Giuliani emerging as favorite of gays (Log Cabin Republicans annual convention)

DENVER - Rudy Giuliani emerged as a favorite among many members of the GOP's largest gay organization, who cited his record on social issues, taxes and defense.

However, delegates to the Log Cabin Republicans annual convention said Friday they also fear that the former New York mayor, in his bid to capture the Republican presidential nomination, might be waffling as he reaches out to the more conservative GOP voters who hold sway in the primaries.

"Mainstream Republican voters and moderate voters are going to vote for you. Don't tilt to the right," said Frank Ricchiazzi, who helped found the Log Cabin group 30 years ago.

Ricchiazzi, who wore an "I Love Rudy" button, cited Giuliani's remarks on abortion during the GOP presidential candidates' debate Thursday night.

With a record of supporting abortion rights, Giuliani said "it would be OK" if the Supreme Court upholds the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion. "It would be OK to repeal it. It would be OK also if a strict constructionist viewed it as precedent," he said.

Following the GOP's losses in the November elections, in both Congress and the statehouses, many gay Republicans said they believe the party should strive to select a candidate who doesn't focus on divisive social issues.

"We're shaking some of the goofies and zanies out of the trees," Simpson said to laughter.

"Who the hell's for abortion?" he added, explaining that it is a personal decision and should not be on the party platform.

Simpson repeatedly declined to comment on the individual GOP candidates. He urged the Log Cabin delegates to work for change within the party.

"Don't be impatient. Stay in the party. Don't leave because you can change it," Simpson said.

Asked about Tommy Thompson's remark Thursday that an employer should be allowed to fire a gay worker solely for being gay, Simpson said he didn't watch the debate. He called the response a "crazy statement to make in these times" and "insensitive."

Log Cabin president Patrick Sammon said the group won't endorse a candidate before the primaries and doesn't expect anyone to run on a platform that includes gay rights. A unifying conservative agenda will support free trade, an aggressive war on terrorism, fiscal responsibility and limited government, he said.

That said, Sammon called Giuliani "a very strong leader with an inclusive record."

David Keeton, a small-business owner in Dallas, and his partner, Rob Schlein, said they supported Giuliani because of his record as New York mayor and his response to the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

"I'm an American first, then a Republican second, and gay falls in third or fourth," said Keeton, who wore a Ronald Reagan pin on his lapel.

Both said they recently met former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney at a fundraiser and had their picture taken with him. They were offended when Romney told the crowd that he opposed gay marriage and civil unions.

"We're part of the Republican Party, but he just alienated people who had paid $1,500 for a table," Keeton said.

Former Republican Sen. Alan Simpson of Wyoming, the event's keynote speaker, agreed. He told the group of about 200 that he thinks the party is in a better place than it was after delving into issues like the Terri Schiavo case and gay marriage. "We're shaking some of the goofies and zanies out of the trees," Simpson said to laughter.

He musters a crowd of 200 after all the anti-sodomy-marriage amendments we've past in the states and we're the "goofies and zanies"? Methinks that Alan has more than a few business suits and some wingtips in the old Simpson closet.

"Who the hell's for abortion?" he added, explaining that it is a personal decision and should not be on the party platform.

Obviously, at least 202 people. Like Simpson, Giuliani, and these Log Cabin sodomites who claim to be Republicans.

David Keeton, a small-business owner in Dallas, and his partner, Rob Schlein, said they supported Giuliani because of his record as New York mayor and his response to the Sept. 11 terror attacks. "I'm an American first, then a Republican second, and gay falls in third or fourth," said Keeton, who wore a Ronald Reagan pin on his lapel.

Really? So that sodomy stuff just isn't important after all?

Both said they recently met former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney at a fundraiser and had their picture taken with him. They were offended when Romney told the crowd that he opposed gay marriage and civil unions. "We're part of the Republican Party, but he just alienated people who had paid $1,500 for a table," Keeton said.

Ah, the truth emerges.

I think the Mitt crew should take notice. Mitt's obviously a sweet guy, a little too unwilling to make cold political choices or, maybe, it's just part of his habit of inclusiveness. But getting the nomination does often mean choosing your friends and allies. And not everyone can be your friend. That's just politics. The party base will tolerate some "leadership" but we do demand our nominees represent our fundamental values. So far, Mitt is doing well. Polite but holding a firm line acceptable to the base.

Like Mitt Romney is going to worry over some whiny middle-aged Liza fans who can only muster $1500 a table. The Mittster is worth a cool $500 million.

MAYOR GIULIANI DELIVERS KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT ‘LIBERTY FOR ALL’ - THE 1999 LOG CABIN NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Mayor Renews Call for State to Pass Hate Crimes Legislation

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today delivered the keynote address at ‘Liberty for All’ — the 1999 Log Cabin Republicans National Leadership Conference, the largest gathering of gay and lesbian conservatives in the nation. This year’s annual conference held at the Roosevelt Hotel featured leading gay and lesbian leaders, writers, elected officials and activists from around the country, including Tempe, Arizona Mayor Neil Giuliano.

In his keynote address, the Mayor highlighted New York City’s success in crime reduction, welfare reform, and tax reduction while stressing New York City’s historic role in advancing the civil rights of gays and lesbians. The Mayor also renewed his call for the state legislature to enact reforms extending to homosexuals the same protection from discrimination afforded other groups and to pass hate crimes legislation.

“New Yorkers have a strong, proud history of protecting and advancing the rights of all people, including the rights of gays and lesbians,” the Mayor said. “Over the last five years, New York City has built upon that heritage, setting an example for the rest of our nation by striving for equality among all New Yorkers. Last July, for example, I was proud to sign into law, landmark domestic partnership legislation. This law includes domestic partners under provisions of the City’s Administrative Code and Charter that once applied only to spouses. It also permits domestic partners to receive health benefits provided by the City to City employees, retirees, and their eligible family members.”

The Mayor continued, “But despite our progress, our nation continues to confront unspeakable hatred. On this, the anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington, we as a nation must go forward together, not as voting blocks with loyalties within our groups, but as independent, tolerant individuals with broader loyalties to one another as New Yorkers and Americans.”

The Log Cabin Republicans’ National Convention is being held in NYC from Friday, August 27th to Sunday, August 29th. The convention, attended by over 200 members, includes a variety of conferences, panel discussions and social functions. The theme of this year’s convention is “Liberty for All”. Last year’s convention was held in Dallas, Texas.

Log Cabin Republicans is the nation’s largest gay and lesbian Republican organization, with over 50 chapters across the country, a national office staff, and a federal PAC which raises $100,000 per election cycle for Republican candidates.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/om/html/99b/pr340-99.html

MAYOR GIULIANI PROCLAIMS JUNE LESBIAN AND GAY PRIDE AND HISTORY MONTH

Thanks City AIDS Coordinator Ronald Johnson for His Service as He Joins the Gay Men’s Health Crisis

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani this evening honored the Coalition of Lesbian and Gay City Employees at the annual Out in Government Reception in City Hall and issued a proclamation declaring the month of June as Lesbian and Gay Pride and History Month. Coalition Co-Chairs Stanley Shor and Susan Halatyn accepted the proclamation from the Mayor which commemorates the 28th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion.

Joining the Mayor at the ceremony were Department of Transportation Commissioner Christopher Lynn and Commissioner of Homeless Services Gordon Campbell.

“Today we welcome all of New York City to celebrate the history of our gay and lesbian communities, a history as rich in diversity as the City itself,” Mayor Giuliani said. “Advocates for the lesbian and gay community have worked to heighten awareness and understanding throughout the City. Since its founding in 1992, the Coalition of Lesbian and Gay City Employees has become an important part of that diverse history, providing an intelligent voice and a strong support system for the men and women whose achievements help to make the City what it is today.”

The Mayor also thanked Citywide Coordinator of AIDS Policy Ronald Johnson for his years of valuable services to the City of New York. Johnson is leaving City services to join the Gay Men’s Health Crisis, the largest gay service organization in the nation, as Managing Director in Charge of Public Policy, Community Relations and Communications.

“This evening I want to thank Ronald Johnson, Citywide Coordinator for AIDS Policy, for his tremendous service to the City and as a fighter against ignorance and apathy,” Mayor Giuliani said. “Ron will be leaving the City to focus on national AIDS policy with the Gay Men’s Health Crisis, but we will not forget his unparalleled dedication to education and early intervention that has led the City to a new era of hope.”

“Under his leadership, the Division of AIDS Services restructured and re-focused its energies, adapting to the changing needs of people living with the epidemic,” Mayor Giuliani added. “Now, thanks to Ron, New York City is proud to be a national leader in the education, treatment, advocacy and counseling. Ron’s work has left the City well equipped to meet new challenges. Although we will miss Ron, at G.M.H.C., his unmatched energy, knowledge and dedication will remain at the vital center of this historic fight.”

“I thank Mayor Giuliani for giving me the opportunity to serve in his Administration and to contribute to strengthening and expanding the City’s response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic,” Ron Johnson said. “The magnitude and complexity of the epidemic here in New York City exceeds that of any other city in the country. I am very proud of the City government’s commitment to the fight against AIDS and how that commitment has grown over the past three years. Under the leadership of Mayor Giuliani and his Administration, City government, in partnership with community based program providers, has expanded greatly in the continuum of care for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.”

“I look forward to continuing my personal efforts in the fight against AIDS in my new role at the Gay Men’s Health Crisis (G.M.H.C.),” Johnson continued. “With the recent advances in the medical treatment of HIV infection, new challenges have emerged that demand the attention of all of us. I thank Mayor Giuliani for his personal support, and that of his Administration, in ensuring our City’s commitment to providing education, treatment and care to all New Yorkers living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.”

During the time that Ronald Johnson served as the Citywide Coordinator the availability of supportive housing to people with AIDS increased with the inception of the City’s first AIDS Housing Plan. The HIV Planning Council also harnessed and channeled federal Ryan White money to previously neglected communities. In 1996, New York City became the first City in the nation to document a decline in the number of AIDS related deaths; there was a record 30 percent drop from 1995.

In conjunction with his work as Citywide Coordinator, Johnson served as Chair of the HIV Health and Human Service Planning Council, which sets the priorities for the use of federal funds under the Ryan White C.A.R.E. Act. Prior this position, he was the Executive Director of the Minority Task Force on AIDS, located in New York City.

The Coalition of Lesbian and Gay City Employees, founded in 1992, is aimed at heightening the visibility and understanding of gay and lesbian issues, addressing the needs and priorities of lesbian and gay employees and providing social and professional networking opportunities. The Coalition seeks to ensure equal treatment and Civil rights for its members. It is open to all current and former employees of the City of New York in all areas of government, including elected and appointed officials and retirees from City service.

http://www.freerepublic.com/^http://www.nyc.gov/html/om/html/97/sp377-97.html

MAYOR GIULIANI ANNOUNCES HATE CRIME INITIATIVE TO REDUCE HATE CRIME AND ENHANCE HATE CRIME INVESTIGATIONS AND PROSECUTIONS

March 30, 2000

Joins With City’s District Attorneys, Bias Victims To Unveil Hate Crimes Task Force

New 24-Hour Hate Crimes Hotline Established

Mayor Renews Call For State Legislature, Congress to Pass Hate Crimes Legislation

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today joined with anti-hate crime groups, Staten Island Borough President Guy Molinari, and the District Attorneys of Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island to unveil a new initiative that will help reduce the number of hate crimes and enhance hate crime investigations and prosecutions in New York City. The sweeping initiative includes the allocation of almost $4 million for the creation of a Hate Crimes Task Force within the NYPD and an additional $1.2 million in funding for the City’s District Attorneys to enhance prosecutions of hate crime offenders. The City will also establish a new 24-hour, hate-crime hotline — 888-440-HATE.

Also joining the Mayor at the announcement were Police Commissioner Howard Safir; Criminal Justice Coordinator Steven Fishner; representatives of the Bronx and Brooklyn District Attorneys; Iman Pasha; Edison Jackson of Medgar Evers College; and representatives of the Anti-Defamation League, the Gay Men’s Health Crisis, the Empire Pride Agenda, the Anti-Violence Project, and the Domestic Violence for Chinatown Planning Association.

“Every hate crime is a crime against our City, since it strikes at the diversity upon which New York thrives,” the Mayor said. “Over the last several years, the Police Department and the City’s District Attorneys have made tremendous strides in reducing the incidence of hate crime. This initiative will enable our City to make further progress toward eliminating crimes driven by hatred and ignorance, and it will encourage more victims to come forward.”

The Mayor continued, “I also again call upon the State legislature and Congress to enact hate crimes legislation that recognizes the severity of hate crimes and imposes the appropriate penalties.”

Police Commissioner Howard Safir said, “The new Hate Crimes Task Force will enable the NYPD to investigate hate crimes more effectively. It will help us identify those who have a history of committing bias crimes and help us prevent other bias crimes from taking place. The Hate Crimes Task Force will create an environment where no one will believe that they can commit a hate crime in this City without being apprehended and prosecuted.”

Manhattan District Attorney Robert M. Morgenthau said, “Crimes motivated by hate and bias have especially pernicious effects on society. The expansion of police and prosecution resources will enhance the ability of law enforcement to effectively investigate, prosecute and bring appropriate sanctions to bear on those who perpetrate these most serious offenses.”

Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown said, “Crimes motivated by ethnic or racial bias - particularly those involving violence - are deplorable and can never be tolerated. The Mayor’s initiative will help all of us in the law enforcement community to more aggressively investigate and prosecute bias crimes. It sends a strong message that crimes motivated by hate are to be condemned and that when they do, regrettably, occur they will be vigorously prosecuted and severely punished.”

Richmond County District Attorney Bill Murphy said, “The prosecution of bias crimes has always been one of my top priorities. In fact, when I was president of the New York State District Attorney Association in the late 1980s, I convinced the Association to change its position and support the passage of hate crimes legislation. Although the State Senate has not yet passed this much-needed provision calling for tougher penalties against bias crimes, I was delighted to learn that my office will be receiving additional funding to actively pursue bias cases and conduct thorough investigations.”

As part of the initiative, the Hate Crimes Task Force will receive $3.8 million in funding to quadruple staffing; create a sophisticated hate crimes database to monitor bias incidents and track hate organizations; establish a hate crime prevention training program aimed at elementary and middle school students; and increase the budget for special hate crime investigations, such as the ongoing investigation into the recent acts of vandalism against religious symbols. The additional funding will also enable the Hate Crimes Task Force to increase community outreach and improve coordination with federal, state and local agencies and the City’s five District Attorneys. The $1.2 million allocated to the District Attorneys will enable them to devote more personnel and resources to hate crime investigations and prosecutions.

NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force personnel will be deployed to designated areas of the City based on analyses of the number of bias incidents, types of crimes, patterns and community concerns. The Task Force will deploy personnel based upon reported bias incidents and emerging patterns.

Since 1996, the number of bias incidents has declined 24 percent, from 513 reported incidents citywide in 1996 to 390 incidents in 1999. As a result of the creation of a 24-hour hotline and increased community outreach and information efforts, the City expects more hate crime victims to come forward, resulting in an increase in the number of reported hate crime incidents.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/om/html/2000a/pr116-00.html

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