Index--->USA---->Gay rights ballot initiatives--->1970s

1974

Boulder recall initiative
Boulder, CO May 1974 Result: Antigay
Remarks: Voters overturned a non-discrimination in employment ordinance. In 1987, Boulder voters would approve the same ordinance.
Ballot question: N/A
Answer Votes %
Yes 13,107 63.8%
No 7,438 36.2%

1977

Dade County initiative
Dade County, FL Date: June 7, 1977 Result: Antigay
Background and remarks: The infamous Anita Bryant "Save Our Children" campaign. Sponsored by Ruth Shack, the anti-discrimination ordinance passed 5-3 on the county commission. A petition drive gathered almost 65,000 signatures and put the ordinance on a special election.
Ballot question: "Shall Dade County Ordinance 77-4, which prohibits discrimination in areas of housing , public accomodations and employment against persons based on their sexual preference be repealed?"
Answer
Votes
%
Yes
202,319 69.3%
No
89,562 30.7%

1978

St. Paul repeal initiative
St. Paul, MN Date: April 25, 1978 Result: Antigay
Remarks: Sheparded by activists Nick Coleman and Steve Endean, the city council passed the gay rights ammendment on July 16, 1974, by a 5-1 margin. It added "sexual preference" to the existing human rights ordinance. A coalition of relgious organizations led the initiative.
Ballot question: N/A
Answer Votes %
Yes   63.1%
No   36.9%


Wichita repeal initiative
Wichita, KS Date: May 9, 1978 Result: Antigay
Remarks: Repeal of ordinance passed by city council in 1977.
Ballot question: N/A
Answer
Votes
%
Yes   80%
No   20%


Eugene repeal initiative
Eugene, OR Date: May 23, 1978 Result: Antigay
Remarks: Repeal of ordinance passed by city council in 1977.
Ballot question: N/A
Answer
Votes
%
Yes   64.3%
No   35.7%

Initiative 13
Seattle, WA Date: November 7, 1978 Result: Pro-gay
Remarks: The Seattle city council passed gay rights ordinances in 1973 and 1975. The proposed initiative would have repealed city ordinances protecting employment and housing rights for homosexuals and lesbians. Also, it would have dissolved the City of Seattle's Office of Women's Rights.
Ballot question: N/A
Answer
Votes
%
Yes 59,797 37.1%
No 101,809 62.9%

Briggs Initiative
California (Statewide) Date: November 7, 1978 Result: Pro or antigay
Remarks: A statewide ballot question, sponsored by state senator John V. Briggs. Activists David Mixner and Peter Scott convinced Ronald Reagan to speak out against the initiative, which would have prosecuted homosexual teachers.
Ballot question: (Summary prepared by Summary Prepared by the California Attorney General) Provides for filing charges against schoolteachers, teachers' aides, school administrators or counselors for advocating, soliciting, imposing, encouraging or promoting private or public sexual acts defined in sections 286(a) and 288a(a) of the Penal Code between persons of same sex in a manner likely to come to the attention of other employees or students; or publicly and indiscreetly engaging in said acts. Prohibits hiring and requires dismissal of such persons if school board determines them unfit for service after considering enumerated guidelines. In dismissal cases only, provides for two-stage hearings, written findings, judicial review. Financial impact: Unknown but potentially substantial costs to State, counties and school districts depending on number of cases which receive an administrative hearing.
Answer
Votes
%
Yes 2,823,293 41.6%
No 3,969,120 58.4%

Dade County Human Rights ordinance
Dade County, FL Date: 1978 Result: Antigay
Remarks: Round 2 of a ballot initiative brought by activists to enact gay rights.
Ballot question:
Answer
Votes
%
Yes   42%
No   58%
Please visit Bill Myers' wonderful Gay Rights info page for the complete lowdown on GLBT politicians and their records.