The American Lutheran Church Southern Wisconsin District 2705 Packers Avenue Madison, Wisconsin 53704 608-244-5440 April 13, 1981 Mr. Leon Rouse 2935 N. Prospect Milwaukee, WI 53211 Dear Leon, Thank you for your concern re: AB #270. Since I am not able to be there, and it is hard for anyone to represent me, you may use the following which is the statement which Wisconsin Conference of Churches asked jurisdictions which care to support the Bill to so authorize. Our District Council concurs and asked me to indicate such support: "Our District Council has auth roized me to indicate support for Assembly Bill %270." "If deemed necessary I would be willing to appear and speak at any hearing on this Bill 70." (3/23/81 correspondence to WCC) I am sending a copy of this letter to John Fischer, executive director of WCC, so that he can represent me at the hearing. This should be adequate, shouldn't it? Kindest regards. (wb) Sincerely, A. C Schumache A. C. Schumacher, president Southern Wisconsin District, ALC ACS/wb cc/ John Fischer Thomas Loftus --- Verne E. Sindlinger Executive Presbyter Dinneba innebago resbytery 803 E. College Avenue Appleton, WI 54911 OCT 21 MGB The Synod of Lakes and Prairies United presBYTCHLAD church in che usa (414) 734-3598 August 20, 1981 Members of the Wisconsin State Legislature State Capitol Madison, Wisconsin Dear Friends: 53702 I am writing in support of AB 70. The General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, the national judicatory of my denomination has taken the strong stand in support of legislation which would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation of individuals in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodations. Let me quote from the text of the resolution adopted by our General Assembly in 1978: "Vigilence must be exercised to oppose federal, state, and local legislation that discriminates against persons on the basis of sexual orientation and to initiate and support federal, state, and local legislation that prohibits discrimination against persons on the basis of sexual orientation in employment, housing, and public accommodations." In addition to expressing the position of the United Presbyterian Church, I am expressing my own personal support for this legislation and requesting that you support it with your voice and your vote. Cordially yours, Verne T. Sindling Verne E. Sindlinger Executive Presbyter VES:nb --- מונס Lee Sherman Dreyfus Governor TO: FROM: DATE: RE: Representative David Clarenbach Governor's Advisory Council for Women and Family Initiatives September 8, 1981 AB 70 The Governor's Advisory Council for Women and Family Initiatives reviewed AB 70 pertaining to prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and voted to support the legislation. There was one dissenting vote. The Council is committed to supporting legislation that prohibits obstacles to free choices in employment, educational opportunities and housing. We are supportive of the right for individuals to make free choices while assuming all accompanying responsibilities. There are many examples of individuals who have enjoyed non-discrimination in housing, employment and education who, in fact, are homosexual. They have often enjoyed these choices without discrimination or harassment because their sexual orientation was unknown. They have led exemplary lives in most cases and where they have not, they have been held responsible for their behavior as have other members of the human family. _Since honesty is a cherished value of our society it follows that individuals should be able to honestly pursue their goals as contributing members of society without fear and anxiety regardless of their sexual orientation. State of Wisconsin, State Capitol, P.O. Box 7863, Madison, Wisconsin 53707 / 608-266-1212 --- FORWARD 25% C Lee Sherman Dreyfus Governor TO: FROM: DATE: RE: Representative David Clarenbach Governor's Advisory Council for Women and Family Initiatives September 8, 1981 AB 70 The Governor's Advisory Council for Women and Family Initiatives reviewed AB 70 pertaining to prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and voted to support the legislation. There was one dissenting vote. The Council is committed to supporting legislation that prohibits obstacles to free choices in employment, educational opportunities and housing. We are supportive of the right for individuals to make free choices while assuming all accompanying responsibilities. There are many examples of individuals who have enjoyed non-discrimination in housing, employment and education who, in fact, are homosexual. They have often enjoyed these choices without discrimination or harassment because their sexual orientation was unknown. They have led exemplary lives in most cases and where they have not, they have been held responsible for their behavior as have other members of the human family. Since honesty is a cherished value of our society it follows that individuals should be able to honestly pursue their goals as contributing members of society without fear and anxiety regardless of their sexual orientation. State of Wisconsin, State Capitol, P.O. Box 7863, Madison, Wisconsin 53707 / 608-266-1212 --- OCT 21 the american lutheran church northern wisconsin district (715) 842-0616 8103-SEYMOUR-LANE WAUSAU, WISCONSIN 54401 2800 Westhill Dr., Suite 209 September 18, 1981 To: Members of the Wisconsin State Assembly VERNON E. ANDERSON, D. D. President NORRIS 1. ERDAL, Pastor Executive Assistant ROBERT H. HERDER, Pastor Executive Assistant. Dear Friends: I, as a religious leader in Wisconsin, firmly believe that otherwise properly qualified candidates should not be discriminated against because of their race, age, creed, color, handicap, sex, national origin, ancestry or sexual orientation. All except those of differ- ent sexual orientation are protected by law. This denial of pro- tection and employment opportunities to these people tends to deprive the victims of the earnings which are necessary to maintain a just and decent standard of living, thereby committing grave injury to them. I feel that to discriminate against a person merely because of his or her sexual orientation is extremely unjust. We cannot believe that it is a Judeo-Christian attitude that would block them from holding responsible positions in the community. While I may not condone or support some of the activities of certain lifestyles, I do firmly insist in civil rights and equal protection under the law for all citizens. I firmly endorse the passing of 1981 Assembly Bill 70. As a member of The American Lutheran Church, I would like to refer you to the enclosed statement entitled "Human Sexuality and Sexual Behavior" adopted by the Tenth General Convention of The American Lutheran Church, dated October 1980. Specifically note pages 7-8, Article F. "Expressing Concerns Through Law." It is my sincere feeling that none of us is free from discrimination until we all are. Raspectfully, VEA:gs Enc. Vernon E. Anderson President - Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. MARK 16:15 - --- St. Jude Parish 1421 DIVISION STREET . GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN 54303 • PHONE 494-5211 February 2, 1982 Mr. Jerome Van Sistine inc State Capitol Madison WI. 53702 Dear Mr. Van Sistine: It has recently been brought to my attention that Assembly Bill #70 is again being studied by the State Legislature. As a Catholic priest in the Green Bay Diocese, I can in good conscience support this legislation insofar as it bans discrimination because of sexual orientation in the areas of employment, housing, and public accomodations. As a priest, I have had the opportunity to minister to many gay persons. A major obstical I have recognized in my ministry is prejudice in the areas of employment, and housing. When a person is feeling pressure due to undue prejudice it is very difficult to help a person feel any self worth, and perhaps even more difficult to help a person believe that the church is concerned for that indivdual, regardless of sexual orientation. The National Conference of Catholic Bishops in 1976 addressed this issue in one of their Pastorals. It stated "Homosexuals, like everyone else. should not suffer from prejudice againse their basic human rights. They have a right to respect. friendship. and justice. They should have an active role in the Christian Community." Archbishop Rembert Weakland, the Provincial Bishop of the Wisconsin Dioceses. has stated openly. in an article in The Milwaukee Herald Citizen, "We have to see Gay People, then, not as an enemy to be battered down. but as persons worthy of respect and friendship. Many are sincerely seeking to experience the presence of God in their lives and long to be accented as having something to offer to the building up of the community of believers....We must be concerned, also. about their rights. Consequentlv, I cannot believe it is a Christian attitude that would block them from holding responsible positions in the community." I know that the issue of AB #70 has already been brought before the Priest's Senate of the Green Bav Diocese. As of this date I am not aware of what decision has been made by that body. I feel I can say that the Senate would be supportive of this bill in light of the consistency of the Church's past. teachings. I am enclosing a list of the names of my brother priests in the Green Bay area who I feel would be supportive of AB #70. These are priests whom I know personally, and are concerned, as I am, about the infringement of human rights due to discrimination and prejudice. I would encourage vou to personally contact any of these priests, as I am sure their experience in ministering to gays has been similar to mine. and they too are very much aware of how prejudice and infringement of rights affects their pastoral ministry. In conclusion, I would personally ask you to be supportive of AB #70, and that you would contact me to inform me of your voting position on this bill as well as it's outcome so I may contact and inform my brother priests, and a number of other interested persons in the parish which I am presently assigned. T Qu --- page 2. I would like to be present at the hearing for AB #70, however due to previously made vacation plans I will be out of the state until February 17. Please accept the person presenting this letter to you as my voice on this matter. In Christ's Love, Rev. Stus J. Schus Rev. Steven J. Scherer Associate Pastor St. Jude Catholic Church 1421 Division St. Green Bay, Wisconsin, 54303 Enc. ---