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.
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.