Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bay Windows - January 1, 2004
Laura Kiritsy, lkiritsy@baywindows.com.
In January Buseck starts his new job as legal director for Lambda Legal, a national organization that, like GLAD does throughout New England, provides litigation, advocacy and education on issues affecting the civil rights of GLBT people and individuals with HIV/AIDS. Buseck will oversee the organization's legal department, which does litigation nationwide from offices in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta and Dallas.
Margaret Williams, a GLAD board member and former board president, assumed the position of interim executive director on Dec. 16.
Though Buseck may have some separation anxiety, at least he's going out on a high note. GLAD won its biggest victory in November, when the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) ruled in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health that denying same-sex couples access to civil marriage in Massachusetts is unconstitutional. GLAD attorney Mary Bonauto represented seven same-sex couples who sued the state in 2001 for the right to marry.
"It's certainly just a stunning victory for Mary and for GLAD," said Buseck. "I was thrilled just to be a part of it, and thrilled that it came down before I left."
But there's a victory that's closer to Buseck's heart: GLAD's efforts to beat back a challenge to the state's landmark law banning discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, public accommodations, housing and credit.
Buseck was a cooperating attorney with GLAD when a 16-year legislative battle to pass the statewide gay and lesbian civil rights bill ended successfully in 1989. No sooner had Gov. Michael Dukakis signed the bill into law than conservative forces mounted an effort to repeal the law via voter referendum. Attorney General Jim Shannon refused to approve the ballot question, and the repeal proponents took their case to the SJC. Buseck, along with Assistant Attorney General Ed Mogilinicki, argued before the justices against allowing the referendum to proceed on behalf of 10 state legislators who had supported the legislation. The SJC ruled that the gay and lesbian civil rights law could not be subjected to a referendum, handing the gay community - and GLAD - a major victory.
"Winning that probably was for me, personally, the one that means a great deal to me because I was closer to it as a lawyer," said Buseck.
Buseck has shared in many other victories during his years with GLAD, including Baker v. Vermont, which resulted in that state's civil union law; and Bragdon v. Vermont, a 1998 case in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled people with HIV were protected from discrimination under the Americans With Disabilities Act; and E.N.O. v. L.M.M., a 1999 case in which the SJC ruled that a non-biological lesbian mother who parented her son from birth is a de facto parent with the right to seek visitation.
Buseck sums up his tenure with the 25-year-old GLAD this way: "Boy, was I lucky, to be here and be involved at this time."
Not only has he watched the organization grow - GLAD's staff doubled in size under Buseck's watch - he has seen gay civil rights issues come squarely into the forefront of the public consciousness. "It's been very fortunate for me," says Buseck.
040101
BY040107
Copyright © 2004 - Bay Windows. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through Bay Windows - ..
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2004. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2004. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .