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Moraitakis, U.S. Congress Hopeful, On AIDS & Lesbian/Gay Rights As the controversy surrounding 4th district Congressman Pat Swindall heats up, the race for the Democratic nomination becomes more important. Atlanta attorney Nick Moraitakis is running in that race against Ben Jones and John Stembler. With the August 9 primary only weeks away, here's what Mr. Moraitakis told Southern Voice during an interview conducted at his home \on June 29,1988. Southern Voice: Do you have any gays or lesbians working on your campaign? Nick Moraitakis: Yes. Dr. StoshOstrow has been an advisor on AIDS and on issues of concern to the gay community. He's probably the most important SV: So, you have a sense of what issues are most important to the gay and lesbian community? NM: My sense for it is, AIDS, AIDS discrimination and civil rights. S\: What would you do about AIDS? NM: I would work to get as much funding as we can for research and education. SV: How much funding do you think is needed? NM: I would hesitate to put a dollar value on it Certainly more than the Reagan administration is calling for. SV: What would your priorities be in spending AIDS funding? NM: Research, education, treatment testing. SV: What about social services for people with AIDS? NM: I include that in treatment We need to insure that we have the capability to treat people with AIDS and care for them. SV: What's your position on the need for a federal AIDS anti-discrimination law? NM: I think it's a must. We need to do everything we can to encourage people to be tested We are not doing enough to maintain confidentiality and prevent discrimination. S V: Do you favor any kind of mandatory testing? NM: Yes. I would prefer mandatory testing in the military because of the potential need for blood transfusions under hastened circumstances. I would favor testing for blood and organ donors...I lean toward mandatory testing for people seeking marriage licenses and I favor testing in the prison system. S V: Do you favor criminal penalties for people who, after testing positive, behave in a way some consider inappropriate? NM: I haven't really developed a firm position on that I'm concerned about the effects on society of taking that (criminal penalties) approach. I think the important thing is that we accompany testing with enhanced counseling. SV: So you wouldn't rule out criminal penalties? NM: I haven't given it enough thought. I was not in favor of the bill the Georgia legislature passed. I think the net result is that it's going to encourage people not to be tested. SV: Turning to other areas.. Jf elected, would you vote to extend civil rights protections to gays and lesbians? NM: I am a firm believer that everyone should have the benefit of civil right laws, that discrimination should find its way nowhere. I would be inclined to favor the legislation. SV: Would you favor recognizing gay and lesbian couples and guaranteeing for them the same rights heterosexual couples have? NM: When you talk about discrimination, you include recognition that no one will be treated differently. I think our laws have to To contribute or volunteer, call Tom Berman 938-4301 Dekalb County House District 46 Together WE can make a difference! Vote Tuesday August 9th. How To Get the Most From Your Doctor 1. Talk to someone you trust with your deepest concerns. 2. Formulate personal goals for your health. 3. Co-design actions for achieving the results you want. 4. Get started soon. I would be pleased to use my training and experience to help you enjoy reaching your goals. 1375 Peachtree Street, Suite 187, Atlanta 872-5260 STOSH OSTROW, M.D. General Practice apply to all members of society equally. S\: Do you have any problem with gays and lesbians as parents? NM: When you talk about children who are in a court proceeding, the state has to act in the best interest of the child. Based on all criteria, the state has to decide who is the best parent. Clearly, the single most important criterion is the love of the parent. SV: How does sexual preference affect the parents’ qualifications, other things being equal? NM: I think it's a factor to be considered. But homosexuality should not be the sole disqualifier. SV: Is there an area where you think gays and lesbians should be excluded...The military, CIA, teaching...? NM: No. I'm anti-discrimination. That's the way I was raised. My father ingrained that in me since I was a very young child. SV: Why should a Southern Voice reader vote for Nick Moraitakis rather than for Ben Jones? NM: ...for the same reason everyone in this district should vote for me. I'm more qualified... SV: Any parting words for the readers of Southern Voice? NM: The only parting words I have is that my feeling about the responsibility of an elected official is that we must elect people who recognize that wisdom emerges from contending views. That's the way I've always felt and it's the way I've run my life. I welcome your readers to call on me with their advice and with their counsel. My number is 371-1988 and I'll be willing to do everything I can to have their input in our campaign. -F.G. Magazine Celebrates Southern Gay/Lesbian Cultural History With Special Issue The Institute for Southern Studies in Durham, publishers of Southern Exposure magazine, has put out a call for articles that capture our past as gay and lesbian Southerners. As lesbians and gay men throughout the South gain strength and visibility in theii campaign for civil rights, it is crucial to document and cherish the history of a culture that was fostered in silence and fear. To keep these stories from being lost, the Institue is preparing a record of Southern gay and lesbian history, culture and politics. The fall issue of the Institute's quarterly journal will feature a 30-page cover section on lesbians and gay men in the South. The essential message of the section will be that gay and lesbian culture is intricately intertwined with Southern culture. Writers, historians, and archivists are encouraged to submit articles and ideas. There is particular interest in oral histories of gay elders throughout the Southern states, who were bom and raised in the South, who came out in the South, and whose lives are representative of the richness of the culture. This special issue of Southern Exposure will be published in October of 1988. In addition to distributing the issues to subscribers, the Institute is planning a direct mail to reach gay and lesbian organizations and individuals throughout the South and the nation. Please submit your articles and ideas by July 30 lo:Jim Baxter, Project Coordinator, P.O. Box 25642, Raleigh, N.C. 27611. Please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope if you want your article returned. Photo by Georgia Poverty Journal Page 6