Subject: PFLAG; Tacoma's Proposed Gay Rights Ordinance.
Date: Sat, 23 Mar 2002 11:38:28 -0800
From: Doug Schafer <d_schafer@bigfoot.com>
To: "Calhoun, Russ & Anita" <e-address redacted>Russ & Anita Calhoun,
I have taken an interest in the proposed amendment to Tacoma's
Anti-discrimination Ordinance that will add protection for sexual minorities
in housing, employment, and public accommodations. I support the goal, but
I question some strategies employed to achieve it.I have taken the liberty of placing a link to your enlightening letter about
your "coming out" with your son (of which I have three) on a website that I
have created (it's near the bottom of the website):http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PierceACLU/files/Tacoma2002GayRightsOrdinance/Links.html
I hope that you have no objection to that. If you can suggest other good
links, particularly any to websites that focus on education and tolerance,
please inform me.Will PFLAG be taking an active role in supporting the proposed ordinance?
(it should) I urge you to consider meeting directly with Tacoma Councilman
Mike Lonegran. He is a very devout man who heads the Tacoma Rescue
Mission. You might also consider offering your letter to the Tribune for
publication.I believe that our community sorely needs to be educated about human
sexuality issues and about tolerance. I fear that without a more carefully
pursued strategy than I have seen so far, there will be a painful backlash
in our community.Doug Schafer, citizen-lawyer in Tacoma.
Subject: Epiphany?
Date: Sat, 23 Mar 2002 17:17:50 -0800
From: Doug Schafer <d_schafer@bigfoot.com>
To: [personal friends; aliases "A. and B. Johnson" (WA's most common surname) are used here][A and B]:
I have been distracted the last several days by my interest in the proposed
Tacoma "gay rights" ordinance. While I have never supported homosexual
causes in the past, I have acquired more tolerance in the last couple years
(with empathy for a distant cousin and some friends). And as one of very few
in the local ACLU "chapter," I was asked, and agreed, to express the ACLU's
support for the ordinance at one of the public meetings last week.Without going at length into my recent studies, I invite you to review the
below website, particularly the items linked at the end of the website by
the devout parents (who are local folks) and by Prof. David Myers, then
share with me your reaction.http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PierceACLU/files/Tacoma2002GayRightsOrdinance/Links.html
With three sons, I empathize with the couple whose son "came out" as gay.
If any of mine were to "come out" (God forbid!), I would love and support
them no less. My icy biases are melting, as I come to recognize that
homosexuality is not a chosen behavior but an involuntary condition of 2 to
3 percent of humanity.Doug Schafer, always learning.
Subject: Re: Food for thought
Date: Sun, 24 Mar 2002 12:18:02 -0800
From: Doug Schafer <d_schafer@bigfoot.com>
To: [A. and B. Johnson]> [A. Johnson] wrote:
> What is it that you want to know? Is your epiphany because you have been
> intolerant of gays and lesbians in the past and have just recently
> realized your intolerance?I always recognized my intolerance, but thought that homosexuality was
substanitially attributable to personal choice, and that if society
recognizes homosexuality as an acceptable choice (e.g., by granting
protection from discrimination) then disoriented youth would more likely
choose that lifestyle (rejecting families, children, etc.) As I read more,
I am learning that homosexuality is not a choice, and that youth are not
likley to take that path simply by being exposed to openly homosexual
folks. So yes, I do feel that I have experienced an epiphany, of sorts.
Not long ago, I would compare openly gay folks to social misfits who openly
pick their noses in public -- neither having any "right" to be accepted as
they are in a private workplace, restaurant, etc.> I better quit for now--I am losing focus. How come you want our reactions?
You are very devout Christians. My perception, right or wrong, is that the
strongest opposition to sexual minorities getting protection from
discrimination emanates from those having strong religious beliefs. So I
was curious as to what your views (and those of your devout friends) on
sexual minorities might be, and whether reading the posted materials as I
did might lead you (if not already there) to support protecting them from
discrimination.I expect, frankly, that if the Tacoma City Council approves the proposed
"gay rights" ordinance, that some group liklely will try to repeal it by
referendum vote. Just such a repeal campaign in 1999 in Spokane was led by
a minister, but it failed. I am wondering if the religious organizations in
the Tacoma area will likely be supporting or opposing any such effort.> Have I said or done anything to budge your heart one iota towards God?
My heart has always been receptive, but my mind denies me the ability to
sincerely believe anything simply based upon "faith" or based upon the
sincere beliefs of many others (my parents, relatives, and friends). But I
do try to keep an open mind.> Just wondering...
> [A.]Always wondering ...
Doug.P.S. There's no need for [B.] to reply separately unless he wishes to. It
was not an assignment, I was just wondering.
Subject: IALGJ; Nondiscrimination Ordinances; ACLU, etc.
Date: Sun, 24 Mar 2002 22:51:40 -0800
From: Doug Schafer <d_schafer@bigfoot.com>
To: mrsonberg@*****.orgJudge Michael R. Sonberg,
You and your IALGJ colleagues may find interesting the website that I have
set up in response to a local proposed "gay rights" ordinance.http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PierceACLU/files/Tacoma2002GayRightsOrdinance/Links.html
In the course of trying simply to compile accurate factual information, I
came to recognize that the ACLU and other proponents of gay rights sometimes
go beyond the bounds of truthfulness in their pursuit of a just cause.
Perhaps some of your members might get involved in correcting the
misinformation, for it can be counterproductive.As one who not that long ago was not supportive of "gay rights" (believing
homosexuality was a chosen path that I hoped my sons would not choose), I
now believe that there needs to be much more emphasis on public education
than on "cram down" legislation (which I perceive as the current ACLU
approach). I believe that folks who become educated about sexual minorities
will support the non-discrimination legislation, as I now wholeheartedly
do. I trust you will recognize my views from reading through the end of
that website.Best wishes,
Doug Schafer, citizen-lawyer in Tacoma, Washington.
Subject: Nondiscrimination Ordinances; ACLU, etc.
Date: Sun, 24 Mar 2002 23:02:09 -0800
From: Doug Schafer <d_schafer@bigfoot.com>
To: amyjohnson@*****.com, hoyca@*****.comAmy Johnson & Larry Hoyt: I just discovered nlgla.org after sending the
below [printed above, not repeated] message to the Pres. of Int'l Assoc. of Lesbian & Gay Judges. It's relevant to your members, as well. Doug Schafer.
Subject: Follow-up on Kiwanis Meeting of Yesterday.
Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2002 09:11:01 -0800
From: Doug Schafer <d_schafer@bigfoot.com>
To: Tacomakiwanis@aol.com
BCC: [members e-mail addresses]Fellow Kiwanians: At yesterday's meeting, I explained my research into the
proposed Tacoma "gay rights" ordinance, the results of which I posted on an
Internet site. Here's the URL:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PierceACLU/files/Tacoma2002GayRightsOrdinance/Links.html
I urge every civic-minded person to do as I did -- actually learn about
sexual minorities (a subject I had mostly avoided before) and their status
under our laws. At the end of that website I collected the most
enlightening information: medical-psychological research about
homosexuality, and a moving letter by devout parents who learned to accept
their son's homosexuality.I suggest that we have a psychologist or psychiatrist inform us about
homosexuality at a Kiwanis lunch meeting. I recall a few years back a very
informative lunch program by a physician about male sexual dysfunction, so a
sexuality topic must not be taboo.Doug Schafer, prodigal Downtown Tacoma Kiwanis Club member.
P.S. In reply to those who ask "What've you been up to?", see:
http://www.DougSchafer.com
http://www.EvergreenEthics.com
http://www.GuardianFailure.com
Subject: Re: Follow-up on Kiwanis Meeting of Yesterday.
Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2002 11:17:52 -0800
From: Doug Schafer <d_schafer@bigfoot.com>
To: [a Kiwanis club member, here alias "Fellow K"][Fellow K], Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I well understand, for I have been
uncomfortable in the past even discussing homosexuality openly -- I regarded
it as a deviant choice that I was unwilling to "legitimize" by treating such
"deviancy" as a form of acceptable behavior. I feared the consequences to
our society, our values, "the fall of Rome," etc., etc. I feared that one
of my three sons might be steered by a "deviant" down that destructive path
(they have not been, thank goodness).I'm now realizing that I have simply been very close-minded. I'm just
starting to accept the concept that I should no more fear or resent sexual
minorities than left-handers. I'm 52 and graying, but I'm still willing to
listen, read, and learn -- and I believe that many (most) folks senior to me
are also so willing, if the information is delivered by persons and
organization they respect.Thanks for listening. I urge you to read material at the bottom of the
website I created, then chat about the subject with other Kiwanians.FWIW, I was given supportive comments after yesterday's meeting by two of
the ladies present. I didn't note their names, one was the African-American
with a Blood Bank name tag.Doug Schafer, never too young, nor too old.
[Follow K] wrote:
>
> Doug,
>
> I understand your reasoning here but I am not sure if it is a good idea for
> our club. I think you have to look to the make-up of our audience... at 61
> I bring the average age of our club down. This particular topic may not be
> well received by the majority of our membership and that has to be a
> consideration. [extradeous material here recacted]
>
> Thanks for listening to another view.
>
> [Fellow K]
Subject: RE: Follow-up on Kiwanis Meeting of Yesterday.
Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2002 11:37:01 -0800
From: [Fellow K]
To: "Doug Schafer" <d_schafer@bigfoot.com>Thanks back to you and perhaps this topic would be relevant and accepted...
it's certainly a changing world.[Fellow K]
Subject: Controversial Gay Rights Ordinance Webpage
Date: Thu, 28 Mar 2002 09:18:28 -0800
From: Doug Schafer <d_schafer@bigfoot.com>
To: "Editor David Zeeck, Tacoma News Tribune" <daz@p.tribnet.com>,
"Editor David Seago (TNT)" <david.seago@mail.tribnet.com>,
"Editor Doreen Marchionni (TNT)" <Doreen.Marchionni@mail.tribnet.com>,
"Sullivan, Paula (TNT Rptr)" <paula.sullivan@mail.tribnet.com>Dave Zeeck, Dave Seago, Doreen Marchionni, & Paula Sullivan:
Controversy abounds:
1. The ACLU Seattle office staff is telling me to remove "PierceACLU" from
the URL address where I posted facts (to counter falsehoods) and background
material supporting the proposed Tacoma gay rights ordinance. I have scanned
and posted the staffer's letter that I received yesterday on the website,
linked to the phrase "views...his own, not the ACLU's" in the upper right
corner of the webpage:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PierceACLU/files/Tacoma2002GayRightsOrdinance/Links.html
Because I have urged many, many people (local and distant) to go to that
URL, I am quite reluctant to change it.2. I added to the website the voting statistics from the 11/4/97 election in
which statewide voters defeated Initiative 677 that would have amended the
state's nondiscrimination law to afford workplace protection for sexual
minorities. Voters within the City of Tacoma rejected that 56.7% to 43.3%.3. The City's Human Rights Dept./Comm'n has now amended its on-line FAQ fact
sheet about the ordinance to acknowledge after the listing of other cities
and counties with anti-discrimination ordinances that, "Coverage varies from
jurisdiction to jurisdiction and may include employment, housing and/or
public accommodations." As I have been pointing out, only Seattle, King
County, and Spokane presently have ordinances like that proposed for Tacoma.I personally support the ordinance mostly, but--
(1) it must be promoted accurately, and there should be more efforts at
public education to dispel myths and fears about homosexuality (the Trib
could help on that score),(2) I suggest an exemption, like Spokane adopted, "when compliance would
substantially burden a person's exercise of religion,"(3) Tacoma should begin to respect and comply with the long-standing
provision of the state law against discrimination that expressly exempts
employers with seven or fewer employees from state and municipality
enforcement, and [website postscript: in June 2003, Tacoma amended its human
rights ordinance to recognize the small-employer exception provided in state law.](4) remedies for noncompliance should be no more than are necessary to prod
compliance -- no $10,000 to $50,000 fines should be levied.Thanks for considering this.
Doug Schafer, local lawyer.
Subject: Clallam County Nondiscrimination Laws
Date: Thu, 28 Mar 2002 11:41:24 -0800
From: Doug Schafer <d_schafer@bigfoot.com>
To: Mike Doherty <mdoherty@co.clallam.wa.us>Mike Doherty,
Thank you for returning my phone call and leaving a message. You need not
try to reach me again, as my questions were just answered by Clallam civil
deputy prosecutor Loren Erickson. She told me that Clallam County's Home
Rule Charter's section 10.30 nondiscrimination provision (that includes
protection based upon one's sexual orientation) is interepreted as applying
only to the County's relationship with its own employees and job applicants,
and as not applying to all private employers, landlords, and businesses
within the County. (Seattle, King County, and Spokane do have such widely
applicable provisions.)FWIW, I am trying to compile accurate information about the varying degrees
of protection afforded to sexual minorities by Washington cities and
counties, at:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PierceACLU/files/Tacoma2002GayRightsOrdinance/Links.html
You might find it interesting to look at the fair housing ordinance
(protecting sexual orientation) that Thurston County's commissioners enacted
two months ago.Doug Schafer, lawyer in Tacoma.
Subject: Equal Housing Ordinance Protecting Sexual Minorities
Date: Tue, 02 Apr 2002 08:17:57 -0800
From: Doug Schafer <d_schafer@bigfoot.com>
To: "Brooks, Jean" <jbrooks@ci.university-place.wa.us>,
"Grassi, Ken" <kgrassi@ci.university-place.wa.us>,
"Gehring, Gerald" <ggehring@ci.university-place.wa.us>,
"Flemming, Stan" <sflemming@ci.university-place.wa.us>,
"Smith, Lorna" <lsmith@ci.university-place.wa.us>,
"Bird, Linda" <lbird@ci.university-place.wa.us>,
"Klosowski, Debbie" <dklosowski@ci.university-place.wa.us>Univ. Place Councilmembers:
I reside within UP. I am not homosexual, but I believe those who are ought
not suffer lawful discrimination on that basis--particularly in housing.
You likely are aware of the Tacoma Human Rights Commission's pending
proposal that its City adopt ordinances (like Spokane, Seattle, and King
County) protecting sexual minorities in housing, employment, and public
accommodations.I ask you now to consider at least enacting a "fair housing" ordinance to
protect sexual minorities from housing discrimination. Lacy, Tumwater,
Olympia, Pullman and (just last January) Thurston County have taken that
step. (Don't let me discourage you from taking the bigger steps that Tacoma
now contemplates, if you have such political courage.)I have compiled considerable information about the varying levels of
discrimination protection afforded by Washington municipalities, and about
the condition of homosexuality (personally learning much in the process) at
a website:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PierceACLU/files/Tacoma2002GayRightsOrdinance/Links.html
Please find the time (precious, I know) to review that website and consider
this request. Please urge your counterparts in Lakewood and Fircrest to
consider the issue, as well.Thanks for your public service.
Doug Schafer, public citizen and lawyer.
[apartment address redacted here]
University Place, WA 98466
Subject: Fair Housing for Sexual Minorities
Date: Tue, 02 Apr 2002 10:28:54 -0800
From: Doug Schafer <d_schafer@bigfoot.com>
To: petrice@co.thurston.wa.usElizabeth Petrich:
Please e-mail me (1) a copy of the recently enacted ordinance extending
protection from housing discrimination to sexual minorities (I have a fax of
it), and (2) a copy of all memoranda or opinions or other legal analyses
prepared or considered by your office on the issue of whether such enactment
was within the power of a county, considering the public policy reflected in
RCW 49.60 and in the 1997 defeat of Initiative 677.I have compiled a website with information relating to the subject of local
jurisdiction protection for sexual minorities, at:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PierceACLU/files/Tacoma2002GayRightsOrdinance/Links.html
Attached is a message I sent this morning to my local city councilmembers
urging them to consider doing as Thurston County did, so don't regard me as
an enemy (as if that should make a difference when I am requesting public
records).If e-mailing the requested materials is impractical, please mail them to me
at P.O. Box 1134, Tacoma, WA 98401-1134. Questions? Call me at
253-383-2167.Thanks,
Doug Schafer, civic minded lawyer in Tacoma.
Subject: [Fwd: Re: Fair Housing for Sexual Minorities]
Date: Mon, 08 Apr 2002 08:53:50 -0700
From: Doug Schafer <d_schafer@bigfoot.com>
To: "Jean, Bob (UP City Mgr)" <bjean@ci.university-place.wa.us>Bob Jean, here's the Thurston County Fair Housing ordinance that was
adopted 1/28/2002
Doug Schafer.-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Fair Housing for Sexual Minorities
Date: Mon, 08 Apr 2002 08:27:20 -0800
From: "Elizabeth Petrich" <PETRICE@co.thurston.wa.us>
To: <d_schafer@bigfoot.com>Mr. Schafer, Attached in word perfect format is a copy of the ordinance you
requested. The formatting is slightly different than the original ordinance
signed by the Board. I am in the process of reviewing my files to see if I
have any documents responsive to your second request. Elizabeth Petrich.
Subject: Re: [Fwd: Re: Fair Housing for Sexual Minorities]
Date: Mon, 8 Apr 2002 13:21:16 -0700
From: BJean@ci.university-place.wa.us
To: Doug Schafer <d_schafer@bigfoot.com>
CC: Council_at_Home%UNIVERSITY_PLACE@ci.university-place.wa.us,
Exec%UNIVERSITY_PLACE@ci.university-place.wa.usThank you for the information on housing discrimination. I am not aware of
any such problems in U.P. and would also be concerned about the City's
ability to enforce such an ordinance if enacted. I have however forwarded
your thoughts to the Council and they can let me know if they feel that we
need to do something along these lines.
Subject: Re: Fair Housing for Sexual Minorities
Date: Mon, 08 Apr 2002 14:27:08 -0700
From: Doug Schafer <d_schafer@bigfoot.com>
To: BJean@ci.university-place.wa.us
CC: "Briehl, John (Dir,TacHumRtsDept" <JBRIEHL@ci.tacoma.wa.us>Bob Jean, I personally do not know if housing discrimination against sexual
minorities is a problem in University Place, but I suspect (having heard
reports at Tacoma's public meetings on its proposed anti-discrimination
ordinance) that members of the homosexual community would assert that it
is. You might contact the Director of Tacoma's Human Rights Dept., John
Briehl, to see what Tacoma has found. I doubt that UP would have any less
of a discrimination problem than Tacoma.The advantage of the ordinance recently adopted in Thurston County is that
the enforcement was left to mediation or, if that is unsuccessful, to
private litigation, so it minimally burdens local government staff. I
frankly do not know if that approach would be upheld if challenged in court,
but I assume that the Thurston County Prosecutor's civil division lawyers
thoroughly researched it before it was enacted. Elizabeth Petrich was the
lead lawyer, I am told.Doug Schafer, Tacoma lawyer residing in UP.
Subject: [Fwd: Equal Housing Ordinance Protecting Sexual Minorities]
Date: Mon, 08 Apr 2002 14:31:07 -0700
From: Doug Schafer <d_schafer@bigfoot.com>
To: "Briehl, John (Dir,TacHumRtsDept" <JBRIEHL@ci.tacoma.wa.us>John Briehl, I just cc'd you on my message to Bob Jean, city manager (?) of
University Place. I had sent this to the UP Councilmembers recently, and
today forwarded Bob a copy of the Thurston County fair housing ordinance
that I received by e-mail from Elizabeth Petrich. You (or a HR Comm'n
member) just might give Bob Jean a phone call to apprize him if
discrimination likely is a problem in UP. Doug Schafer.[end]