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News :: Gender and Sexuality |
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Sing-In At Senator Winkel's Office In Support Of Queer Rights Bill Draws 20 |
Current rating: 0 |
by Kimberlie Kranich
Email: kranich (nospam) uiuc.edu (verified) |
29 Oct 2003
Modified: 03:21:54 PM |
Twenty local queer activists from the direct action group, the 85% Coalition, and their heterosexual allies held a sing-in at Senator Rick Winkel's Urbana Office Monday to protest his refusal to vote for Senate Bill 101 which would end legal discrimination against homosexuals and transgendered individuals in Illinois.
(see full story after the photos) |
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Carrying signs and banners, the activists sang queer-affirming lyrics in support of Senate Bill 101 to familiar tunes including The Battle Hymn of the Republic and Row, Row, Row Your Boat while they marched in a circle in front of Senator Rick Winkel's Urbana Office.
Senator Winkel was not at the office at the time nor were any of his staff.
Senator Winkel has consistently voted against a similar bill when he was a state representative and has vowed to do the same as a Senator, said 85% Coalition member Lori Serb. Singing is a beautiful way for us to let the Senator know that he can’t say he’s against discrimination and then over and over again vote against an anti-discrimination bill.
Senate Bill 101, known as the Human Rights Act, would amend the Illinois Human Rights Act - a state law - to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, credit and public accommodations.
A similar bill has consistently passed in the Illinois House since 1999. The Senate version was brought before the Senate Rules Committee last year but has failed to move on to the full Senate for a vote.
Twelve other states have already enacted legislation similar to that proposed in Illinois.
The activists' sing-in was featured on local TV station
WCIA.
The following is a transcript of that broadcast:
Under the banner Gay Rights, anchor Jennifer Roscoe said:
Residents in Champaign County are fighting for their civil rights and they are taking their fight out on a state Senator from Urbana. WCIA 3's Chris Coffey is in the newsroom to explain this. Chris?
Chris Coffey:
The activists say they want sexual orientation
anti-discrimination laws added to the Illinois Human Rights Act. It would make it illegal to fire someone for being gay.
Cut to Susie reciting her poem:
I don't agree with silence. Why should I
be ashamed? I need love. Have you hugged a lesbian today? (cheers from crowd)
Reporter voice-over over video of our banners and signs:
Impatient for Prejudice, Heterosexual Rights for Gay People and posters of Winkel and Tim Johnson in a prom-like photo with hearts with thecaption: Would you fire
these two men if they were gay?
Chris Coffey:
Gay rights activists say State Senator Rick Winkel
consistently votes against a bill that would give them more civil rights. Winkel's office was closed but that did not stop the activists.
Lori Serb sound bite:
We need civil rights and we should not be discriminated against for who we love or what our personal lives are. This is an insult.
Chris Coffey:
Lori Serb thinks that she lost her job in Champaign because
she's a lesbian.
Lori:
I know that I faced some discrimination. There are city ordinances to protect people from that, but because it is not a state law, it's not enforced. Lawyers are not going to fight for your rights on that.
Chris Coffey:
Champaign Attorney Bob Kirchner says Senate Bill 101 is
needed.
Atty. Kirchner:
There is no reason why someone's sexual orientation or
perceived sexual orientation should ever be a factor in employment decisions."
Video of Marya singing to the tune of the Battle Hymn of the Republic:
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming out of queers...
Chris Coffey:
Meanwhile, gay activists say they'll sing to soften
Winkel's heart.
Tiger Swan sound bite:
It would be nice if they would set aside their
personal feelings and do their job and do what they are supposed to do and represent their district.
Chris Coffey:
Now, we contacted State Senator Rick Winkel's office
several times today. Neither he nor his staff had a comment about this story. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 101 is currently stalled in the General Assembly. It will be up to the Democrats who control both Houses to try and get it passed.
Help the 85% Coalition continue its peaceful protests.
Join us November 4 and November 20 in Springfield where we will sit in the Senate Gallery with our SB 101, Yes and Discrimination No t-shirts. Car pooling and t-shirts will be provided. Please email Meg (blue2 (at) net66.com) if you plan on attending.
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