Views Sought On Homosexuality (Press, 21 August 1968)
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Summary: Views Sought On Homosexuality (Press, 21 August 1968)
The North American conference of homophile organisations, held in Chicago from August 15 to 19, 1968, concluded with a significant proposal for the upcoming political season. The 75 delegates gathered at the five-day event recommended that all political candidates be asked about their views on the penalties currently imposed on homosexuals in America. To facilitate this, local organisations were encouraged to send questionnaires to candidates for political office. In addition to this initiative, the conference adopted a "homosexual bill of rights," which includes key demands for changing existing laws related to homosexuality. One of its major points is that individuals should not be denied employment solely on the basis of their sexual orientation. The local organisations were also urged to apply pressure on police forces, state legislatures, and the federal government to ensure the bill's provisions are enacted. Rev. Robert Warren Cromey, vicar of St Aidan’s Episcopal Church in San Francisco, chaired the conference. He indicated that an estimated 15 million homosexuals live across the United States, with local organisations typically comprising around 2,000 members each. Cromey asserted that most homosexuals are normal individuals, except for their sexual orientation, contributing positively to society and holding significant roles in various professional sectors. He emphasised that subjecting homosexuals to legal harassment or excluding them from employment opportunities due to their sexual orientation represents a violation of their Constitutional rights. Cromey, who is married with three daughters and identifies as a heterosexual, was among the new heterosexuals participating in this important meeting. The conference thus marked a pivotal moment in the fight for homosexual rights in America, advocating for equal treatment and against discrimination based on sexual orientation.
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