Berks Co. activists pushing for housing rights
Adapted from reporting by Kevin Smith
Out of nine apartment complexes in the Reading area, six refused to rent a one-bedroom apartment to two people of the same sex, according to the Gay Coordinating Society of Berks County.
The society made the inquiries in preparation for a spring 1976 debate slated for a Reading City Council meeting regarding the adoption of an amendment to the city’s human relations ordinance that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual preference.
Only one city council member publicly committed to a negative position on the amendment, while Mayor Joseph Kuzminski was noncommittal.
When the group sought to cull support from Berks County District Attorney J. Michael Morrissey, its members were rebuffed from a previously agreed-upon meeting. State Deputy Attorney General Earl Greenburg, a liaison to the Governor’s Council for Sexual Minorities, wrote to Morrissey encouraging him to meet with the group.
“I resent your office interfering with my decision,” Morrissey responded.
Society members planned to let the situation cool down before renewing efforts to garner support.
Council on Sexual Minorities seeks more members
Adapted from reporting by PGN staff
The Governor’s Council for Sexual Minorities began a drive in spring 1976 to recruit individuals to serve on its committees, in particular those who identified as sexual minorities other than lesbians and gay men.
The council’s structure was still being determined, but organizers noted many people were needed to help it function. Openings existed on the following committees: health, welfare, education, justice, corrections, state police, youth, human relations, finance, insurance, special-minority concerns including transsexuality and transvestism, state employment, legislation and liquor control.