Via NY Transfer News Collective * All the News that Doesn't Fit DETROIT SAYS NO TO ANTI-GAY CRIMES By Cheryl LaBash Detroit In the winter twilight recently, demonstrators marched from the Federal Building in downtown Detroit to the Michigan State Plaza protesting anti-gay violence. Called by the Triangle Foundation, a local lesbian and gay organization, the event was part of a national day of action to counter anti-gay and anti-lesbian hate crimes. The movement here has been aroused by the threat of a proposed Colorado-style constitutional amendment to deny lesbians and gay men equal rights. Last fall initial moves in Grand Rapids to get the question on the ballot were stopped. But they have been resumed by a Bay City bigot. Petition wording was approved last month by the State Election Commission. The Michigan Organization for Human Rights and other groups have formed a coalition to fight back. An African American activist told Workers World, "If they can take away rights from one group, who will be next?" No anti-gay hate crimes are officially reported in Michigan. Yet in 1992 alone 75 crimes against gays and lesbians were documented by lesbian and gay activists here--including three murders and six police brutality cases. The fatal shooting of Christine Puckett and Susan Pittman at their rural Wayne County home by a neighbor enraged at their relationship received wide publicity and prompted an outcry. The movement for lesbian and gay rights has won recognition in this state. For example, The Detroit News, an establishment newspaper long known for its ultra-conservative editorial policy, now features a weekly column by a lesbian. The Friday paper prominently places articles of concern to the lesbian and gay community. There is also a monthly calendar of lesbian and gay activities. -30- (Copyright Workers World Service: Permission to reprint granted if source is cited. For more info contact Workers World, 46 W. 21 St., New York, NY 10010; via e-mail: ww%nyxfer@igc.apc.org or workers@mcimail.com.)