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Chuck Bowen, executive director of Georgia Equality, wants the gay rights group to be aggressive during the 2005 legislative session, with the hiring of more lobbyists and the introduction of pro-gay bills. (Photo by R.O. Youngblood)
 
 
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Georgia Equality to seek rights for gay couples in ’05
‘We intend to be victors and not victims,’ Bowen says

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Jan 07, 2005  |  By: RYAN LEE  | COMMENTS |   |  

Just over two months into his tenure as executive director of Georgia Equality, Chuck Bowen is preparing to lead the statewide gay rights group into the 2005 legislative session.

Despite Republican control of both chambers of the increasingly conservative General Assembly, Bowen said Georgia Equality is planning to pursue pro-gay legislation, including a bill that would give hospital visitation and inheritance rights to couples registered with the state.

Bowen also hopes to see Atlanta gay activists morph from being outsiders protesting on the street to decision makers influencing policy in board and committee rooms.

Southern Voice: Do you expect the focus on gay issues or “traditional family values” issues to be as intense as it was during 2004?

Chuck Bowen: Yes. The conservatives are convinced that they have a mandate from the citizens of Georgia to define family values in accordance with their perception of so called mainstream society. Anyone who doesn’t fit this perception, such as LGBT people, single mothers, kids with two parents of the same sex and people of color are to have their rights as Americans curtailed under this very narrow and unrealistic view.

SoVo: Is Georgia Equality hiring a lobbyist this year?

Bowen: I am going to recommend that we have not just one lobbyist, but several. With the Republicans in control we must make sure that our lobbyists have access to those in power. We also are looking at lobbyists who may specialize in certain issues such as health, legal matters including adoption and home rule. In addition, I will be registering as a lobbyist for Georgia Equality and expect to spend a fair amount of my time in the State House. As you know, my background includes extensive lobbying.

No decision has been made as to who the lobbyists will be and what their compensation will be. The priority will be to defend the current rights of gays and lesbians and to support a new hate crimes bill.

Sovo: How will Georgia Equality’s political strategy be different under your leadership than in past years?

Bowen: I am firmly convinced that equality for us will happen in the board rooms and the committee rooms. We must move away from being queer-centric and assume leadership positions throughout the greater community. This means recruiting candidates to run for office at every level and providing accurate and factual information to our elected officials. The days of marches and demands have lost their effectiveness. In order to stand out we must first fit in.

SoVo: Could you please talk about the proactive legislation Georgia Equality is preparing to introduce in this legislative session?

Bowen: Gays and lesbians in large have chosen to victimize ourselves. We feel a sense of entitlement because we have been make victims by society. When the General Assembly convenes next week, we intend to be victors and not victims. We intend to hold many of the elected officials accountable who said that our relationships should be recognized to a certain extent, but not as marriage under the law.

We are preparing to submit a bill similar to the one in the state of Utah, which would grant spousal privileges to domestic partners in settings such as hospitals and nursing homes. The bill also allows for the right of survivorship so that upon the death of one partner, the surviving partner has full rights to joint property without interference.

SoVo: With Republicans now controlling every chamber of state government, how will Georgia Equality cultivate relationships with, and navigate around, the new conservative leadership, which has been hostile to gay rights in the past?

Bowen: Last week I sent a letter to every member of the Georgia General Assembly pledging to work with them whenever possible in hoping that they will look to Georgia Equality as the leading expert for LGBT issues.

In the letter I also said that I knew that there would be times when we would not be able to agree, but that I look forward to finding common ground whenever possible. We have no intention of navigating around the leadership, but instead, seeking their support on issues when possible.

SoVo: How will Georgia Equality continue working to insure that the face and ...



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