mail messages so f a r i n
his m a i l b o x t h a t u s u a l l y f i n d s 2 a week
b. Montana A t t o r n e y General appeals judge's d e c i s i o n d e c l a r i n g d e v i a t e
sexual conduct law u n c o n s t i t u t i o n a l
c. S c o t t i s h mass murderer o f k i d s was n o t k i c k e d o u t o f Scouts f o r
sexual i m p r o p r i e t y
d. Speakers and e n t e r t a i n e r s wanted f o r Michigan events
e. I f t h e C o n s t i t u t i o n doesn't r e q u i r e s t a t e s t o r e c o g n i z e o t h e r
s t a t e s ' laws, why was s l a v e Dredd S c o t t r e t u r n e d t o h i s owner a f t e r f l e e i n g
t o a s t a t e where s l a v e r y was i l l e g a l ?
USA TODAY
F r i d a y , March 15, 1996
ACROSS THE USA: NEWS FROM EVERY STATE
Massachusetts - Boston: C i t y C o u n c i l has v o t e d t o extend h e a l t h i n s u r a n c e
benefits
t o l i v e - i n p a r t n e r s o f gay and h e t e r o s e x u a l c i t y workers. Mayor Thomas Menino
backs i t ; l e g i s l a t i v e a p p r o v a l a l s o i s needed.
THE NEW YORK TIMES
E-MAIL:
letters@nytimes.com
F r i d a y , March 15, 1996
By ADAM NOSSITER ( e x c e r p t )
NEW YORK - Gerry Adams, t h e p r e s i d e n t o f Sinn F e i n , w i l l march i n t h e S t .
P a t r i c k ' s Day parade Saturday, t h e f i r s t t i m e he has t a k e n p a r t i n t h e
nation's largest celebration of I r i s h heritage.
But absent from t h e march a g a i n t h i s year w i l l be t h e I r i s h L e s b i a n and
Gay O r g a n i z a t i o n , which, h a v i n g been b a r r e d by t h e parade's o r g a n i z e r s from
marching a f t e r s e v e r a l years o f c o n f l i c t , a p p l i e d f o r i t s own c i t y p e r m i t t o
h o l d a s e p a r a t e parade. Thursday, a f e d e r a l judge d e n i e d t h a t r e q u e s t . . .
...Thursday, Adams s a i d t h r e e d i f f e r e n t groups had i n v i t e d him t o
�Date: 10 Mar 1996 06:47:35 -0800
From: BCS41@aol.com
Subject: A r t i c l e s - 3/10/96
CONTENTS:
1. THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE:
a. Columnist says allowing gay marriage would " d i l u t e the s a n c t i t y of
marriage, as the world has generally understood i t f o r m i l l e n n i a "
b. C h r i s t i a n Haren, actor, Marlboro man, dies of AIDS
2. THE NEW YORK TIMES: Why can't Hollywood get gay l i f e r i g h t ? Reviews of
several f i l m s , also - American and f o r e i g n .
3. FEEDBACK: Don't be misled by a r t i c l e s and l e t your guard down - anti-gay
t h r e a t remains very r e a l
THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE
435 N. Michigan Avenue,Chicago,IL,60611
FAX 312-222-2598, E-MAIL: tribletter@aol.com
(NOTE: The Chicago Tribune welcomes l e t t e r s t o the e d i t o r from anyone i n the
country.)
Sunday, March 10, 1996
SYNDICATED COLUMN BY JOAN BECK
IN PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS - GAY AND LESBIAN COUPLES SHOULD BE GRANTED
DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP' CERTIFICATES—NOT MARRIAGE LICENSES
I n a recent
lesbian "wedding," one o f the brides walked down the a i s l e i n an elegant,
t r a d i t i o n a l gown t o meet her companion, who was wearing a "tuxeda" (a wedding
tux designed f o r women) a t the a l t a r f o r a ceremony t h a t had no l e g a l
standing.
In a gay "wedding" reception, two beaded grooms stood atop the wedding
cake. But there was no marriage license t o mark the occasion.
Hundreds of gay and lesbian couples have r e g i s t e r e d t h e i r union and
commitment as "domestic partners" a t c i t y h a l l s i n a dozen g a y - f r i e n d l y
c i t i e s . But the commitment agreements carry a few of the l e g a l r i g h t s of
heterosexual marriage.
None of these arrangements s a t i s f i e s homosexual couples who are determined
to marry on the same basis, w i t h the same r i g h t s and p r o t e c t i o n s , as
heterosexual p a i r s . But hopes and fears are growing t h a t l e g a l actions i n
Hawaii could make l e g a l marriages possible f o r gays and lesbians i n less than
two years.
In 1993, the Hawaii Supreme Court took a case f i l e d i n 1991 by a gay
couple and two lesbian couples charging t h a t a Hawaii law r e s t r i c t i n g
marriage t o one man and one woman i l l e g a l l y d i s c r i m i n a t e s against
homosexuals. The high court agreed and sent the case back t o a lower court t o
r u l e on whether the s t a t e has any compelling i n t e r e s t i n denying same-sex
marriages.
The lower court i s expected t o r u l e t h i s summer and the Hawaii Supreme
Court t o issue a f i n a l decision on the case i n 1997. I f the marriage o f gays
i s held t o be l e g a l , thousands of homosexual couples from other s t a t e s w i l l
t r a v e l t o Hawaii, get married and r e t u r n home t o claim a l l t h e r i g h t s of
married couples.
The U.S. C o n s t i t u t i o n requires t h a t " f u l l f a i t h and c r e d i t s h a l l be given
in each s t a t e t o the p u b l i c acts, records and j u d i c i a l proceedings of every
other s t a t e . " A l l states now l i m i t marriage t o one man and one woman.
Many states are now scrambling t o head o f f t h e l e g a l i z i n g of gay marriages
by enacting p r o h i b i t i v e l e g i s l a t i o n . South Dakota passed a law l a s t month
l i m i t i n g marriage t o a man and a woman. Last year Utah okayed a s t a t u t e
saying the s t a t e w i l l not recognize marriages t h a t do not conform t o Utah
laws.
In I l l i n o i s , a Senate committee has approved a b i l l t h a t would ban
�same-sex m a r r i a g e s . The C a l i f o r n i a Assembly i s c o n s i d e r i n g l e g i s l a t i o n t o
p r o h i b i t t h e s t a t e from r e c o g n i z i n g same-sex m a r r i a g e s performed o u t s i d e i t s
boundaries. S i m i l a r measures are moving t h r o u g h t h e l e g i s l a t i v e process i n 17
other s t a t e s .
Even i n Hawaii t h e s t a t e House has approved a b i l l t o p u t a c o n s t i t u t i o n a l
amendment on t h e b a l l o t i n November l i m i t i n g m a r r i a g e t o a man and a woman.
The Hawaii Senate has passed a measure t o c r e a t e domestic p a r t n e r s h i p s f o r
gay couples.
N a t i o n a l l y , t h e U.S. Senate i s w o r k i n g on a Defense o f M a r r i a g e Act t h a t
would a l s o ban m a r r i a g e s between same-sex p a r t n e r s . Denmark l e g a l i z e d
homosexual m a r r i a g e i n 1989, Norway i n 1993 and Sweden i n 1995. No o t h e r
c o u n t r y has done so, a l t h o u g h t h e European P a r l i a m e n t i n S t r a s b o u r g , France,
gave i t s a p p r o v a l i n a n o n - b i n d i n g r e s o l u t i o n i n 1994.
O p p o s i t i o n f o r same-sex m a r r i a g e comes from s e v e r a l sources. Some o f i t i s
homophobic, some o f i t c o n s e r v a t i v e fundamentalism. S e v e r a l major r e l i g i o u s
denominations oppose i t , a l t h o u g h a few are s t u d y i n g t h e i s s u e and a few now
b l e s s commitment ceremonies f o r gays and l e s b i a n s . The Pope has denounced i t .
But most o f t h e people who oppose gay m a r r i a g e s — 6 3 p e r c e n t i n one
p o l l — s i m p l y b e l i e v e t h a t by i t s v e r y d e f i n i t i o n , backed by thousands o f
years o f human h i s t o r y , m a r r i a g e means a man and a woman and i t ' s e s s e n t i a l
not t o d i l u t e t h a t concept. Count me among them.
Gays have s e v e r a l good reasons f o r w a n t i n g t h e s e c u r i t y and l e g a l and
s o c i a l r e c o g n i t i o n of marriage.
They want t h e l e g a l and f i n a n c i a l b e n e f i t s t h a t come w i t h m a r r i a g e : S o c i a l
S e c u r i t y and pension b e n e f i t s . The h e a l t h i n s u r a n c e b e n e f i t s . Tax advantages.
I n h e r i t a n c e r i g h t s . The r i g h t s t o share i n h e a l t h d e c i s i o n s , t o v i s i t
p a r t n e r s i n h o s p i t a l s and j a i l s . Clear p a r e n t a l r i g h t s . Bereavement l e a v e
when a p a r t n e r d i e s .
For many homosexuals, t h e p r i m a r y y e a r n i n g f o r m a r r i a g e i s s i m p l y a d e s i r e
f o r l a s t i n g , l e g a l commitment and a m a r i t a l s t a t u s t h a t t e s t i f i e s t o t h e i r
love before a l l the w o r l d .
There i s even an advantage t o marriage f o r gay p a r t n e r s i f t h e y s p l i t up.
Divorce laws are much c l e a r e r f o r l e g a l spouses t h a n f o r homosexuals who have
shared t h e i r l i v e s f o r years and t h e n decided t o end t h e i r r e l a t i o n s h i p s . Now
gays have no access t o d i v o r c e c o u r t .
S o c i e t y a l s o b e n e f i t s by h a v i n g gays i n s t a b l e , committed r e l a t i o n s h i p s ,
e s p e c i a l l y i n t h e age o f AIDS and by b e i n g sure b o t h p a r t n e r s have a l e g a l
o b l i g a t i o n t o any c h i l d r e n i n v o l v e d .
But these r i g h t s and b e n e f i t s can be p r o v i d e d by l e g a l i z i n g what i s now
awkwardly c a l l e d "domestic p a r t n e r s h i p s , " o r p u b l i c l y committed l o v i n g
unions. Pioneered by San F r a n c i s c o i n 1991 and now a v a i l a b l e i n s e v e r a l l a r g e
c i t i e s and s m a l l towns, t h e s e p l a n s a l l o w e d gays and l e s b i a n s t o r e g i s t e r
t h e i r r e l a t i o n s h i p o f f i c i a l l y , j u s t as h e t e r o s e x u a l couples g e t a m a r r i a g e
license.
B e n e f i t s o f a domestic p a r t n e r s h i p now d i f f e r , depending on t h e c i t y , b u t
a t a minimum u s u a l l y a l l o w c i t y employees t o be t r e a t e d as m a r r i e d i n
c l a i m i n g employment p e r k s . Some p r i v a t e employers choose t o t r e a t domestic
p a r t n e r s as m a r r i e d couples i n p r o v i d i n g b e n e f i t s b u t are n o t r e q u i r e d t o do
so.
A n y t h i n g l e s s t h a n m a r r i a g e on equal terms w i t h h e t e r o s e x u a l s won't
s a t i s f y many gays who c o n s i d e r t h i s an i s s u e o f c i v i l r i g h t s , as w e l l as l o v e
and b e n e f i t s and who want t h e symbolic stamp o f mainstream a p p r o v a l and
r e s p e c t . But expanding t h e concept o f domestic p a r t n e r s h i p s and p u s h i n g t h e i r
acceptance by employers, government and s o c i e t y would h e l p . And i t would n o t
d i l u t e t h e s a n c t i t y o f m a r r i a g e , as t h e w o r l d has g e n e r a l l y u n d e r s t o o d i t f o r
millennia.
*
OBITUARIES
C h r i s t i a n Haren, 6 1 ; a c t o r , M a r l b o r o
A s s o c i a t e d Press
Man
�COMMO
GROUHD
akin
Al1 T h c
U.S. Municipalities. Companies and Colleges/Universities with Domestic Partnership Plarl^ S
Diffcienccs Co^u"
Municipalities Having Medical/Dental/Pension Benefits inclusive of Domestic Partners:
Baltimore, MD
Brookline, MA
Chapel Hill, NC
East Lansing, MI
King County, WA
Minneapolis, MN
New York, NY
Oakland, CA
Ontario Canada
Sacramento, CA
SantaCruz, CA
Vermont (state workers)
Bay Area Rapid Transit, CA
Cambridge, MA
DaneCounty, WI
Hartford, CT
Los Angeles County
Multnomah County.OR
NY (state workers)
Oak Park, IL
Ottawa, Canada
San Diego, CA
Seattle, WA
Berkeley
Carrboro, NC
Delaware, NJ
Iowa City, IA
Middlebury, VT
New Orleans, LA
New York, (AG's Office)
Olympia, WA
Portland, OR
San Francisco, CA
West Hollywood, CA
Municipal Plans Containing One or More of the Following Benefits:
Access to school records
Bereavement and family leave policies
Parenting leave
Registration of partnership
Sick Leave
Alameda, CA
Boston, MA
Chicago, IL
Laguna Beach, CA
MA (state workers)
Shorewood Hills, WI
Toronto, Ontario
Yukon Territory
Ann Arbor, MI
Burlington, VT
Ithaca, NY
Madison, WI
Rochester, NY
Springfield, MA
Travis County, TX
Atlanta, GA (rescinded?)
Chapel Hill, NC
Los Angeles, CA
Marin County, CA
San Mateo County, CA
Takoma Park, MD
West Palm Beach, FL
Note: A 1991 ruling by a British Columbia court extended Canada's National Health Insurance to samesex partners. A 1992 court order granted medical and pension benefits to employees of the Ontario
government. Common Law (heterosexual) couples are included by default.
Copyright Common Ground 1995
10 Home Avenue
Natick.MA 01760
Voice: 508-651-1476
Fax:
508-651-2547
E-mail: common-groiind@world.std.com
m
�US Private Sector Plans Having Medical/Dental/Pension Benefits inclusive of Domestic Partners:
note; * indicates publicly traded companies.
Advanced Micro Devices*
Adobe Systems*
Actor's Fund of America
AFSCME #57, #829
AA University Professors
AARP
Allina Health Systems
American Library Assoc
Apple Computer*
American Psych Assoc.
Arent, Fox Assoc.
Autodesk*
Atlantic Records*
Banyan Systems*
Barnes & Noble*
Barra*
BBN
Ben & Jerry's*
Beth Israel, New York
Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Ma
Borland*
Boston's Children's Hospital Boston Consulting Group
Bureau, National Affairs
Boston Hotel Workers Union Boston Globe
CA Academy Science
Business@Web
Cadance*
CA Water
Cambridge Tech Partners*
CalPacific Med Cnt.
Cambridge Tech Group
Capital Cities/ABC*
Celestial Seasonings*
Chiron Corp*
Children's Health Care
Comm Interns/Residents NY Computer Graphics
Consumers Union
Consumers United Insurance Cooley, Godward, DC.
Coors Brewing Company*
Council 82 (prison)
Cray Research
Covington & Burling
Creative Artists Agency
Debevoise & Plimpton
Dana Farber
DEC-Belgium
Directors Guild, America
Dewey Ballantine
Discovery Channel
DreamWorks
Dow, Lohnes
E! Entertainment TV
El Al
Egghead Software*
Electric Workers, LA
Episcopal Church of Newark Fannie Mae*
Field Museum-Nat. His.
First Tech
Frame Technology
Focus Homes Inc.
Fried, Frank, NY
Gardiner's Supply
Gannett*
Genetech*
Greenberg, Glusker
Glaxo-Wellcome* (US only?) Colston, Storrs
HBO*
Group Health (Seattle)
Greenpeace
Holland, Knight
Howrey, Simon
Hotel Workers, SF
HRC
Howard, Rice
Hutchinson Ctr (Seattle)
Interleaf*
IDG
Intermedia Partners
Irell & Manella
Informix*
Jackson Labs
Jewish Family Services
Jet Prop. Labs
Kaiser Permanente
KQED, SF
Kodak* (effective 1/97)
Krum, Forster Insurance
Lambda Legal Fund
Legal Aid, NY
Levi Strauss and Company
Lilienthal, Fowler
Livingston
Lipton, Rosen
Los Angeles Philharmonic
Lucas Films
Lotus Development Corp*
Market News Service
MGM
MCA/Universal
Microsoft*
Millenium Global
Millbank Tweed
Millipore
Minnesota Public Library
Minn. Schools
Minn. Star/Tribune
Minn. Public Radio
Montefiore Medical Center
Morrison, Forster
Mintz, Levin
Copyright Common Ground 1995
�NY Times Guild
Novell*
NOW
NYNEX*
NGLTF
National Center Lesbian Rights
Northern States Power
New England Medical
Northern Research Oil Chem Northern Telecom*
Oracle*
Orrick, Herrington
Pathmark
PBS
Para Transit, CA
Paramount*
Planned Parenthood
Platinum Technologies*
Principal Financial Group
Principal Mutual Life
Quark
Qualcom
Radius*
Replacements Limited
San Jose Schools
St. Paul Companies*
SAS Inc.
Sarnoff Research
Seattle Metro
Seattle Mental Health
Seattle Times
Seattle Symphony
Sherman & Sterling
Shaw, Pittman
Showtime*
Smith, Hawkin
Silicon Graphics Inc.*
Springs Industries
Sony Pix Entertainment
Star Tribune
Steptoe, Johnson
Sullivan, Cromwell
SuperMAC*
Sybase*
The Gap*
Tattered Cover Bookstore
TicketMaster
Time Warner*
Time Inc*
University Stud. Coop
Universal Studios
Village Voice
Viacom*
Walker Art Cnt.
Wachtel, Lipton
Whole Foods Market
Warner Bros.*
William Morris
Wiley, Rein, Fielding
Woodward & Lothrop Stores
WQED, Pittsburgh
Writer's Guild Health
WordPerfect
Ziff, Davis Communications
Xerox Corporation +
NY Times* (Mgmt staff)
NeXT Computer
National Public Radio
Octel Communications*
Paradigm*
Pillsbury, Madison
Park Nicollet Medical Center
Polaroid
Proskauer, Rose
Quark, Inc.
San Diego Schools
Santa Cruz Operation
C. Schwab & Co.*
Seattle Public Library
Segal Company
Shiff, Harden
Smith-Kettlewell Eye Inst.
Starbucks*
Sun Microsystems*
Teachers Ins/Annuity
Thinking Machines
United Way (some cities)
Vermont Girl Scouts
Visioneer*
Walt Disney Corporation (WDC)*
Wilder Foundation
WGBH
Worcester Telegram
Wyatt
+ = Xerox provides a subsidy of $1000/year. Employee subsidy over lifetime of employment is $10K.
US Private Sector Plans Containing One or More of the Following Benefits:
Bereavement and family leave policies
Child care
Relocation policy
Sick Leave
Use of health and fitness programs
AMTRAK
Adamation Inc.
Copyright Common Ground 1995
American Airlines (passes to non
relative employees)
�AAA
ACLU, SF
Columbia U. Clerical
Delta Airlines (see American)
Mt. Sinai HospitalNurses,NYC
Mus of Modern Art
NYC Unitarian Universalists
United Airlines (see American) Wells Fargo
American Friends Srv Comm
NYC Comm, Interns & Residents
Unitarian Universalis! Committee
US Colleges and Universities Having Medical/Dental/Pension Benefits inclusive of Domestic
Partners:
Amherst
Bowdoin College
CA Art Center
CUNY
Dartmouth College
Dickenson College
Grinnell College
Hamilton College
Mary Washington
New York Law School
Northeastern
Occidental College
OHSU (students)
Princeton University
Simmons College
Stanford University
Tufts
U of Chicago
Univ. of Iowa
U New Mexico
U Toronto
U Windsor
Wellesley
Williams College
York University
Antioch System
Brooklyn Law
Clark University
Cornell University
DeAnza
Duke
Einstein Med College
Brown University
Columbia University
Dana Farber
Denison U.
Emory University
Harvard University
Middlebury College
(1/96)
Northwestern
T. Jefferson, PA
MIT
New York University
Pitzer College
Ponoma College
Smith College
Swathmore College
U of AK
U Colorado
U of Minnesota
U Michigan
U Vermont
U of Wisconsin
Wesleyan University
Wright State
SUNY (not all schools)
Teachers College
University of BC
Univ of Denver
U New Brunswick
U Pennsylvania
U Waterloo
Wayne State
Wilfred Lamer
Yale
US College/University Plans Containing One or More of the Following Benefits:
Bereavement and Sick Leave
Child care
Faculty/staff only
Home purchase loan
Issues university identification
Pension plan
Student housing only
Students only benefits
Tuition waiver
Carnegie Mellon
Colby College, ME
Georgia State University
Harvard Law
Ithaca College
Moorehead State University
Copyright Common Ground 1995
�North Dakota U
Ohio State University
Oberlin College, OH
Rutgers University
Occidental College, CA
SUNY at Purchase, NY
Union Theological
Univ. of Pittsburgh
Univ. of CA at Irvine
Univ. of CA at Santa Cruz
West Virginia Univ. (suspended pending further review, 6/95)
Canadian Companies offering same sex benefits
NOTE: A recent Supreme Court decision in Canada has interpreted that country's charter of rights and
freedoms to include the prohibition of discrimination based on orientation. The federal courts are also
ruling (8/1/95) that companies that provide benefits to married couples and common law couples must
also provide those benefits to same/sex couples. This remains a matter for debate. This followed a
similar ruling in Ontario. In addition to Ontario's largest employer - the provincial government - offering
DP benefits, a great many companies in Canada which are incorporated in Ontario are encouraged to do
so. Full benefits are implied by DP benefits.
Private Sector
High Tech
Bell Canada Enterprises
Bell Sygma
Northern Telecom
Bell Northern Research
Stentor Resource Centre Inc
IBM Canada Ltd
Advantis Canada Ltd
Celestica Inc
Alias Research
Lotus Development Corp.
Oracle Corporation
Media & Entertainment
Globe & Mail
Hamilton Spectator
Southam Publishing
Neilson Publishing
Toronto Star
Toronto Sun
Warner Brothers
Financial & General Business
Bank of Montreal
Toronto Dominion Bank
Creative Research Int'l.
London Life Assurance Co.
North American Life Assurance
Copyright Common Ground 1995
�Warren Cheppel EAP Services
The Hudson Bay Company
Levis Strauss Canada
Sears Canada Inc.
Shopper's Drug Mart Ltd.
Manufacturing
Cami Automotive (Geo & Suzuki)
Canadian Post Corporation(manf?)
Dow Chemical
Falconbridge Resources
Shell Oil
Nova Corp
Unions & Associations
Canadian Auto Workers
Canadian Union of Public Employees
Public Service Alliance of Canada
Law Society of Upper Canada
Ontario Association of Professional Social Workers
Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants
Canadian Telephone Employees Alliance
Communication Workers of Canada
Public Sector
City of Kanata
City of Kitchener
City of Ottawa
City of Toronto
Government of Ontario
Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto
Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton
Regional Municipality of Waterloo
City of Langley
City of Montreal
City of New Westminster
City of North Vancouver
City of Port Moody
City of Prince Rupert
City of Richmond
City of Vancouver
Corporation of Delta
District of Burnaby
Government of British Columbia
Government of New Brunswick
Copyright Common Ground 1995
�Government of the North West Territories
Government of the Yukon
City of Halifax
Government of Nova Scotia
Treasury Board of Canada (no medical, soft benes only 11/20/95)
Hospitals
Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto)
Toronto Hospital
Wellesley Hospital
Women's College Hospital
York County Hospital
Universities
Acadia University
Brock University
Carleton University
Nipissing University
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE)
Ryerson Polytechnical University
Trent University
University of Guelph
University of Ottawa
University of Toronto
University of Windsor
York University
Concordia University
McGill University
Other Public Sector
Air Canada
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)
London Board of Education
Metropolitan Toronto Police Services
North York Board of Education
Ontario Hydro
Toronto Board of Education
Toronto Hydro
Toronto Public Library System
Toronto Transit Commission
United Church of Canada
YMCA
YWCA
Copyright Common Ground 1995
�Municipalities with benefits including medical:
Municipalities with benefits excluding medical:
Private sector companies with benefits including
medical:
Private sector companies with benefits excluding
medical:
35
22
214
16
Colleges/Universities with benefits including medical:
Colleges/Universities with benefits excluding medical:
66
17
Canadian Organizations:
99
Total organizations, North America:
469 (3/5/96)
Copyright Common Ground 1995
�Domestic Partner Benefits
partner benefits. Of these, more than
Businesses are becoming more inclusive in
350 offer full medical/dental plans.
offering employee benefits, extending coverage "We are finding that one to three
companies are adding some form of
domestic partner benefit coverage each
to domestic partners in many cases.
BY JULIE C O H E N MASON
W
I
I
I
ust five years ago, you would be
hard-pressed to find even a dozen
employers that offered domestic
partner benefits coverage to their
y
employees. Today, there are more
than 300 organizations in the United
States that offer medical/dental benefits
and/or "softer" benefits, such as bereavement and family leaves, or relocation expenses to all of their employees.
Companies are starting to realize
I that by extending domestic partner
i benefits coverage, they are making an
| effort to eliminate workplace discrimi£ nation and provide all employees with
z
equal compensation for equal work.
Although definitions of "domestic
partnership" vary, generally it is widely
understood to mean a committed, exclusive relationship between two samesex or opposite-sex partners who live
together and are financially interdependent.
i As of August, Common Ground, a
Natick, Mass., educational and consulting firm that specializes in workplace education about sexual orientation, reports
that 409 organizations (municipalities,
colleges/universities and private-sector
businesses) offer some form of domestic
week," says Liz Winfeld, a principal of
Common Ground. In fact, "for every
one company that adds domestic partner benefits, 10 are looking into it," she
says. Common Ground has received
inquiries from the employees and
management, or both, of such corporate giants as Hewlett-Packard, Du
Pont and General Motors.
Little by little, education and increased awareness are chipping away at
the excuses, most often cost and risk
factors, that have kept corporate
America from offering these benefits
sooner.
The cost of adding benefits—
usually health insurance—coverage to
an employee's domestic partner often
is the No. 1 excuse. After all, with cor-
MANAGEMENT REVIEW/NOVEMBER 1995 53
�poratc healthcare budgets already
busting at the seams, few companies
are willing to freely toss away a few extra bucks.
"There is a fair amount of concern
that healthcare costs are going up. No
one is looking for an additional group
to cover," says Terry Thompson, a partner at benefits consultants Hewitt Associates. The evidence, however, shows
that employers are at no more financial
risk when adding domestic partners
than when adding spouses, adds
Thompson, citing a 1994 research paper, "Domestic Partners and Employee
Benefits," published by Hewitt.
"Employers arc not introducing a
new benefits program when they offer
domestic partner benefits; they are
simply extending existing benefits so
there are no new cost factors to consider," says Winfeld. The only costs come
from the additional number of people
who sign up for coverage—and so far,
employers' enrollmentfiguresfall below 1 percent of the employee population, according to Common Ground's
research. According to the Hewitt
study, many companies assumed enrollment would be closer to 10 percent.
Low enrollmentfiguresamong organizations offering only
same-sex coverage can be
attributed to several factors. "In a gay relationship, usually both partners
work and have benefits
through their own employers," explains Susan Spielman, cofounder and principal of Common Ground,
who along with Winfeld just
published Straight Talk About
Gays in the Workplace (AMACOM, 1995).
Since the IRS doesn't recognize
same-sex relationships, domestic partner
benefits are almost always taxable to the
recipient. Under current law, benefits are
excluded from taxation only for legal
spouses and dependents, according to
Hewitt. Therefore, the tax liability may
deter a partner from enrolling even
though a company offers domestic partner benefits. Opposite-sex couples have
a little more leeway in the tax arena be-
companies require some kind of proof of
this partnership. The type of proof varies
from a written affidavit attesting to the
validity of the relationship and the company's terms of coverage, to documentation offinancialinterdependence and cohabitation, such as bank statements and
mortgage or lease contracts. Employers
require proof to protect themselves from
fraudulent claims, although many of
these same employers do not require
married employees to produce a marriage license or personal documentation.
"Companies feel they need proof
to substantiate a relationship," Spielman says. "You'll [have to] see legalized
gay marriages before companies will do
away with the affidavit of proof." The
requirements may become less stringent, though, believes Hewitt's Terry
Thompson. "Over time, as domestic
partner relationships become accepted,
proof of eligibility may become more
informal," Thompson says. "Employers
do need to protect themselves against
all fraudulent claims, so we may see
some tightening of regulations [for
adding spouses and dependent chilProbably the most convenient excuse dren] across the board."
Companies are realizing that offeremployers offer, however, is that their insurance carriers will not ex- ing domestic partner coverage not only
tend coverage to domestic makes them a fair and equitable empartners. Although that ployer, but can give them a distinct
once may have been the competitive advantage when it comes
case, the insurance indus- to recruiting and retaining the best emtry, in an effort to remain ployees. "Domestic partner benefits
competitive, is willing to constitute a competitive advantage,"
meet the demand. In says Winfeld. "When you want the best
fact, Blue Cross & Blue employees, you'll find that you get what
Shield of Massachusetts you pay for. Adding domestic partner
offers full medical and benefits is a smart move because the
dental coverage to cost is almost nil and you get a high reboth the same-sex and turn on your investment."
opposite-sex domestic partSo far, among private-sector emners of its employees. And, it offers cov- ployers, it seems that high-tech compaerage to accounts of 50 or more employ- nies have taken the lead in adding doees, and those accounts can choose to mestic partner benefits to their corporate
include same-sex coverage at no charge, agenda. "High-tech companies usually
explains Blue Cross assistant ombuds- have an openness to diversity among
man Dan Samo. So far, enrollment fig- people," says Hewitt's Thompson. Ken
ures have been low and, as a result, McDonnell, of Washington, D.C.-based
there's been no real difference in claims Employee Benefit Research Institute
filed by domestic partners and those of (EBRI), agrees. "The high-tech industry
married or single employees.
is concerned with attracting and retainOnce the decision has been made to ing employees and usually employs a
offer domestic partner benefits, most more liberal, youthful group."
cause more than a dozen states do recognize common-law marriages.
In addition, companies cite fear of
inflated healthcare costs due to AIDS
claims as reason not to offer domestic
partner benefits. Many of these employers view AIDS as a gay disease rather than
face the fact that anyone in their employee pool could contract HIV-related diseases. Both Common Ground and
Hewitt have found that AIDS claims actually have been low to nonexistent in
those organizations offering domestic
partner coverage. From strictly a cost
standpoint, pregnancy/childbirth is usually an employer's greatest expense—a
cost that would be almost nonexistent by
adding same-sex partners. According to
the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, healthcare costs associated
with heart disease, cancer, premature
birth (which can be as high as $1 million)
and Alzheimer's disease are more expensive than AIDS claims, which Hewitt estimates to average $119,000.
Proof of Partnership
54 AMERICAN MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION I NOVEMBER 1995
�Friday
MARCH 1,1996
Staritibune
Column one
Gay rights
on the job
Author says firms
should provide safe,
inclusive workplace
for all employees
Bylloulnd Bentley
Star Tribune Staff Writer
Not coming out almost cost.
Liz Winfeld her job.
She and her lesbian partner of
several years were breaking up.
Winfeld was preoccupied with
the end of the relationship. She
couldn't eat, couldn't sleep and
was at work every day in name
only. Her performance as a writer
for an East Coast company was
suffering. But because she feared
losing her job, Winfeld didn't teU
anyone the source of her problem
until her boss questioned her
about carelessness at work.
Her boss' response surprised
and heartened Winfeld.
"I told her that I was a lesbian
but tfi« that vnwn't.the problem." Winfeld said. "The problem
WtnfeW kept the job and
learned a valuable lesson: not
providing a safe and inclusive atmosphere (or MX.&nd lesbian
employees can oCW Vcompany
money.
That's the message that Winfeld and her new partner, Susan
Spielman, preach in their recendy
released book "Straight Talk
about Gays in the Workplace."
Winfeld was the keynote speaker
at the triannual Workplace Alliance meeting Thursday in
Plymouth.
The Wprkplace Alliance is a
metrowide network of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees of 100 companies. The
triannual meetings are for alliance members was well as heterosexual managers and executives who want to learn more
about gay and lesbian workplace
issues.
Slow recognition
Winfeld and Spielman are
founders of Common Ground, a
consulting firm based in Natick,
Mass., that specializes in workplace education on sexual orientation. Spielman also writes a
workplace column for The Advocate, a major gay and lesbian
news magazine.
Ever since the Stonewall riots,
the business community has
slowly been recognizing the buying power of the gay and lesbian
market, Winfeld said Thursday in
an interviewj Altjipu$h several recent studied have called into
question the commonly held belief that gavi and lesbians have
considerable more income than
heterosexuali, the level of disposable income among gays and lesbians is still high enough that
they are targeted as one of the
fast exploitable frontiers In marketing.
1
wts that I was breaking up with
my partner. And mr boss said,
'Why didn't you teU me that's
what was going on? God, I would
hi ve given you some time off If
yfiu needed It,••itoXtfuld have
backed up some of your
deadlines.'
�to accept gay, lesbian workers
But where ads showing a
same-sex couple taking a vacadon or buying a horrie were once
dortsldered -a breakthrough by
many observers of the movement, now the bar Is being raised
a bit higher as gay and lesbian
workers and customers are demanding not only representation
in magazine advertising but also
inclusive corporate language and
benefits at headquarters.
"From 1969 until now, that's
i-how long it has taken the gay
licommunity to figure out that it's
;|about money," Winfeld said.
^Now the gay community is startping to make demands. We have a
'•right to say, 'What's in it for us? 1
"will use your card, American Express, if you establish a domestic
partners policy. I'll buy a Saturn
over a Toyota if you advertise in
our magazine^' tfirfctf recer^p, I
don't think we had the gute to
stand up, Winfeld said.
And standing up means coming out of the closet at work, she
added. While she acknowledged
that coming out isn't easy for
many workers, Winfeld said it's a
necessary step In getting company policies amended to Include
sexual orientation.
- Minnesota is one of the few
states that has civil rights legislation that lends protection to gays,
. lesbians, bisexuals and trans; gender people. Because so many
: other states don't have such a law,
it is imperative that companies
• have written antidiscrimination
^policies giving gay employees
I some measure of security and
avenues for recourse, Winfeld
;said.
" If corporate literature is writllten in a way that assumes every:;bbdy is heterosexual by only referring to "spouses," or if medical
-benefits allow only for spouses
and children and not domestic
^partners, the message sent to the
l;gay employee is that they don't
[•exist, Winfeld said.
'. ''You have to put sexual orientation in there so that it makes it
.visible to everybody in the com.pany that this is the value struci-tuxe."
\f- ;6ut just because the CEO bel i e f s it or adopts it doesn't mean
"nerybody in the company will,
Jnfeld said, particularly if it's a
Ige organization. Personal bejjfeft, particularly if they are based
^on religion, should not be up for
• debate In the office bul behavior
Should, said the author. If an employee takes issue with (another's
Sexual identity, the discomfort
• shouldn't be used as an excuse to
sabotage or harass another
worker.
. "You may think that I'm
damMed to hell because of my
1
orientation, and that's OK," Win
feld said. "For all I know you may
be right. But while I'm on this
Earth, I expect to be able to work
and not be discriminated against
because of my orientation."
Winfeld ancTSpielman argue in
their book that gay bashing is one
of the last acceptable "isms" in
the culture. Which is one reason
many workers fear coming out. If
companies expect to grow in a
compedtive marketplace, however, addressing the issues of gay
and lesbian employees — both
out and closeted — is necessary
for success, the authors say.
"If a company doesn't create
an environment where everybody
is comfortable and can be themselves and give their best on the
job so that productivity is at an
absolute maximum," then that
company is going to fail, Winfeld
said. "Because if a person is
spending time hiding who they
are, then dteir minds can't totally
beontHdrworic."
A
�THE WHITE HOUSE
WASH I NGTON
March 28, 1996
MEMORANDUM FOR GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS
MARSHA SCOTT
FROM:
STEPHEN NEUWIRTH
Kathy Wallman has advised me that the attached represents Jack Quinn's proposal on
what the President should say about the issue of gay marriage.
Kathy has asked me to forward this statement to you for your review. She has also
asked me to suggest that a meeting be arranged as promptly as possible to discuss this.
cc:
Kathy Wallman
�-
i£Xr BY:
/
jjjf
v
3-25-96 :
9:22 : G IMMEDIATE OFFICEOC
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
202 456 5558: # 1/ 2
Office ol the Secretary
"»i«t?
Office of the Geneial Counsel
Washington, O.C. 20201
FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION
™ tf^O* W
FROM:
fA
NUUaE
*
*
Nan D. Hunter
Deputy
General
Counsel
Facsimile Phone number Telephone Number ADDRESS:
202-690-7998
202-690-7780
700-E H.H. Humphrey Building
200 Independence Avenue, S. W.
Washington, D. C. 20201
COMMENTS:
Total number of pages
I
451,5%
�The Spoken Word
iT)
There isn't a limited amount of love in Iowa
D3
idea of engaging in a homosexual act is
by Ed Fallon
Following is a condensed version ofa foreign and distasteful to me. Bul just as
speech by Iowa Rep. Ed Fallon (D), de- I would hope that homosexual men and
women could accept me for who I am, I
livered on Feb. 20 just before the Iowa
House passed a bill banning recognition promise to try io accept them for who
they are. Why can't you do the same?
of same-sex marriages:
Ladies and gentlemen of the House, I Why can't we all do the same?
have anguished over this bill, not beIn my evolving experience with hocause there is any doubt in my mind as
mosexuals, familiarity has displaced iglo how I should vote, but because I benorance and dispelled fear. I now count
lieve strongly that what we are dealing
as friends and constituents many samewith here is the defining civil rights
sex couples. Some have children. Most
issue of this decade.
are in long-term, stablerelationships.All
Gay-bashing, generally thought of as a are very decent, kind, and normal people. I make no effort to judge the integriFriday night frolic for inebriated thugs,
ty of what Ihey do in their bedroom, and
has its parallel expressions in voting
booths, city council halls, and legislative to their credit, they've never judged the
chambers across this country. Today we integrity of what I do in mine.
One Lesbian couple I count as friends
are witnessing one of those expressions
have two children the same age as my
in the form of this bill. By singling out
son and daughter. They attend the same
Gay and Lesbian marriages as a union
elementary school as my children. They
unacceptable in the eyes of the law, we
play together. They go to the same birthfuel the fires of ignorance, intolerance,
day parties. Tbey swap overnights. These
and hatred.
And if anyone here thinks that the po- two children arc healthy, bright, and
courteous, and their parents, probably do
sitions we embrace, the laws we enact
a better job of parenting than I do.
do not affect the mood of the public,
then you have a very low and inaccurate
Though you may have personal, reliview of the powerful influence we here gious reasons why this arrangement
in this body exert over the formation of
seems distasteful to you, there is no way
public opinion. The message we're send- you could rationally argue that this is not
ing today is that it's OK to discriminate
a stable, happy, healthy family. In a pluagainst people of a different sexual oriralistic society thai allegedly values the
entation, even though for the most part,
separation of church and state, why can
that's the way they were born and there's we not simply live and let live? Accept
nothing they can do to change it.
therealitythat this couple'sreligiousbeWell, I suppose this is as good a lime liefs on homosexuality are different lhan
yours. Just leavereligionout of it, as our
as any for me to come out of the closet.
I can't help the way I was bom. It's just founding fathers and mothers saw fit If
who I am. I've never announced this to a the fruit which falls from ihe tree is
good, the tree must also be good.
group publicly, but I guess it's about
time. I am heterosexual. I am absolutely
We're told by the bill's supporters that
certain in my entire being that I could.
wc need legislation to protect ourselves
never be homosexual, no maner how
from this kind of marriage? No, ladies
hard I might try. I've never been attractand gentlemen, this is not a marriageed lb another man in my life, and the
protection bill. Il is emphatically an anti-
groups in our society. It sends the message that the gift of marriage is good for
some yet forbidden to others. And for
those in my own party who plan to vote
for this bill, it sends the message that
Democrats, who have traditionally stood
up for and protected everyone's civil
rights, aren't willing to do so in the case
of homosexuals.
If you are weighing the political consequences of opposing this bill and find
they are too heavy. I'd like you to think
about the great moral changes that have
occurred in this country over the past
200 years. Ask yourself when you would
have felt safe to speak in favor of the
separation of the colonics from Great
Britain? When would you have taken a CD
public stand for the abolition of slavery?
When would you have spoken in favor
of women's suffrage? In the 1960s,
when would you have joined Martin
n
Luther King in calling for equal rights
for African Americans? When would you
have spoken out against laws banning interracial marriages?
While the choice before us today is a
difficult one to make, it is nowhere near
as difficult or dangerous as the choices
faced by the many freedom fighters who
came before us.
We're elected not to follow but to
lead. We're elected to cast what might
sometimes be a difficult, challenging,
and politically inexpedient vote. We're
elected to represent our constituents
when they're right, and lo vote our consciencesregardlessof whether our constituents are right And our conscience
should be telling us to stand up for civil
rights, regardless of how unpopular it
may appear.
Marriage licenses
aren't distributed
on a first-come,
first-served basis ...
marriage bill. This rhetoric used by supporters of [this bill) may be slick but it
is grossly inaccurate. What are you trying to protect heterosexual marriages
from? There isn't a limited amount of
love in Iowa. It isn't a nonrenewable resource. If Amy and Barbara or Mike or
Steve love each other, it doesn't mean
that John and Mary can't.
Marriage licenses aren't distributed on
a first-come, first-served basis here in
Iowa. Heterosexual couples don't have
lo rush out and claim marriage licenses
now, before they are all snatched up by
Gay and Lesbian couples.
Heterosexual unions are and will continue to be predominant,regardlessof
what Gay and Lesbian couples do. To
suggest that homosexual couples in any
way, shape or form threaten to undermine the stability of heterosexual unions
is patently absurd.
To those in this body who know in
their hearts and consciences that this bill
is wrong, yet are afraid to vote against
it, I ask you to consider (he powerful
message this bill sends to the people of
Iowa. It sends the message that discrimination against Gays and Lesbians is acceptable and officially sanctioned. It
sends the message that it's OK to deny
civil and equalrightslo some minority
Ed Fallon is serving his second term \
in the Iowa House of Representatives. io
He represents pari ofOes Moines.
�The institutions of traditional marriage and family face tremendous pressures in
today's society. We must do everything we can to support and strengthen these institutions.
I have previously said that I do not personally support same-sex marriages.
Outside the context of traditional marriage, many communities and institutions are
considering the best way to address issues relating to same-sex partnerships. While no
consensus has yet been reached, I note that a number of states and localities, as well as some
of this nation's leading corporations - including Microsoft, IBM, Disney and Levi Strauss are making efforts to resolve the difficult question of what basic benefits can be provided to
same-sex partners. The challenge in developing innovative new solutions is to remain
sensitive to the traditional values of our communities while preserving the fundamental right
to live free from unjustified discrimination.
In our country's history we have, for good reason, looked to state and local
governments, as well as the private sector, to consider options for addressing difficult issues
involving community values and matters of conscience. I believe that issues relating to samesex partnerships are best resolved at this level.
�The institutions of traditional marriage and family face tremendous pressures in
today's society. We must do everything we can to support and strengthen these institutions.
I have previously said that I do not personally support same-sex marriages.
I am aware that many communities and institutions are considering ways, outside the
context of traditional marriage, to address issues relating to same-sex partnerships, including
whether certain basic benefits can be provided to same-sex partners. The challenge in
addressing these issues is to remain sensitive to the traditional values of our communities
while preserving the fundamental right to live free from unjustified discrimination.
In our country's history we have, for good reason, looked first to state and local
governments, as well as the private sector, to consider issues like these involving community
values and matters of conscience. I believe that issues relating to same-sex partnerships
continue to be best resolved at this level of civil discourse.
�The i n s t i t u t i o n s of t r a d i t i o n a l marriage and f a m i l y face
tremendous pressures i n today's society. We must do everything
we can t o support and strengthen these i n s t i t u t i o n s . I have
p r e v i o u s l y said t h a t I do not personally support same-sex
marriages. I remain of t h a t view.
Outside t h e context of t r a d i t i o n a l marriage, many
communities and i n s t i t u t i o n s are considering the best way t o
address issues r e l a t i n g t o same-sex partnerships. While no
consensus has yet been reached, I note t h a t a number of s t a t e s
and l o c a l i t i e s , as w e l l as some of t h i s nation's leading
corporations — i n c l u d i n g Microsoft, IBM, Disney and Levi Strauss
— are making e f f o r t s resolve the d i f f i c u l t question of what
basic b e n e f i t s can be provided t o same-sex partners. The
challenge i n developing innovative new s o l u t i o n s i s t o remain
s e n s i t i v e t o the t r a d i t i o n a l values of our communities w h i l e
preserving the fundamental r i g h t t o l i v e f r e e from u n j u s t i f i e d
discrimination.
I n our country's h i s t o r y we have, f o r good reason, looked t o
s t a t e and l o c a l governments, as w e l l as the p r i v a t e sector, t o
consider options f o r addressing d i f f i c u l t issues i n v o l v i n g
community values and matters of conscience. I believe t h a t
issues r e l a t i n g t o same-sex partnerships are best resolved a t
this level.
�To: Neuwirth, Steve
3-25-96 7 1 p
:3m
From: Y N U A P
ADR
1II 5
THE WHITE HOUSE
To: N e u w i r t h ,
From: Y N U A P
ADR
Steve
Date:
3-25-96
Page 1 o f 2
p. 1 of 2
�To: Neuuirth, Steve
3-25-96 7:13pm
From: Y N U A P
ADR
M E M O R A N D U M TO:
M A R K AGRAST
BRIAN BOND
C A R L A DARBY
J I M JONES
MARCIA KUNTZ
ROBERT RABEN
RICHARD SOCARIDES
JEFF L E V I
NAN HUNTER
STEVE N E U W I R T H
PHIL DUFOUR
DATE:
M A R C H 25, 1996
FROM:
MARSHA SCOTT
RE:
M A R R I A G E F O L L O W UP M E E T I N G
ZlS Z.Z12-
On Friday. March 30, 1996 at 11 a.m. I would like to have a follow-up meeting concerning
gay and lesbian marriage and our response. We will meet again in room 180 in the Old
Executive Office Building. Please remember that any language or ideas should be submitted
to Steve Neuwirth by Wednesday, March 27, 1996. Steve can be reached at 456-5115 or by
FAX at 456-1647. "
Please contact Paul Yandura in my office at 456-2674 at your earliest convenience to confirm
that you will be there.
See you Friday
p. 2
of 2
�03/26/96
14:05
© 2 0 2 219 7965
21001/002
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
White House Liaison
200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C 20210
Tel: 202-219-7464
Fax: 202-219-7965
Date:
To:
Fax Number:
From:
Number of Pages:
(includmg cover sheet)
Action
Approval
JNoie and Return
_Comment
Jnivestigate
_For Clearance
For Correction
COMMENTS:
As Discussed
As Requested
"Circulate
Prepare Reply
See Me
Signature
Information
�03/26/96
14:05
© 2 0 2 219 7965
marriages are.
Denise Ratliff, w h o will ta
the mass ceremony at
"Straight America
gay culture is," she
-By The Associa
©002/002
ny w i t h her partner, said
showcase for the nation,
to look t o uo for models of w h a t
love."
ROMER VETOES BILL BANNING SAME-SEX MARRIAGES
DENVER - Gov. Roy Romer vetoed a bill banning same-sex marriages Monday,
saying such unioris may deservo logal recognition.
"It is one thing to be ieve, as 1 do, that marriage is the union of a man
and a w o m a n , " Romer, a Democrat, said. "It Is quite another t o believe that
committed same-sov relationships do not e*ist and should not be recognized by
society."
"We cannot prohibit or ban these relationships, and we shouldn't use our
law to attempt to rin so," he said.
The bill w o n final approval in the Colorado Legislature earlier this
m o n t h . The bill passed 33-31 in the House and 2 0 - 1 4 in the Senate, ao it is
unlikely supporters could get the two-thirds majoritv needed to override the
governor's veto...
...Supporters of the Colorado bill accused Romer of bowing to political
pressure. But Romer, a three-term governor w h o is barred by law from serving
another term, called the legislation mean-spirited and unnecessary.
"Let's be honcnt. Somo support this bill because it ie 9 way to single out
and condemn the lifestyle of gay and lesbian people," he said.
Leslie Reed and Sharon Espinosa, a lesbian couple expecting their first
child, said the governor's action was a step in the right direction. "We're
in the long run going to be recognized as a family," Espinosa said.
Will Perkins, chairman ot Colorado For Family Values, condemned the veto.
"The governor is ?<b$oliirely unaccountable to the Rlectorate." he said.
"He is in the pocket of pro-homosexual interests and is attempting to hold
the state hostago."
Colorado was h n y r a t t e d and labeled the "hate state" after approving an
anti-gay-rights measure in 1992 that banned local laws protecting gays from
bias in employment, housing and public accommodations.
The ballot measure, written by Perkins' group, was struck d o w n by state
courts and never took effect. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected t o rule on
the challenge this year.
Perkins said his group will consider bringing forward a ballot initiative
banning same-sex marriages in Colorado.
—By The Associated Preoe
COLORADO SPRINGS GAZETTE TELEGRAPH
P. O. Box 1779,Colorado Springe,CO,80901
FAX 7 1 9 - 6 3 6 - 0 2 0 2 , E-MAIL: gtop@usa.r
(NOTE: The Gazette Telegraph w 9 l c o m | ^ e n e r s t o the editor from anyone In
the country )
Tuesday, March 2 6 , 1996
OUR VIEW (Editorinl)
NOTHING IS RESOLVPp^JN SAME-SEX MATRIMONY
Gov. Roy Romer s veto o^Tn explicit ban on same-sex m a n i a g e ^ l o n d a y ,
despite all ihe f u i o i , wa5>rardly a defining moment in a debate^nat was
likely to go on and on j m a t e v e r Romer did.
Whatever the govarfior's agenda may be on this controyffsial topic in
general •- he has 3 ^ t out mixed signals — the veto i t s ^ j ^ j l t i m a t e l y
resolves nothinq^or either side in the tug of war.
FOR THE M ^ N Y Coloradans w h o hope to e n s u r ^ f i e state w o n ' t recognize
seme-sex mafringus sanctioned in othor states ( ^ r f a r only Hawaii might), the
bill R o m e y t f x e d may well not have provided a ^ d d i t i o n a l safeguard anyway.
That's hfrcause it arguably would have beetyduperseded by a portion of the
U.S.
CdrtStitution.
f
Tbe Constitution s so-called Full Faith^Kd Credit Clause requires each
to honor the "public acts, r e c o r d ^ n d udlclal proceedings of every
• state." Thfi ban's critics and hd£kers a ike already agree that, w i t h o u t
Page 2
�MfiR-28 96 15:15
03/27/86
FROM:COUNSEL OFFICE
05:17
ZS2Q2 438 5558
202-456-2632
TO:61647
PPGE:02
I do not support same sex jnarriage. fr Uu. limn^vwr:, HJLUUJII^B
<bhnO tl>^ro aro aXinu aax IJUI bwcujliiys. Traditional marriage
family ftf^e treroehdous pressures in todays' society. rrnront
HoweverXwiw rega™ to came sex partnerships, I -respect th« nciad
for indiv'vcluebls who \ r e in a committed relationship to ahare
basic b e n e f i t ^ inclxiding health care and survivorship.
I
ain awarft t h a t Nnany communities, c o r p o r a t i o n s
and i n o t i t u f c i o n i ?
are considering^other ways to address the issue of partnerahips.
The challenge ih addressing these issues i s how to remain
e o n o i t i v e t o t-KeVfcSsoditional v a l u e s o f our Cojwnunitles W h i l e
p r e s e r v i n a t h e fmid^mental r i g h t t o l i v o f r e e from u n j u s t i f i e d
discrimination.
Tn rtur country's hikt&ry we have, for good reason, looked f i r s t
to state nnd local goVternmonts, ae well ao the private sector, to
consider issues likeYtnese involving community values and mattoro
of" conscience. Govern' Romer's recent veto of a C l e a r l y
d i s e r imina t'.ory and p
l^ive law concerning same sex couples, i s a
good example o f a stat^
>rotecting fundamental American rights
while maintaining the
bortunity f o r continued d i s c u s s i o n .
I
believe that issues re \ing to same sex partnerships continue to
be best resolved at t h i level of c i v i l discourse.
X
�-28 96 15:15 FROM:COUNSEL OFFICE
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TO:61647
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Th« dooum«nil«) aeeompanylhg thft focaimHa irnnonittal th.-t )• Inwn4«d «n»y (or itw U M ot tto hidiytdual or •ntitr
to whom it to addrawd. Thl« maMasa comairw Information which may bo privHaoad. oonlidanHal or anampt tram
dtadftaura un<4w cpplioabU law. If th* raadar ol thia maaaag* ta not tha Intandad raelplant. or tha amployaa or agant
raaponalbla lor dallvaring the moaaaga to tha Intandad radplant. you ara haraby notiflad that any dlacloaura,
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numbar atatad abova.
�i:
The institutions of/marriage"and family face tr^nendous pressures in today's society.
We must do everything we can to support and strengthen these institutions. I have previously
said that I do not personally suppon same-sex^ marriages^ | ^—p^r-.j:—kiftflCSwuf^r 4n ^u. v-a
While no ctato has yot rccogmgcd aamc BOX marriage^, many states and localities, as
well as hundreds of private corporations, are attemptiij^t6address samo BOX partnefahtps.
number of state and local governments havo grantod^gay and lesbian employooo and their
partnerfi certain har.ie hmnofim, nirh ni hmlth inmnnpe-mvprncfr-and herfavprn^pf IP^V^—
N4ajor corporationo, including IDMrNfiuusoft ind Levi Stiauss;"liave~arfoptcd similar^ It io a great •American tradition to permitilocal govern ments ^anA the private sector^to
consider options for addressing difficult issues irivolving communitySolues and matters of
conscience.. ^'plin^^ f i - r l""1n ? Vrn yp-jy/^f"*" '•'^"•ilfl h ^vvMi nnntinnp without
fedorol intpirffprenffe.
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.
�THE WHITE HOUSE
WASH I NGTON
March 28, 1996
MEMORANDUM FOR GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS
MARSHA SCOTT
FROM:
STEPHEN NEUWIRTH
Kathy Wallman has advised me that the attached represents Jack Quinn's proposal on
what the President should say about the issue of gay marriage.
Kathy has asked me to forward this statement to you for your review. She has also
asked me to request that a meeting be arranged as promptly as possible to discuss this.
cc:
Kathy Wallman
�(M %
i
VKOJUO
TO
�03/21/96
16:46
OFC OF SEC - 94561647
»
NO.333
V
U.S. DEPARTMENT OP HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20410-0001
FAX TRANSMISSION
DATE :
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Amy L i u
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COMMENTS:
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D01
�E X E C U T I V E
O F F I C E
OF
THE
P R E S I D E N T
26-Mar—1996 01:04pm
TO:
TO:
TO:
TO:
Marsha S c o t t
Stephen R. N e u w i r t h
E r i c Fanning
Paul Yandura
FROM:
J e f f r e y Levi
AIDS P o l i c y C o u n c i l
SUBJECT:
RETRANSMITTING TO FIX WITH LINE TO AM-GAY WEDDINGS
Date: 03/26/96 Time: 09:17
CRETRANSMITTING t o f i x w i t h l i n e t o AM-Gay Weddings
DENVER (AP)
Gov. Roy Romer vetoed a b i l l banning same-sex
marriages Monday, s a y i n g such unions may deserve l e g a l r e c o g n i t i o n .
I t i s one t h i n g t o b e l i e v e , as I do, t h a t m a r r i a g e i s t h e
union o f a man and a woman,'' Romer, a Democrat, s a i d .
I t is
q u i t e another t o b e l i e v e t h a t committed same-sex r e l a t i o n s h i p s do
not e x i s t and s h o u l d n o t be r e c o g n i z e d by s o c i e t y .
We cannot p r o h i b i t or ban these r e l a t i o n s h i p s , and we
s h o u l d n ' t use our law t o a t t e m p t t o do so,'' he s a i d .
The b i l l won f i n a l a p p r o v a l i n t h e Colorado L e g i s l a t u r e e a r l i e r
t h i s month. The b i l l passed 33-31 i n t h e House and 20-14 i n t h e
Senate, so i t i s u n l i k e l y s u p p o r t e r s c o u l d g e t t h e t w o - t h i r d s
m a j o r i t y needed t o o v e r r i d e t h e governor's v e t o .
The b i l l i s s i m i l a r t o l e g i s l a t i o n i n o t h e r s t a t e s i n t r o d u c e d i n
response t o a c o u r t case i n Hawaii t h a t c o u l d r e s u l t i n a r u l i n g
l e g a l i z i n g gay marriages as e a r l y as t h i s year.
Since s t a t e s c u s t o m a r i l y r e c o g n i z e each o t h e r ' s s t a t u t e s , such a
r u l i n g i n Hawaii c o u l d f o r c e t h e o t h e r 49 s t a t e s t o g r a n t
homosexuals i n same-sex unions t h e same f i n a n c i a l , l e g a l and s o c i a l
benefits afforded t o married heterosexuals.
Supporters o f t h e Colorado b i l l accused Romer o f bowing t o
p o l i t i c a l p r e s s u r e . But Romer, a t h r e e - t e r m governor who i s b a r r e d
by law from s e r v i n g another term, c a l l e d t h e l e g i s l a t i o n
m e a n - s p i r i t e d and unnecessary.
L e t ' s be honest. Some s u p p o r t t h i s b i l l because i t i s a way t o
s i n g l e o u t and condemn t h e l i f e s t y l e o f gay and l e s b i a n p e o p l e , ' '
he s a i d .
L e s l i e Reed and Sharon Espinosa, a l e s b i a n couple e x p e c t i n g
t h e i r f i r s t c h i l d , s a i d t h e governor's a c t i o n was a s t e p i n t h e
r i g h t d i r e c t i o n . We're i n t h e l o n g r u n g o i n g t o be r e c o g n i z e d as
a f a m i l y , ' ' Espinosa s a i d .
W i l l P e r k i n s , chairman o f Colorado For Family Values, condemned
the v e t o .
x x
x x
xx
x x
xx
�xx
T h e governor i s a b s o l u t e l y unaccountable t o t h e e l e c t o r a t e , ' '
he s a i d . H e i s i n t h e pocket o f pro-homosexual i n t e r e s t s and i s
a t t e m p t i n g t o h o l d t h e s t a t e hostage.''
Colorado was b o y c o t t e d and l a b e l e d t h e h a t e s t a t e ' ' a f t e r
approving an a n t i - g a y - r i g h t s measure i n 1992 t h a t banned l o c a l laws
p r o t e c t i n g gays from b i a s i n employment, housing and p u b l i c
accommodations.
The b a l l o t measure, w r i t t e n by P e r k i n s ' group, was s t r u c k down
by s t a t e c o u r t s and never t o o k e f f e c t . The U.S. Supreme Court i s
expected t o r u l e on t h e c h a l l e n g e t h i s year.
P e r k i n s s a i d h i s group w i l l c o n s i d e r b r i n g i n g f o r w a r d a b a l l o t
i n i t i a t i v e banning same-sex marriages i n Colorado.
APNP-03-26-96 0922EST
xx
x x
�The institutions of marriage and family face tremendous pressures in today's society.
We must do everything we can to support and strengthen these institutions. I have previously
said that I do not personally support same-sex marriages.
While no state has yet recognized same-sex marriages, many states and localities, as
well as hundreds of private corporations, are attempting to address same-sex partnerships. A
number of state and local governments have granted gay and lesbian employees and their
partners certain basic benefits, such as health insurance coverage and bereavement leave.
Major corporations, including IBM, Microsoft and Levi Strauss, have adopted similar
initiatives.
It is a great American tradition to permit local governments and the private sector to
consider options for addressing difficult issues involving community values and matters of
conscience. I believe these kinds of local experiments should be allowed to continue without
federal interference.
�03/26/96
11:41
©202
225 2212
CONG STUDDS - DC
0002
Let me say, first, that the institution of marriage and what most of us think of as
the "traditional family" have come under tremendous pressures in today's society. We
must do everything we can to support and strengthen them.
At the same time, we must acknowledge that some men and women are able to
find fulfillment only in relationships that do not conform to our traditional notions of
marriage and family. These individuals are entitled to our consideration as well, and it
is in society's interest to encourage them to live in stable, faithful, responsible,
relationships -- even if those relationships differ from what most of us have been brought
up to regard as the norm.
Whether that encouragement should take the form of legally sanctioned marriages
is something about which people of good will can differ. Our society is not there yet.
I personally am not there yet. But I also believe that such matters of conscience should
be decided not in Washington, but in the states and local communities, as they have
been since the founding of the Republic.
As of now, no state has recognized same-sex marriage, though some are
wrestling with the issue and many more will do so in the coming months and years. By
the same token, many local governments and hundreds of leading corporations, such as
[Microsoft and Levi Strauss], have taken the more modest step of granting gay and
lesbian employees and their partners certain basic benefits that married couples take for
granted. such as health insurance coverage and bereavement leave.
I think these kinds of local experiments should be allowed to continue without
federal interference. On the other hand, I think most Americans believe that the federal
government does have an important role to play in ensuring that every person,
regardless of sexual orientation, is safe from violence, harassment, and discrimination.
That is why I support reauthorization of the Hate Crimes Statistics Act, and urge the
speedy enactment of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act now pending in Congress.
MDA DRAFT March 26, 1996
�96
'03/26/
11:32
©202 225 2212
laooi
C N STUDDS - DC
OG
FAXfromthe office of
CONGRESSMAN GERRY E. STUDDS
237 Cannon Building
Washington, D.C.
Date:
~
To:
/-S^S^^
From:
^ f ^ ^
Number of pages wliicb follow: /
Comments: ^2^—^
^/A^^-^^
For further mfomation: Phone (202)225-3111 Fax (202)225-2212
South Shotv - j400-794-9911
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03/26/96
11:32
© 2 0 2 225 2212
CONG STUDDS - DC
[21002
Let me say, first, that the instrtution of marriage and what most of us think of as
the "traditional family" have come under tremendous pressures in today's society. We
must do everything we can to support and strengthen them.
At the same time, we must acknowledge that some men and women are able to
find fulfillment only in relationships that do not conform to our traditional notions of
marriage and family. These individuals are entitled to our consideration as well, and it
is in society's interest to encourage them to live in stable, faithful, responsible,
relationships - even if those relationships differ from what most of us have been brought
up to regard as the norm.
Whether that encouragement should take the form of legally sanctioned marriages
is something about which people of good will can differ. Our society Is not there yet
I personally am not there yet. But I also believe that such matters of conscience should
be decided not in Washington, but in the states and local communities, as they have
been since the founding of the Republic.
As of now, no state has recognized same-sex marriage, though some are
wrestling with the issue and many more will do so in the coming months and years. By
the same token, many local governments and hundreds of leading corporations, such as
[Microsoft and Levi Strauss], have taken the more modest step of granting gay and
lesbian employees and their partners certain basic benefits that married couples take for
granted, such as health insurance coverage and bereavement leave.
I think these kinds of local experiments should be allowed to continue without
federal intcrforonco. On the other hand, I think most Americans believe that the federal
government does have an important role to play in ensuring that every person,
regardless of sexual orientation, is safe from violence, harassment, and discrimination.
That is why I support reauthorization of the Hate Crimes Statistics Act, and urge the
speedy enactment of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act now pending In Congress.
MDA DRAFT March 26, 1806
�Gay Marriage T a l k i n g Points
-- The President has long opposed gay marriage based
on h i s personal b e l i e f that the i n s t i t u t i o n of
marriage should be reserved f o r unions between one
man and one woman.
-- The President s t r o n g l y believes that the f e d e r a l
government should not discriminate against gay
and lesbian i n d i v i d u a l s , which i s why he has
endorsed l e g i s l a t i o n outlawing d i s c r i m i n a t i o n
against gays and lesbians i n the workplace. But
he does not b e l i e v e t h a t the federal government
should promote gay marriages by granting them
legal recognition.
[ I f asked about domestic partnerships or p r o v i d i n g federal
b e n e f i t s to partners i n gay and lesbian partnerships —
These decisions are best l e f t to s t a t e and l o c a l
governments and p r i v a t e i n s t i t u t i o n s . But the
President does not believe that -&Ga^ee-"fetterft-l
irUbuurciii, "Lliuuld be "devotea to p r o v i d i n g "bpuusthi.
J^cnofito to partn&i'a- i n gay and Teobian r e l a t i o n o h i p o .
�May 13, 1996
MEMORANDUM TO STEVE NEUWIR'
FROM
:PAT LEWIS
SUBJECT
I A D V O C A T E ' Q U E S T I O N S AND ANSWERS
Attached is the draft of responses by Marsha Scott to questions from The Advocate, which
will be running these verbatim as a June cover story. I've also sent copies to George
Stephanopoulos, Barry Toiv, Mike McCurry and Don Baer.
We've promised to give these to the reporter tomorrow.
Please let me know if there's any additional information you need.
�Text in BOLD is taken from previously released language, such as letters or speeches.
1.
In 1992, you said to gay people "I have a vision and you are part of it." What is that
vision in 1996 and how do gays and lesbians figure into it?
I do have a clear vision, and all Americans figure into it. As President, I have sought to
promote inclusion and heighten public awareness in order to send a powerful message of
equality and acceptance to people everywhere. Increased opportunity makes citizens
more productive, building stronger communities and a stronger nation. I believe that we
must continue to help people rise as far as their talents and determination can take them
— regardless of their sexual orientation - in order to make the most out of our great
diversity, (letter).
2.
You have been praised by gays and lesbians as the most "pro-gay" president in
history. Yet there is also a profound sense of disappointment in the gay community because
the expectations you set in 1992 were so high. What do you say to those gay voters who
invested so much emotionally to your candidacy but who have felt let down?
We all had high expectations, and we've truly accomplished a lot during my Administration.
We've also learned a lot about what we can do — and how to get it done. Although some of
my early efforts may not have been as effective as I had hoped, my Administration has
taken more steps than any previous in welcoming the gay and lesbian communities to
the table. (CG) I'm proud of my record, but it's a record to grow on, not to sit on.
I remain dedicated to ending discrimination and to protecting the civil rights of every
citizen in our society. I am proud that my Administration has more openly gay and
lesbian individuals serving in appointed positions than in any previous Administration,
and their impact, both in expertise and in efTorts to advocate for the concerns of gay
men and lesbians, is significant. We have increased AIDS funding, research, and
educational outreach. I am the first President ever to endorse a gay and lesbian civil
rights bill, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. We have also opened the door for
qualified gays and lesbians to receive top security clearances. I pledge to you that I will
continue striving for greater education and compassion, working not simply to tolerate
our differences, but to celebrate them. (POTUS message)
3.
What is your own personal comfort level with homosexuality? Is it one of tolerance
or acceptance or something else?
I believe all Americans, gay or straight, should be judged on their merits, not on their
orientation. I strive to do this in my personal life. It was one of the most fundamental
lessons that my mother taught me from a very early age - to makes decisions about people
based on who they are not what they are.
In Arkansas, I worked relentlessly to empower people who historically have been
discriminated against based on race, class, gender, disability, or sexual orientation. I
�remain committed to achieving that goal. (POTUS letter 5-18-93)
Having grown up in a segregated society, I have always felt strongly that everyone who
is willing to work hard and play by the rules should be allowed to participate in
American life. My belief is that we don't have a person to waste. We should try to
protect the rights of all our citizens to live up to the fullest of their capacities.
4.
What gay or lesbian person has had the biggest impact on your life and why?
This is hard to answer because I know so many outstanding gays and lesbians, many of
whom I brought into my Administration. Bruce Lehman, Roberta Achtenberg and Bob
Hattoy, to name just a few, have all made valuable contributions. I've had a long friendship
with David Mixner, whose advice has meant a great deal to me over the years. In 1978 I was
Governor of Arkansas and I hired Dr. Mike Rankin to be the state's mental health director,
and he has become a good friend of mine. Today he serves as an outstanding member of my
advisory council on HIV/AIDS.
5.
As a strong Baptist, do you have problems reconciling your religion's views on
homosexuality with your personal beliefs?
I have been blessed by having people of strong faith in my life and this faith is a major
sustaining force and motivation. It is through my religious beliefs that I have learned
compassion, tolerance and inclusion. Through prayer and Bible study I have learned that
God's love is extended to all people.
6.
Jimmy Carter recently denounced how some religious and political leaders have
embraced strong anti-gay views. And he said it must be made clear "that a platform of 7
hate gay men and women' is not a way to become president of the United States." Do you
agree with Carter and do you intend to do anything to counter what he calls "obnoxious
attitudes?"
Yes, I do agree with President Carter. Those who promote discrimination on the basis of
sexual orientation or any other grounds are gravely mistaken about the values that make
our nation strong. (POTUS letter) I will continue to move my Administration in the
direction of compassion, acceptance and understanding.
The recent attempts by extremists in Congress to expel HIV positive servicemembers
regardless of their ability to serve, was a good example of what President Carter is talking
about. I'm very proud of the coalition my Administration built in our successful repeal effort.
This provision was unconstitutional, served no military or public health policy and was just
plain wrong. Once people understood this we were able to have it repealed.
7.
Perhaps your biggest accomplishment in the area of gay rights has been with changes
in the federal workplace. Federal departments have written non-discrimination policies.
Gays and lesbians are no longer denied security clearances. What do you feel is the longterm impact of these changes?
�These changes are important because they represent another step forward in making sure that
all Americans can contribute and that everyone has a seat at the table. It's particularly
important to fully open up the civil service, for the impact of these people on our government
and its work will outlast any President.
8.
People still debate what happened with the gays in the military issue. Given a second
term, would you revisit this topic? Is there a chance you might issue the executive order you
promised in 1992?
Few issues in recent times have spurred the kind of debate that has occurred since I
pledged to change our nation's policy toward homosexuals in the military. I know that
this is a sensitive and emotional issue for many people.
This is still a topic of great concern to many people. At this point these issues are being
actively litigated in the federal courts. And at this point it is probably best to let those cases
run their course.
9.
If you had the chance to start over, only this time knowing the extent of the opposition
to opening the military's doors to gays and lesbians, how would you approach the issue?
What lessons did you learn from the fight?
It's fair to say that I have thought a lot about this and that there are some things I think I
should have done differently. I f^ow believe that we needed to build a broader consensus on
this important issue before moving forward. Sometimes change comes best when it is
achieved through incremental steps.
10.
Do you believe gays and lesbians face the same kind of obstacles that other minority
groups have confronted?
No two groups, just as no two people, face the same obstacles. Although some are quite
similar, the gay and lesbian communities are themselves diverse and encompass
members of all minority communities. We all want liberty and freedom. We want the
embrace of family and community. We want to make the most of our own lives. (AA
speech). That is why I've always said that our great diversity is a source of strength to unite
~ not divide — our country.
11.
You have endorsed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Why do you feel this
legislation is appropriate and necessary. Given a second term, will you actively push the
Congress to pass it?
I don't think it's right for employers to discriminate based on sexual orientation. Men and
women in 42 states may now be fired from their jobs solely because of their sexual
orientation, even when it has no bearing on their job performance. Those who face this
kind of job discrimination have no legal recourse, in either our state or federal courts.
This is wrong.
�The Employment Non-Discrimination Act, for which I announced my support last fall, is
designed to protect the rights of all Americans to participate in the job market without
fear of unfair discrimination. (Kennedy letter 10/19/95) I support it.
12.
Why do you oppose same-sex marriage? Is there a chance you could reconsider?
The institutions of traditional marriage and family face tremendous pressures in today's
society, and I think we must do everything we can to support and strengthen these
institutions. I am aware that many communities and institutions are considering
whether certain basic benefits can be provided outside the context of traditional
marriage. The challenge in addressing these issues is to remain sensitive to the
traditional values of our communities while preserving the fundamental right to live free
from unjustified discrimination. In our country's history we have, for good reason,
looked first to state and local governments, as well as private sector, to consider issues
like these involving community values and matters of conscience. I believe that these
issues continue to be best resolved at this level of civil discourse.
13.
What about the slate of proposed laws to limit marriage between a man and a
woman? Should Congress establish a national standard for marriage?
As I have already stated, I am opposed to same sex marriage. I think these issues are best
decided at the state level. I f Congress decides otherwise, I will have to give it serious
thought.
14.
Are there steps, such as changing the tax code or immigration laws or creating
domestic partnership benefits for federal workers, that you believefljhe federal government
should take to help gay couples?
It is important that we all remember that for the most pan, real and lasting social change
occurs through incremental steps built upon concensHaf^nd by lengthy public discussion. We
as a people are still struggling with these issues. (^THus^tgain, I think we have to look first j f i s
state and local governments as well as the private sector for guidance. And again I hope that
these matters can be discussed at a level of discourse that will be civil and productive.
75.
An increasing number of gays and lesbians are having children, either biologically or
through adoption. Is this trend acceptable to you? Is there anything government should do
to encourage or discourage gay child rearing?
The most important thing, as far as I can tell, is that children find themselves in loving,
caring, and nourishing environments. So long as state officials and adoption agencies
determine that the best interests of the child are being served, there is no reason for the
federal government to intervene.
16.
Some parents object to teaching anything positive about homosexuality in the public
schools. At the same time, some troubled teens kill themselves because of confusion over
their sexuality. How far should the nation's schools go in discussing homosexuality?
�Our nation's educators have made great strides in how to deal with issues which affect our
children in these rapidly changing times. Decisions about what is said and what is taught
must be left to teachers, local school districts, parents, and students.
I am deeply troubled by the numbers of teen suicides, especially among gay and lesbian youth
and of the rise in violence among all youth. Secretary Shalala's conference on gay and
(Te^apteen suicide brought this discussion to a national level and my administration is
continuing to work to find solutions to these complex problems. I recently met with a large
number of people from throughout the country to discuss the issues of drug use and violence
among teenagers. These discussions are very important and will continue.
17.
You spoke out against the slate of anti-gay initiatives that were popular in past
elections yet your administration decided to sit out of the Supreme Court fight on the issue.
How can you justify speaking out in one instance and then staying silent later?
I've never stayed silent on this issue. I have continually stated my belief that those who
would legalize discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or any other grounds are
gravely mistaken about the values that make our nation strong. The essential right to
equality must not be denied by a ballot initiative or otherwise. (POTUS letter)
23.
Anyfinalthoughts?
There are, without question, real differences in the life experience and backgrounds of
people who make up America, but there is also a rich fabric of shared experience — of
common problems, common hopes and fears, common ground. It is a matter of the
utmost important for our nation that all citizens expand that common ground, focusing
more on what unites us than on what divides us. Just as important, our public discourse
must help guide us down the path toward greater unity. (POTUS letter) I want to lead
a nation that is coming together, not coming apart.
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
White House Office of Records Management
Chief of Staff
Clerk's Office
Correspondence Office
Office of the Counsel to the President
Domestic Policy Council
Office of Intergovernmental Affairs
Office of Legislative Affairs
National AIDS Policy Office
Office of Oval Office Operations
Office of the Press Secretary
Office of Public Liaison
Office of Speechwriting
Automated Records Management System
Tape Restoration Project
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
2013-0028-F
Description
An account of the resource
President Clinton signed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) into law on September 21, 1996. The Act declared that no state shall be required to recognize a same-gender marriage performed in another state. DOMA also defined marriage as only between a man and a woman for purposes of Federal law. This collection consists of files and email accounts from the White House staff related to The Defense of Marriage Act. The collection also contains records related to Hawaii Supreme Court’s Baehrs vs. Lewin, and California’s Proposition 22. The collection consists of clippings, emails, letters, memoranda, notes, press releases, and talking points concerning DOMA, same sex marriage, and domestic partnerships.
Provenance
A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource.
Clinton Presidential Records: White House Office of Records Management
Clinton Presidential Records: White House Staff and Office Files
Clinton Presidential Records: Automated Records Management System
Clinton Presidential Records: Tape Restoration Project
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum
Extent
The size or duration of the resource.
112 folders in 7 boxes
Is Part Of
A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included.
<a href="http://clinton.presidentiallibraries.us/items/show/36606">Collection Finding Aid</a>
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Paper
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Gay Marriage [2]
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Office of the Counsel to the President
Steve Neuwirth
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
2013-0028-F
Is Part Of
A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included.
Box 4
<a href="clinton.presidentiallibraries.us/items/show/36606" target="_blank">Collection Finding Aid</a>
<a href="https://catalog.archives.gov/id/7408726" target="_blank">National Archives Catalog</a>
Provenance
A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource.
Clinton Presidential Records: White House Staff and Office Files
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Adobe Acrobat Document
Medium
The material or physical carrier of the resource.
Preservation-Reproduction-Reference
Date Created
Date of creation of the resource.
5/19/2015
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
7408726
42-t-20130028F-004-003-2015