Gay Today: World

GLTF Grants Help Fight
Local Anti-Gay Ballot Measures

Compiled by GayToday

Washington, D.C.--The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force announced its first two grants to local communities facing ballot initiatives that threaten the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. An NGLTF grant will award $20,000 to Basic Rights Oregon and $5,000 to Traverse City Campaign Against Discrimination.

Oregon, which has experienced 33 GLBT-related ballot measures since 1988 on the local and state level, is now facing a potential statewide effort in 2002 to ban the positive or neutral mention of homosexuality in public schools.

NGLTF Executive Director Lorri L. Jean

Traverse City is voting this November on a proposed city charter amendment that would ban the enactment of any nondiscrimination law covering gay, lesbian or bisexual people. Two other Michigan cities --Kalamazoo and Huntington Woods -- also face anti-GLBT ballot measures this November.

NGLTF expects to announce an additional $75,000 in local grants later this year.

The Task Force is the only national organization that provides electoral training on an ongoing basis in how to defeat anti-GLBT ballot initiatives.

"This grant money will help our state and local partners work to defeat measures that threaten our communities," said NGLTF Executive Director Lorri L. Jean.

"We are particularly committed to helping the campaigns that are willing to do the critical work of building a list of gay and pro-gay voters who we can then turn out to vote in every election. This ''voter I.D.' work is essential to win elections."

Jean noted that since 1998, 19 GLBT-related measures have been voted on in the United States. Only in five of the 19 elections have GLBT activists prevailed.

"In both Oregon and in Traverse City, local leaders have made the extraordinary commitment to running strong campaigns and doing the on-the-ground organizing that is so often neglected," Jean said.

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"This grant makes it possible for us to get an early start in our campaign," said Roey Thorpe, executive director of Basic Rights Oregon. "The right-wing assault in Oregon has implications for the entire nation, and we are committed to defeating this assault again this year.

"NGLTF has given us many kinds of support over the years, including technical assistance and training. We are thrilled to be recognized in this way, and grateful for NGLTF's vision and understanding of the importance of this work."

"We plan to use NGLTF's gift to solicit matching funds from local donors," said Bonnie Deigh, co-chair of the Traverse City Campaign Against Discrimination.

"NGLTF's belief in our ultimate success at the polls assures our grassroots supporters that their individual contributions will be money well spent. We deeply appreciate NGLTF's great vote of confidence."

To contribute or volunteer for Basic Rights Oregon, call 503-222-6151, email roey@basicrights.org or visit www.basicrights.org