[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 138 (Monday, September 30, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12039-S12040]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         TWIN CITIES-UPPER MIDWEST HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN AWARDS

 Mr. WELLSTONE. Mr. President, I recently had the honor of 
attending the annual Twin Cities-Upper Midwest Human Rights Campaign 
Awards Dinner honoring Ruth and David Waterbury of Minneapolis, and the 
Northern States Power Co. The work of the Human Rights Campaign, which 
is dedicated to combatting discrimination, ensuring equal protection 
for all under our laws, and advancing the interests of gay and lesbian 
persons in the United States, is one of the most effective 
organizations of its kind.
  The Brian Coyle Leadership Awards, presented to the Waterburys and 
Northern States Power, are dedicated to the memory of Minneapolis City 
Council Member Brian Coyle, a community activist and inspiration to 
many, including to me. He was a friend of mine, and his work to end 
discrimination is a lasting legacy to the gay and lesbian community in 
my State, and across the Nation. As a long-time social and political 
activist myself, I was humbled that night to be in the presence of so 
many individuals who stand on principle, often in the face of terrific 
odds and in the face of anger, misunderstanding, bias and even, in some 
extreme cases, violence against themselves or their loved ones.
  Ruth and David Waterbury are two such people. They have contributed 
much to our community, both as a couple and as individuals. As I have 
come to know this wonderful family over the years, I continue to be 
amazed at their tireless and selfless work on behalf of others. Both 
were board members of the Minneapolis-St. Paul chapter of Parents and 
Friends of Lesbians and Gays, and Ruth was president for the year just 
ended. David was chair of the Governor's Task Force on Gay and Lesbian 
Minnesotans. Ruth is a current board member of District 202. Each has 
been instrumental in establishing scholarship funds for gay and lesbian 
students at their respective alma maters, Yale and Carleton.

  The Waterburys have also been involved in the good work of the 
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, It's Time Minnesota, Plymouth 
Congregational Church, Interfaith Coming Out Celebration, Minnesota 
GLBT Education Fund, and the Human Rights Campaign. Additionally, in 
part due to their great efforts, my State of Minnesota enacted an 
inclusive civil rights law that is a model for other States to follow. 
Together they have been visible and effective advocates on behalf of 
the gay and lesbian community in our State.
  If I might, let me include an excerpt from Ruth and David's biography 
that speaks to their commitment not only to the campaign for human 
rights, but to each other as well. ``Ruth and David Waterbury have been 
advancing the civil rights of gays and lesbians since shortly after 
their daughter came out to them. Margery gave them literature to read 
and expressed hope that they would eventually be glad she was a 
lesbian. Ten years later, they have now fulfilled her hope and feel 
privileged to have taken the journey.''
  For many parents, it is sometimes difficult to accept differences in 
their children that they did not foresee or wish for. For many others, 
it is not easy to accept people who are different from themselves--
whether it be because of their gender, race, religion or sexual 
orientation. But the Waterburys chose a path of acknowledging their 
daughter's orientation, embracing it, and working to help other parents 
confronted by the same issues. Because of people like them, there is 
much hope, and even reason for joy. Because of the actions of those 
like the Waterburys,

[[Page S12040]]

willing to fight to ensure that the most basic guarantee of our 
Constitution--equal protection under the law--is secure, there are role 
models for others to follow, from which others might take the torch and 
lead. I wanted to publicly salute them today here in the Senate, and 
thank them for their tireless efforts on behalf of their daughter, and 
on behalf of gay and lesbian people in my State and throughout the 
Nation.

                          ____________________