The Times, They are A-Changin'

The Democrats are sitting pretty in the House and Senate. Rumsfeld is out of office. Sixty-three percent of Americans are shaking their heads in disapproval of George Bush. Put it all together and it spells a radical change in our political climate. As one of the touchier issues of our time, sexual rights in this country are going to see some major alterations. So, here is the Official Head Rundown, comparing the old sexual policies with the new, to give you a taste of our collective future. Think of us when you’re deciding whether or not to flee the country for a life of absinthe and unfiltered cigarettes.

WHAT’S HAPPENING ON A NATIONAL SCALE:
0.GAY RIGHTS
In Virginia, Wisconsin, Colorado, South Dakota and South Carolina, same sex marriages are banned, as are civil unions between same sex couples. Idaho also passed its ban on same sex marriage, but have yet to touch civil unions.
In Arizona, however, 51% overturned a similar initiative on same sex marriage.
ABORTION
In Oregon and California, minors aged 15-17 no longer need to notify and get consent from a parent or guardian before having an abortion.
Further east, South Dakota’s attempt at making abortion illegal was turned down by voters.
Missouri now allows stem-cell research consistent with federal regulations.

THE NEW BOSS
Let’s get to know George Bush’s new appointee to the Federal Office of Population Affairs, Dr. Eric Keroack. He’s the medical director of A Woman’s Concern, who’s contraceptive policy reads: "A Woman's Concern is persuaded that the crass commercialization and distribution of birth control is demeaning to women, degrading of human sexuality and adverse to human health and happiness.” This organization opposes contraception saying it increases out-of-wedlock pregnancy. Bush granted him a budget of $283 million dollars.
0. Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/11/17/ family.planning.ap/ index.html

IF YOU WANT THIS MAN OUT OF OFFICE, SIGN THE OFFICIAL PLANNED PARENTHOOD PETITION at: http://www.ppaction.org/campaign/replace_keroack2?rk=e1SVt_61gEBSW

DOWN HOME OHIO POLICIES
0.The Old Boss:
DeWine-0% rating by NARAL (National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League) indicating a pro-life stance.
(1) Supported the Global Gag Rule-read about this law at http://www.populationaction.org/resources/publications/ globalgagrule/
(2) “One of the United States Senate’s strongest advocates in supporting efforts to protect the lives of unborn children. He is fighting tirelessly to ensure that those who cannot speak have a voice.”
(3) Voted “no” on adding sexual orientation to the definition of hate crimes.
(4) Abortion non-discrimination act.
(5) Supports legislation including unborn as victims of crimes.
(6) Supports ban on gay-marriage. http://www.issues2002.org/Senate/Mike_DeWine.htm http://dewine.senate.gov/
0.The New Boss:
Sherrod Brown: 100% rating by NARAL for pro-choice stance.
(1) Opposed state gay-marriage ban and same-said constitutional amendment.
(2) Supports stem-cell research.
(3) Voted no on special funding for health care providers who don’t provide abortion information.
(4) Opposes global gag rule.
(5) Voted no on banning human cloning for medical research.

Ted Strickland Versus Kenneth Blackwell
Blackwell believes, according to his website, that, “Ohioans do not believe the propaganda that keeping marriage intact hurts our economy . . . Marriage is the foundation of our society and deserves our respect and protection” as well as holding firm that marriage is between one man and one woman. Ted Strickland has actively voted against the constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage and against banning adoption by gay couples in Washington DC.
Along with defending poor, defenseless hetero marriage, Blackwell believes that the first priority of a government is the protection of innocent life. “All innocent life is sacred and should be protected.” Strickland supports the innocent lives of women who need abortions, except in the cases of partial birth abortions and the transportation of minors through state lines in order to get abortions.

written by: Stewart Campbell and Meredith Wilson