TASK FORCE FOR SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
P.O. Box 11406, New Brunswick NJ 08906-1406
Website:
http://www.gaspasg.org
E-Mail: gaypasg@att.net
732 744-1370

1. MINUTES: Meeting of April 30, 1998 A meeting of the Task Force was held at the residence of Messrs. Campbell and Harrison at 7:30PM, with the following present:

Ed Martone, Exec. Dir., ACLU-NJ
Messrs. John C. Campbell and Richard J. Harrison, GayPASG
Charlie Lanigan, GAAMC and GayPASG Coordinator, Union Co
Steve Hayford, GAAMC
John Schoen, PFLAG
Kevin L. Tisdol, MCC/CTL
Anne Volz
Paulette Bellew

2. Introduction: Kevin Tisdol was welcomed to the Task Force. Kevin is an active member and the Treasurer of the Metropolitan Community Church and has expressed an interest in becoming involved with the Task Force. John C. indicates he is also encouraging Kevin to work with the GayPASG Religious Concerns and Racial Issues Committees. Kevin works in Manhattan and lives in North Brunswick with his partner, Michael.

3. Legislative Update: Ed briefed the Task Force on the status of the effort to schedule appointments with members of the committee. It was reported in last month's minutes that we had met with Assemblyman Melvin Cottrell, Chair of the Senior Issues and Community Services Committee where the bill, A.706, is assigned. The members of the committee are:

Vice-Chair Guy F. Tailrace (R, 38th) Paramus, 201 265-6680
Arline M. Friscia (D, 19th) Woodbridge., 732 634-2526
Nia H Gill (D, 27th) Montclair, 973 509-0388
Jeffrey W. Moran (R, 9th) Forked River, 609 693-6700
Tom Smith (R, 11th) Asbury Park, 732 776-8628
Charlotte Vandervalk (R,39th) Westwood, 201 666-0881

Ed has continued to try to make appointments with members of the committee but has been unsuccessful to date. Nia Gill is an ally with three members in the center. We will continue working on the appointments. Ed has also been trying to make an appointment with Senator Gormley, who chairs the Senate committee that will hear the bill there.

4. Statements of Support from Organizations: Ed indicated that Eric McKinley had reported that Princeton University Chapel and Mercer County Human Relations Commission would both have a supportive statement for our use. Charlie reported that GAAMC had approved issuing a statement and that Charlie was to draft it for signature. We need documentation from the supportive groups and organizations before we print their names on any list or on the Website. To date we have only three written statements from

Lesbians and Gay Men of New Brunswick
Gay & Lesbian Political Action and Support
Metropolitan Community Church/CTL. NJ

5. Religious Community Support: John & Rich reported that they received signatures from 17 people at the April 15th Promises potluck hosted by Richard Palleschi and Thomas Emerick in Princeton. The signatures authorized the use of their names in support of same-sex marriage. They also provided a directory of their group, which represents 120 households. This is a delightful group and they are supportive of full civil/human rights for gays and lesbians.

6. Up-Coming events for SSM TF Participation:

Garden Party for GAAMC 5-9-98
GALY Prom 5-16-98
Street Fair for Pride Center 5-17-98
Pride Parade, Asbury Park 6-7-98

We plan to have tables at the Garden Party and Street Fair to obtain signatures on post cards to the Governor and 4 Legislators and a card that will authorizing the use of their name in support of SSM. Charlie Lanigan will take post cards to the GALY Prom. We plan to have a convertible in the parade with a couple, with a wedding gown, and a table to pass out post cards and obtain as many signatures as possible.

7. Assignments for Contacting Groups The "Organizations" section of Pride Guide '98 was used to assign groups for individuals present to contact re supporting the Post Card project for this Legislative session and for statements of support for the Task Force.

8. Domestic Partner Benefits: Ed reported that ACLU and LAMBDA are still working on potential legislation for DP Benefits. They have a conference call scheduled for May 13th. Their recommendation will be circulated in the community for reaction re supporting the bill.

9. NEXT MEETING: The next meeting for the Same-Sex Marriage Task Force is scheduled for 7:30PM, May 28, 1998 at 473 Plainfield Road, Edison, 732 744-1370.

 

Minutes by Richard J. Harrison & John C. Campbell

 

NOTE: GayPASG is working on a Website where the minutes for this task force are posted each month. Check it out at http://www.gaspasg.org

Send mail to email@gaypasg.org with questions or comments about this web site.
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