Winners and Losers
The GLBT Plusses and Minuses from Around the U.S. 2000 Election

I know it is hard to believe, but there were candidates and issues on nationwide ballots in addition to the (still undecided) race for President.

While all politics might not be local, most of it still is so it is time to take a gander at how GLBT interests and issues did nationwide.

Alabama Repealed century-old ban against interracial marriage
Of note because of the possibility that recognition of same-sex marriages may eventually rest on the same principles (and U.S. Supreme Court case Loving vs. Virginia) which required that all states recognize interracial marriages

Alaska Rejected measure which would have legalized marijuana
Of note in light of the medicinal qualities found in marijuana and of help to those who are ill, including people with AIDS

California Lesbian Sheila Kuehl moves from State House to State Assembly with a big number victory
I proudly cast my ballot for Ms. Kuehl

Maine Amended state human rights act to cover gays and lesbians

Nebraska Amended constitution to ban same-sex marriages

Nevada Passed a ban on same-sex marriages
Exit polls suggested that the split was 60-40% against gay marriages by people who consider themselves "moderate" Passed a medical marijuana measure

New Hampshire Amended state constitution to allow local towns to pass ordinances on issues not covered by the state's laws or rules
This could work either way --- with a sensible town allowed to guarantee equal rights for all and a less sensible town using the opportunity to codify bigotry

Oregon Awaiting results of small-minded Measure 9 which would prohibit teachers from "encouraging, promoting, sanctioning" homosexuality or bisexuality
This measure is expected to be soundly defeated

Vermont Governor Howard Dean withstood a strong challenge in winning re-election
Dean was under fire from Vermont conservatives for supporting and signing Vermont's historic gay-union law

Wisconsin Incumbent Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, the first (out) lesbian ever elected to Congress wins re-election

In Pride,
Deborah

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