By
Hillary Davis
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Legislator predicts progressive state, conservative national government
An openly-gay state congressman offered insight on the level of tolerance among lawmakers and the possibility of domestic partner benefits for government employees yesterday in a forum on the UA campus.
Ken Cheuvront, D-Phoenix, held an informal discussion with about 30 people in the Henry Koffler Building about politics, and especially their effect on the gay community.
Arizona is becoming more progressive with the election of moderate Republicans, Cheuvront said, and the climate at the capitol is less conservative.
Cheuvront said the high probability that the never-enforced, but non-specifically discriminatory "archaic laws" - which, for example, outlaw co-habitation and all styles of sex except the missionary position - will be repealed this session is a gain for the gay community.
Still, anti-gay sentiments occasionally murmur throughout the Legislature, he said.
Rep. Mark Andersen, R-Mesa, wants to repeal the ban on public funding for discriminatory private groups such as the Boy Scouts, and Sen. Dave Petersen, R-Mesa, wants the passage of same-sex benefits brought before a public vote - which has never been done for any other benefits package.
"You never know what kind of onslaught is going to go on in the Legislature," Cheuvront said.
However, Cheuvront said state employees securing benefits for same-sex unions is still a way off.
"We're right now trying to get (anti) discrimination policy in place, then we'll move on to the benefits," he said. "Trying to get benefits - let alone same-sex - is a challenge in itself."
Cheuvront, who is also the House minority leader, said leaders in the Democratic party are working hard to enhance the party's image, and ultimately make it the majority in Arizona.
"As a Democrat we're really trying to revitalize the caucus," he said. "In the past people have labeled us as a group and defined us in a way that is not true."
"I don't see myself as a minority leader, I see myself as a Democratic leader," he added.
Shifting his attention from state to national matters, Cheuvront admitted that America has entered a potentially-repressive political era with the conservative George W. Bush administration. He is still optimistic, though.
"I'm concerned. I don't think his administration will be positive," he said. "I hope I'm proven wrong."
Cheuvront, who is serving his fourth term, is one of three openly gay men in the state legislature. Rep. Steve May, R-Phoenix, and the newly-elected Ed Poelstra, R-Tucson, are the others. Congressman Jim Kolbe and Tempe Mayor Neil Giuliano are also gay.
Hillary Davis can be reached at Hillary.Davis@wildcat.arizona.edu
