Reporting on Kaiser (HD-59), Lindsey (HD-54), & Frazier (HD-123)

Representative Margaret Kaiser, District 59, writes:

I've heard this rumor, as well. The Director of Georgia Equality, also, addressed this issue before the Atlanta-Fulton delegation of legislators last week. I would, absolutely, oppose this.couples that my husband I are very close friends with are gay, have been together a decade longer than we have, and both have adopted children. It boggles my mind to see the mean-spirited, close minded nature of many pieces of legislation I've seen introduced.

Please take a moment to send Rep Kaiser a thank you at margaret.kaiser@house.ga.gov.



Representative Edward Lindsey, District 54, writes:

It is difficult to judge legislation before reading it. However, I have generally opposed similar total bans in the past.

Feel free to send Representative Lindsey an email at edward.lindsey@house.ga.gov to let him know you'd like to keep to his "generally oppos[ing] ... total bans."




Representative Gloria Frazier, District 123, writes:

Thank you for your concern on how I would vote on this rumor mill adoption legislation. Unfortunately, I do not vote personally on these issues. It is the decision of my constituency that guides my vote. I have no knowledge of this rumor and since it is just that rumor mill, I have no opinion. Until there is actual legislation in the 2009-2010 session, I will then get the consensus of my people in my district and vote accordingly.

Well, I need help finding people in House District 123 to email Rep Frazier(frazier26@comcast.net) to let her know such legislation shouldn't be supported if introduced.

Reporting on Benfield (HD-85), Cox (HD-102), & Everson (HD-106)

As I mentioned in the first entry of this blog, I have created a form letter to send to each State Senator and House Representative. I am happy to start sharing the replies I have received.

Representative Stephanie Benfield, District 85, a long time ally to LGBT Georgians, wrote:

You have my 100% commitment that I will always oppose a bill banning adoption by LGBT Georgians.

If you have a moment, send Representative Benfield a thank you at stuckey@mindspring.com.





Representative Clay Cox, District 102, wrote:

While I appreciate your email regarding rumored legislation, I cannot comment on a bill until it is actually written and I have read it. I have heard no such rumor.

I sent a response letting him know I understand where he is coming from, & I made sure to note that a number of his peers have had no issues with expressing their views on the topic. I ended with: Let me ask this--Do you have any interest in sponsoring a bill to ban LGBT Georgians from being able to adopt? I'm waiting for his next email.




I mailed Representative Melvin Everson, District 106, a letter on 11/20/08, and here is an excerpt from his reply written on 11/22/08:

I have not heard of any legislation pertaining to this and if some is drafted addressing this issue, I would vote against it.

Representative Everson should be commended for such a swift snail mail reply and for pledging to take a stand against discrimination if needed. If you have a moment, send Representative Everson a thank you note at Melvin Everson, Representative- District 106, 1725 Winding Creek Circle, Snellville, GA 30078.

How It Works

Election Day '08 was bittersweet. The sweet part being the historical election of Senator Obama as the first African-American President of the US, and the bitter part: the discrimination that prevailed in California, Florida, Arizona, and Arkansas. The ballot measures passed in each state make me think about what in Georgia is left to rally the right-wing troops, and it hit me-- placing a ban on adoption by LGBT people. With this haunting thought I did the only thing I knew to do -- start writing elected officials. Thus, NOT IN MY GEORGIA was born. I am writing via email and snail mail each member of the Georgia House of Representatives and Senate with the following initial message:

Dear Representative.....

According to the political rumor mill, a State Senator will sponsor a bill to ban adoption by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender (LGBT) Georgians. What is your opinion on a bill that would ban adoption for LGBT Georgians? If such a bill is sponsored, no matter by whom, how will you cast your vote?

I look forward to your timely response.

Cordially,
Dustin Brookshire

I will share all developments from the correspondences in this blog. I hope you'll stay tuned.