GLAAD/SFBA column item, 6-17-92, San Jose CA "Our Paper"

"Videotapes of the San Francisco Lesbian and Gay Freedom
Day Parade have been transformed into pro-hatred video
cassettes circulated in community organizations and city
councils in several states.  It is currently being used
to drum up support for a proposed state constitutional
amendment in Oregon which would mandate discrimination
against lesbians adn gays.

In a video prepared by the Oregon Citizen's Alliance, a
group promoting the amendment, the words 'This is what
gay rights means' flash across the screen repeatedly
as scenes of nude dancers, people simulating masturbation,
and people in costumes satirizing religious figures are
shown.  These scenes are interspersed with banners of
lesbian and gay parents' and educators' groups.  The
video has been sent to churches and community groups
across Oregon and has, according to civil rights
advocates in that state, convinced many citizens to
support the amendment.

The ramifications of the Oregon amendment, on the ballot
this fall, are almost beyond belief.  Civil rights
ordinances would be prohibited, lesbian and gay events
would be banned from public property, materials that
treat homosexuality truthfully would be removed from
public libraries, businesses serving the gay and
lesbian community could lose their licenses and state
contracts, and public school students would be taught
that homosexuality is a curable illness.

Images of Californians are being used to incite hatred,
but Californians [and people everywhere] can use their
own voices to speak to the people of Oregon.  You may
do so by writing to the state's largest newspaper.
Write to The Oregonian, 1320 SW Broadway, Portland OR
97205."

The GLAAD/SFBA column is compiled from information gleaned
from many sources by Mr. Hollie Conley.

GLAAD/SFBA encourages ALL people everywhere who participate
in Pride Day events to monitor and respond to media
coverage to ensure fair, accurate, and diverse Pride coverage.