LLOYD A. BARBEE Capitol Office Address: Room 325 West Copy Madison, Wisconsin 53702 Telephone: (608) 266-3787 Milwaukee Office Address: 110 East Wisconsin Avenue Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 Telephone: (414) 273-5755 Maria Bills REPRESENTATIVE 18th District WISCONSIN LEGISLATURE ASSEMBLY CHAMBER MADISON 53702 CHAIRMAN: Committee on Judiciary MEMBER: Board on Government Operations Committee on Transportation Judicial Council Legislative Council November 5, 1974 Mr. Jon K. Hart 2992 Pine Street San Francisco, California 94115 Dear Mr. Hart: Practically every discussion relating to non-monogamous relation- ships speaks of one basic principle. It is a principle reflecting the rationale that marriage is a constructural relationship between parties for their mutual benefit and happiness....a relationship which should be defined by the terms of the position of the par- ticipants. Unless the specific terms of such social arrangements pose a signi- ficant threat to the well-being of its members, such as children and the need to guarantee their support, society and the legal institutions which govern it should exercise restraint in applying any control over the form of arrangement. There are those, however, who may speak of the immorality of group marriage situations and the need for government to legislate in these areas in order to preserve our democratic institutions. Yet the extent to which they would impose their own moral values does little but undermine the basic democratic ideals which we assume to exist in our country. Other than in situations where the free choice of one individual infringes on the basic rights of another, government has no legiti- mate authority under truly basic democratic principles to legislate or enforce morality. While democracy, indeed, implies morality, the type of morality required in a democracy must be responsive to the rights and needs of each human being. It is our changing society and our changing values that are responsible for our evolving morality. Changes in our legal code are merely responses to these changes. In order for the legal system to remain credible to the people, it must become flexible enough to adapt to the social changes that constantly occur. There is no justifiable social purpose served by our present laws that require people to live and marry monogamously. While these This is 100% Recycled Paper --- 2 25%0 relationships are useful and happy ones for many people, so are other forms of relationships. To require all people to adhere to a one- spouse relationship is as absurd and repressive as requiring every citizen to adhere to the same faith or religion. In many proposals to legalize alternate forms of marriage, there is much discussion about age factors and limitations on the number of couples allowable for such marriage arrangements. The age and number limits are arbitrary and unnecessary. Furthermore, those who would support or play a numbers game would be forced to defend the limitations by the same logic as those who maintain the monogamous relationship as the only socially acceptable form of family living. In essence, the question of numbers is solely a marital matter that belongs in the private realm of personal choice between the persons participating in the specific group marriage situation. As far as making certain provisions to allow for an escape clause for those who later find that group marriage situations are not quite palat- able for them, it is my belief that a waiting period is essential. In fact, this waiting period concept, whether it be for six months or one year, is an idea which should be incorporated in every potential marriage situation....monogamous and non-monogamous both. Even in the traditional mode of family living, there are many who realize only too late that they are not quite ready to handle the responsibility and commitment that goes along with marriage. Our society consists of many different individuals with many different needs. To assume that one person can totally fulfill the other person's Those who realize needs is an unrealistic expectation that must be faced. this fact of life are not necessarily advocating non-monogamous relation- ships, but merely allowing those who do advocate such marital arrangements their free choice of marital arrangement. The validity of the one-spouse concept has been effectively challenged as the only form of successful marital arrangement. The Harrad Commun- ity and others like it deserve our support for proving that new family models can be as spiritually, emotionally, and economically rewarding as the more traditional forms of family living. I support members of the same sex marrying, if they have a desire, and therefore traditions or laws which prohibit marriages between persons of the same sex should be repealed. I am enclosing Under separate cover I am sending you copies of those bills which I introduced in the Wisconsin Legislature. I hope you will find them beneficial to you in your efforts toward getting the matter of the legalization of alternate forms of marrage on the California ballot. The best of luck to you. Justice for all, Honor Barbee LLOYD A. BARBEE State Representative LAB:rs AJR 40-aB 185- ab481-aB482 ab 587 --- Sir: Bloomer, Wis. 54724 6/27/73 Is the devil your master? I have read in the paper yesterday that you propose a bill to allow marriage between persons of the same sex, having more than one spouse and group marriage. What is the matter with you anyway? Haven't you any sense of shame whatever, and don't you know anything about God? I have never heard of any- thing so low, this would reduce mankind to lower than the animals. Why don't you wake up now? George J. Malz. --- 6/25/73 7304-37th ove Kenosha, Wisc 53140 I want prostitate gottery of in Kenosha and suchst do Solyd Barbee: rid of you mean ливет a bill to be passed allowing homosexuals to and Lesbians to marry, Marry group marriage and a man could have two (2) eveves, as women Could have tur / 21 husbands. must have rocks in your You Thead or you [21 are a homorefuel And if you pass this bill will be tarred there an feathered Sand run out of town! all the good Catholic plops ar against this of which Ima --- member. You Just forget Brebt these bills are will have God against you Sincerly & L. S. --- April 25, 1973 SCREW Milky Way Productions P. O. Box 432 old Chelsea Station New York, N. Y. 10011 Gentlemen: Enclosed you will find my legislative program concerning multiple marriage, two of which were inspired by Bob Rimmer of Quincy, Massachusetts. The bills enclosed are Assembly Bills 185, 587, 481, 482 and Assembly Joint Resolution 40. Yours very truly, LAB IS ENC. LLOYD A. BARBEE State Representative 18th Assembly District --- Bob Rimmer 92 Narragansett Road Quincy, Massachusetts 02169 :I March 24, 1972 Lloyd A. Barbee Wisconsin State Legislature Room 131 South Madison, Wisconsin 53702 Dear Lloyd: It looks as if there may be a book published which I will be the general editor of called "Marriage 2000". I am enclosing a Chapter outline of this book and this, of course, is tentative. I would very much like to have from you, if you would like to be included in it, a letter outlining not only your views on group marriage, but your well advertised views on bigamous marriage. I think that if you would leave this in the book with your name on it, plus the proposal to legalize group marriage in the State of Wisconsin, that it will give you a lot of interesting publicity. I am also enclosing a release form, should you send me such a letter, and while I have no idea what I will manage to negotiate the book for with the publisher, I will be glad to pay you a token amount of $100.00 to include this material, if the book can finally be put together. It certainly would be a delightful upset if you manage to get this on a ballot. Very best to you. Cordially, Cordy Bob Rimmer RHR/das --- Polygamy SEX Ail Bob Rimmer 92 Namagansett Road Quincy, Massachusetts 02169 March 24, 1972 Lloyd A. Barbea Wisconsin State Legislature Room 131 South Madison, Wisconsin 53702 Dear Lloyd: April 19, 1973 It looks as if there may be a book published which I will be the general editor of called "Marriage 2000". I am enclosing Mrch Bob Rimmerine of this book and this, of course, is tentative. 92 Narragansett Road Quincy Massachusetts 02169 ve from you, if you would like to be included in it, a latter outlining not only your views on group Dear Bob: marriage, but your well advertised views thi Enclosed you will find my legislative program concerning of multiple marriage, two of which were inspired by you. Wisconsin, that I inity. The bills enclosed are Assembly Bills 185, 587, 481, got late 482 and Assembly Joint Resolution 400 40 the book for with the publisher, amount of $100.00 to include Yours sincerely, be pat sogether. ga tokan can finally It stainly would be a delightful upset if you ate to get this LAB:rs LLOYD A. BARBEE State Representative 18th Assembly District --- April 16, 1973 Family Synergy P. O. Box 30103 Terminal Annex Los Angeles, CA 90030 To Whom it may concern: Enclosed please find the following legislation I have introduced: Assembly Jt. Resolution 40 which provides for an ad- visory referendum on the question of legalizing group marriage. Assembly Bill 481 which relates to allowing a person to have more than one spouse if both he and his spouse hold religious beliefs which would permit this and pro- viding he is able to financially support more than one wife and his children. Assembly Bill 587 which permits a person to have more than one spouse if financially able to do so and which relates to divorce settlements and property division. Yours very truly, LAB:rs LLOYD A. BARBEE State Representative 18th Assembly District --- Otober 8, 1974 Rep. Lloyd Barbee fa Joon JI State house Madison, Wisconsin Mr. Barbee, Robert Rimmer tells me you have drafted several bills to legalize alternate forms of marriage, including "Proposition 31" types. My aim is to get on the California ballot by initiative (at least) the 31 bill. A friend (millionaire- radio business) claims the ear of a couple California legislators, so there is a (very long) chance of skipping public action. After the next election. of More likely we'll have to show public support & give the issue "age" so as to be less threatening to the public & thus thier offices. My immediate goal (2-5 years) is simply publicity to help the Bay Area Harrad Community grow in numbers & energy. I will be in close contact with Family Synergy& the other organizations like us. I can get a little publicity by playing up controversy at first to the news media, as petitions become available. (If they spell our name rite, any publicity is good publicity.) I was a radio announcer for six years & can volunteer for (unpaid) work on KPOO - Poor Peoples Radio. I know how to pick weak, generally discredited enemies to be against us, first left wing, then rite. I believe a bill with many limits mite be wise at first so as to get it -any foot in the door- passed. Then when the earth doesn't fall apart, modifications would be easier on the wave of hopeful publicity. Ho-hum would be great news! - Mr. Rimmer recommends; ages, 30. Of couples already married, & a limit of 3 couples. I would add: 1. A limit at first to 2 couples, to better avoid ORGY! publicity. 2. With above "mono-married" phrasing, a couple could me marry a third person who has been married & divorced from --- F someone else. It need not be explicit. [ 3. A waiting period after obtaining a license of may be 6 months. We can get better statistics from those sincere enuf to get thru this trial, & be able to show that it's not worth being thot of as a danger to society since so few will do it. 4. Later modification; average age 30. If you'd be so kind as to send me copies of your bills i'll try to find a lawyer here (know any?) to contribute sfatal time to adapt your bills to California language, &, perhaps incorporate our effort. Your advice & support would be greatly appreciated by the Harrad community. I'd like to print your reply in the newsletter. I'll propose that we give you membership & send you the monthly newsletter. dodd nt in thou sacisti II I. rase je neo T.Respectfully, 66 st an even end of derivateve Jon K. Hart Ils and I) Idstave more acolog P.S. As the Harrad Community is begining incorporation as non-profit, this effort must be legally separate. adress to me personally please. Jon K. Hart aztu zahmetin 2992 Pine St. San Francisco, Ca 94115 La Bolques . Inter. T Igor Ieeetroo Luom --- April 4, 1974 Ms. Jo Ann Dale 918 East 48 1/2 Street Austin, Texas, 78751 Dear Ms. Dale: Some time ago you wrote me regarding an assembly bill which I introduced which would permit marriage between persons of the same sex. 1973 I 4pf On January 23, 1973 I introduced Assembly -Bill 185 which would provide for this. However, the bill was killed on October 26, 1973. A public hearing was held prior to this on June 25, 1973. Thank you for your interest in this proposed legislation. I am sending you a copy of the bill. Very truly yours, LAB:13 LLOYD A. BARBEE State Representative --- Judiciary Committee Wisconsin State Legislature Madison, Wisconsin Dear Gentlepersona: 918 Eest 48 / Street Austin, Texas 78751 April 9, 1973 AB185 Camendment of I was recently informed of an assembly bill (which, went through four committee) concerning between the state marriage law to permit marriage perains of the name sex. As I am presently involved in research concerning the legal rights of homosexuals, I would be interested in finding out about the wording of that amendment and its disposition in the Wisconsin legislature. Could you furniad me this direct me to information very Thank you for your à source? a attention. Yours truly, Johan Tale Jo Ann Dale --- July 31, 1973 Bob Rimmer 92 Narragansett Road Quincy, Massachusetts Dear Mr. Rimmer: 02169 Thank you for your letter of July 19th. Assembly Joint Resolution 40 and Assembly Bill 482 were given their public hearing on June 25th. Two women spoke in opposition to the proposition of group marriage as well as other concepts expanding our current legalized monogamous heterosexual marriages. The Committee will not be taking executive action soon, therefore you could submit a brief statement on the merits of corporate group marriage which I will see that the eleven members of the Judiciary Committee have an opportunity to read. Good luck in your endeavors. Lets keep working to overcome ignorance, hypocrisy and provincialism. Justice for All, LAB:11b Lloyd A. Barbee, Chairman Judiciary Committee --- 2 24 Bob Rimmer 92 Narragansett Road Quincy, Massachusetts 02169 July 19, 1973 Lloyd A. Barbee State Representative Chairman - Judiciary Committee Wisconsin Legislature Room 325 West Madison, Wisconsin 53802 Dear Lloyd: I really appreciate your letter of July 10th. I don't know whether you have ever seen a copy of the paperback "Proposition 31" which has been re-issued which has your bill on the back of it. As you know, I wanted to have the bills themselves included in a book called "Adventures in Loving" which I was in the process of working on. Unfortunately, the book got too long and the bills were eliminated from it. However, the whole thesis of the book ties back to legalizing other forms of marriage. I would very much like to have heard what went on in the hearing room when the bills were discussed. Too bad you didn't have a tape recorder going. I think eventually "Proposition 31" will be made into a movie, although the option has not been picked up as yet on it because of the typical movie maker is too afraid of it. If it ever does happen, it should create a much wider interest. I'm very sure that eventually other forms of marriage will be legalized in the United States and you will be looked upon as one of the instrumental persons in doing this. Very best to you. Cordially, دان ک Bob Rimmer RHR/das --- July 10, 1973 Mr. Robert Rimmer 92 Narragansett Road Quincy, Mass. 02169 Dear Bob: Enclosed please find a copy of one newspaper clipping re- garding the recent hearing before the Judiciary Committee. Two of the measures heard were inspired by you. It is unlikely that these matters will be reported out this year. However, there was some airing on the seriousness of your proposal which was distinguished from other proposals on multiple marriage and uni-sexual marriage. Good luck on your work. I pledge to continue working to create a better climate in my sphere for humans developing their potentialities to the fullest without state interference in the form of civil and criminal laws. LABIES ENC. Justice for all, LLOYD A. BARBEE State Representative Chairman Judiciary Committee --- BEOTSFORD JUN 28 -PM) 1973 54405 John Hanson Patriot Rep. Lloyd Barbee U.S.Postage 6¢ Assembly MADISON, Wisconsin ---