for us to make connections with local LGBT groups -- especially if you have the capacity to take on some of the work around the gay adoption ban. We're here to provide resources and help centralize the efforts, along with the help of Equality Florida.

1) Encourage people to visit www.LetHimStay.com

First and foremost, we continue to need to drive more and more people to the website. So far, 280,000 letters have been sent to Governor Bush and Secretary Kearney through the site, but this is just the beginning. We're looking for ways to get the word out by word of mouth, newspapers, and other websites. Please help us spread the word in any way you can.

2) Get our book, "Too High A Price: The Case Against Restricting Gay Parenting," into the hands of opinion leaders.

This book is the comprehensive case against Florida's gay adoption ban. It puts together in one place all of the arguments -- the child welfare policy, the social science, and legal information -- about why this law is wrong. We need help getting it into the hands of community and political leaders throughout Florida. This group includes: religious leaders, politicians at every level, civic leaders, university leaders, etc. It also includes employees of DCF who are enforcing the law. So far, the book has been distributed to every state legislator, professors in Florida social work schools, and some community leaders.

3) Ask opinion leaders to voice their opposition to the law by signing the Statement of Principles.

We want this same group of opinion leaders (mentioned above) to take a public stand. I can mail you some copies if you're interested.

We believe all of these efforts are going to lead to the overturning of the law. In January 2003, it seems fairly certain that a legislative repeal will be introduced in the Florida legislature. All of the work we're doing now
will build the momentum to help communities educate their elected officials about this law.

I hope this information was helpful to you. Please feel free to pass it on to other people you know who may be interested. Let me know if you need copies of the Statement of Principles or "Too High A Price."

Take care,
Josh

Joshua Freker
ACLU Lesbian & Gay Rights and AIDS Projects
125 Broad Street, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10004-2400
212.549.2673
jfreker@aclu.org

Joshua Freker
ACLU Lesbian & Gay Rights and AIDS Projects
125 Broad Street, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10004-2400
212.549.2673
jfreker@aclu.org

-----Original Message-----
From: lethimstay
Sent: Friday, March 22, 2002 5:54 PM
To: Joshua Freker
Subject: FW: Rosie's List

-----Original Message-----
From: Tampa Bay Coalition [ mailto:no2laura@tampabay.rr.com ]
Sent: Saturday, March 16, 2002 2:50 AM
To: lethimstay@aclu.org
Subject: Rosie's List

My Dear Rosie

You are a true Godsend to Bert Lofton~Corteau, all the other children waiting to be adopted, to gay
couple's, such as the Lofton's and gay couples who would love to adopt achild.

I usually laugh with you, however, last night my laughter was replaced with tears. Although, many were
tears of sadness for the children without a loving family and the Lofton~Corteau family struggle to not
have Bert taken away. Mixed within my tears of sadness, were tears of joy for you. Rosie, I was so very
moved by your eloquence and heartfelt appeal for Gay parents. I can not express in mere words my
deep gratitude and appreciation I have for you.

I am sorry that some members of our community would dare to criticize you for not coming out, or at
least to their definition of coming out. I believe this is the most personal and private decision we will
ever make. No one has the right to judge or dictate how another should come out. I respect you for
not judging all of us for those who caused you any pain by their unkind and unwarranted criticism.

I hope to write more to you in the near future. For now, I have a news section to update and Tampa Bay Coalition members and supporters to motivate to contact the powers that be. It's time for us help pass
on and show our great support you and your message.

Take Good Care My Friend and God Bless You
Zeke

R. Zeke Fread
Organizer - Coordinator
Tampa Bay Coalition
info@tampabaycoalition.com
no2laura@tampabay.rr.com

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