October 9. 1998

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR OF SAN FRANCISCO WILLIE LEWIS BROWN, JR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAYOR SIGNS LEGISLATION CONCERNING GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER ISSUES

 

San Francsico: During a press conference today, Mayor Willie L. Brown, Jr. signed the following pieces of legislation:

Fallon Building

Sponsored by Supervisor Leslie Katz, this legislation designates the Fallon Building as a Landmark. The special character and special historical, architectural and aesthetic interest and value conforms to the standards of the City Planning Code for Landmark designation. The characteristics of the Landmark which justify its designation are described and shown in a Final Landmark Designation Report adopted by the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board.

At the state of his administration, Mayor Brown committed up to $6 million for the construction and renovation of the Fallon building. Later, arguments arose about what to do with the Fallon building's structure which is in need of serious repair. The community center, which will be housed in the building, was concerned about financing a major renovation project. Preservationists didn't want the Victorian-style building razed. The Mayor brought all parties to his office and later an agreement was made to renovate the existing Fallon structure and construct another building adjacent to that structure with the same level of architectural integrity common in that community.

"This legislation will secure the Fallon Building's place in our preservation efforts," says Mayor Brown. He adds, "This building will also be a tremendous community asset."

Denouncement of California Defense of Marriage Act

Sponsored by Supervisor Mark Leno, this legislation denounces the submission of petitions to place the Defense of Marriage Act on the ballot as a state-wide initiative. This effort would outlaw gay marriages in California. Mayor Brown is the first mayor in the country to legislatively oppose this measure.

"I stand against these types of measures that divide - instead of unite - our community," says Mayor Brown.

Gay Men's Chorus 20th Anniversary

Sponsored by Amos Brown, this legislation extends recognition to the Gay Men's Chorus as they celebrate their 20th anniversary. The Gay Men's Chorus was founded by a group of men who wang together for the love of music, making them the first openly gay chorus in the world. The chorus has grown to 246 volunteer singers and is seen by audiences that total more than 400,000 annually.

"The harmony from their voices represents the harmony and diversity of our great City," says Mayor Brown.