January 6, 1975 - Spear talks about the need to make a distinction between moral and non-moral issues in making legislative decisions. He says a legislator is supposed to represent independent judgment, particularly in cases of human rights issues. He speaks about voting for gay rights in the legislature, gays holding public office, and why he makes a public statment on being gay.
March 31, 1975 - MPR’s Dulcie Lawrence reports on debate of gay rights bill being discussed in Minnesota judiciary subcommittee. Lawrence presents opposing views regarding bill from John Markert, attorney from Minnesota Catholic conference, and Tim Campbell, a gay educational consultant.
March 31, 1975 - This bill has had almost universal support from civil rights and humanist organizations. In fact the only voice raised in lukewarm opposition was John Markin, attorney from the Minnesota Catholic Conference.
May 6, 1975 - Reporter Dulcie Lawrence outlines the Minnesota legislative agenda for the day, focusing on the Judiciary Committee (dealing with bills on discrimination, prostitution, and cattle rustling) and the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee (dealing with workman's comp., Oleo, and minimum wage). Included is a discussion regarding the timetable for the Senate's Omnibus Tax Bill.
May 6, 1975 - Opponents to the Minnesota state legislature's gay rights speak out. The bill passed, despite the dissenting opinion. Featured are quotes and spoken testimony as to why some believed the bill is not in line with previous civil rights efforts in the country.
May 6, 1975 - Steve Dean says we have to remember that the first time women got the human rights act they only got it under employment, the same with the disabled, and are only now getting included in public foundations and services. A lot of time it?s a step at a time, we?re dealing with political reality. Public accommodation section was dropped. Rather than let the basic things, the most important things, of employment and housing go down the drain thought it best to delete sections of public accommodations and public services. We don?t consider adoption and marriage the highest priority of gay rights at this time.
May 6, 1975 - Steve Dean says antics that have been going on with press conferences, restrooms, hunger fasts, transvestite parades just reinforce people?s ignorance and change what is a civil rights issue into a laughing matter. Protest have endangered the legislation. Several votes who previously supported the bill now say can?t support this three ring circus. Explain to legislators that have been active in politics for some time, have been active in the DFL. The DFL state party is strongest supporter of gay rights in the state, has sent letters urging passage. Bulk of support from DFL although number of strong supporters from Republican party.
June 7, 1975 - The Minnesota Libertarian Party holds state convention this weekend. Libertarian Party philosophy is that government must stay out of human affairs as much as possible. Robin Miller, Minnesota chairman: government must be restricted to definding property and rights or governmentt is immoral. Taxation is armed robbery of citizens, taxes should be eliminated. Kay Harroff, Ohio: those who wish to have government have right to do so. All problems in society result from govt regulation and interference and business subsidy. Best market system is laissez faire. Without govt unemployment would disappear, medical costs would drop, discrimination in employment would disappear because everyone would be needed, crime rate would drop. Example: Whoever wants to set up schools would create schools.
July 16, 1975 - MPR’s Greg Barron reports on differences between men and women in insurance industry policies. Betty Howard, director of Women's Division of Minnesota Department of Human Rights, discusses the disparity between women and men in terms of obtaining insurance, particulary in the case of the newly divorced.
July 16, 1975 - An audio clip of Betty Howard, director of Women's Division of Minnesota Department of Human Rights, on the disparity in coverage and access to insurance between women and men.