Date: Fri, 14 Oct 1994 18:39:10 -0400 Sender: GLAADP21@aol.com GLAAD MEDIA WATCH for October 13, 1994 By Al Kielwasser OBSCENE CHARGES On October 3, a judge refused to dismiss charges against a gay/lesbian bookstore in the case of the "State of Ohio v. Pink Pyramid," and a trial date has been scheduled for January 9. The bookstore and three of its clerks are charged with "pandering obscenity" because they rented a video-tape of Pier Paolo Pasolini's film "Salo, or the 120 Days of Sodom." If found guilty of this "crime," the defendants could be sentenced to 180 days in prison and a $1,000 fine. The bookstore could also be fined an additional $5,000. In a court brief filed by dozens of anti-censorship organizations and individuals, Salo is described as a "serious work by a major film artist" that "cannot possible be obscene under prevailing constitutional standards." A 1973 Supreme Court case, "Miller v. California," established that materials cannot be declared legally obscene unless they lack "serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value." The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) are particularly dismayed by the lack of press coverage given to this important case. Both organizations are seeking assistance in getting this story "out in Cincinnati and the rest of the country with the message that the arts and people involved in the arts cannot be prosecuted without impunity." Urge the editors of any newspapers you read to cover the case, and to consider publishing an editorial statement opposing the charges against Pink Pyramid and its staff. Also, write letters to the editors of both national and Cincinnati papers, including the "Post" (125 E. Court St., Cincinnati, OH 45202, tel. 513-352-2000) and the "Inquirer" (312 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202, tel. 513-721-2700). For additional information on the case, contact the ACLU (132 West 43rd St., New York, NY 10036) or NCAC (275 7th Ave., New York, NY 10001). DEFAMATION BY OMISSION . . . AGAIN The September 1994 issue of "Woman's Day" magazine features an article on "How to Raise Moral Kids in an Immoral World." The author, Barbara Sofer, does not attack the morality of homosexuality. In fact, she doesn't mention lesbians or gays at all. But that's the problem. Among her family's list of rules, Sofer writes, is: "Don't make racist or sexist remarks and jokes." Significantly, she fails to include an admonition against homophobic jokes, which are all-too-common amongst children, and which can be especially hateful and hurtful to a young gay or lesbian person. According to a survey conducted by the American Association of University Women, anti-gay epithets are the most common form of harassment experienced by young children in U.S. schools. By omitting homophobic remarks and jokes from her guidelines, Sofer fails to acknowledge the pervasiveness of a problem that regularly goes unchallenged. Alert the editors of "Woman's Day" to this glaring omission, and suggest some topics (anti-gay name calling, gay/lesbian books for young children, Lesbian/Gay History Month in schools, etc.) that the magazine could explore in order to help parents raise healthy and enlightened kids in a homophobic world. Write to Jane Chesnutt, Editor-In-Chief, "Woman's Day," 1633 Broadway, New York, NY 10019. THE FUNDIE PAGES "Target" magazine is a conservative "Christian" publication subtitled "For Today's Thinking Fundamentalist" (clearly, an oxymoron). In the August 1994 issue of "Target," executive editor Tim Lee sings the praises of major homophobe Oliver North, who is currently a candidate for the U.S. Senate. Lee encourages his readers to support North's political campaign, saying: "We need a man who has proudly and honorably worn the uniform of this nation, been a law-abiding citizen, and has remained faithful to his wife and family. When America has a Senate full of homosexuals, postage stamps for cash trading money embezzlers, driving off bridges and killing their passengers while sustaining temporary memory loss Senators, America needs a man with character, self-discipline, and high morals. America needs Oliver North." "Oliver North is the man of the highest character in this Senate race," Lee concludes. According to "Freedom Writer" newsletter, Lee's editorial is "an apparent violation of IRS regulations." "Target"magazine is published by Target Publications and Tim Lee Ministries, a non-profit organization. Such organizations are prohibited from making political endorsements. In 1986, for example, the IRS found the Jimmy Swaggart ministry guilty of political activity by a tax-exempt organization after Swaggart's magazine, "The Evangelist," supported Pat Robertson's bid for President of the United Sates. Homophobic, right-wing political organizations -- claiming to produce only "religious" magazines, radio and television programs -- must not be allowed to masquerade as "church groups" in order to avoid paying taxes. You can report such non-profit abuses directly to the IRS (tax fraud line, 800-859-8519). Regular updates on the nefarious activities of the "Religious Right" are available from the Institute for First Amendment Studies. P.O. Box 589, Great Barrington, MA 01230, tel. 413-272-3786, e-mail frdmwriter@aol.com. MEDIA BRIEFS * "The Good, the Bad and the Gorgeous" is a new anthology examining media images of lesbianism. The book, edited by Diane Hamer and Belinda Budge, is published by Harper Collins. * Yet another Hollywood "family film" -- "Lassie" -- includes the derogatory and casual use of the word "faggot." Comments go to S. Lansing, CEO, Paramount Pictures, 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90038. * "Gay and Lesbian Youth Making History in Massachusetts," a new video that "provides a powerful close-up look at the needs of gay students," is available from the Governor's Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth, tel. 617-727-3600, ext. 312. * ABC has become the first television network in the U.S. to extend spousal benefits to same-sex domestic partners. Capital Cities/ABC has nearly 20,000 employees in television, radio and publishing, making it one of the largest entertainment employers to extend domestic partner benefits. Contact Daniel B. Burke, pres/CEO, Capital Cities/ABC Inc., 77 W. 66th St., New York, NY 10023-6298, tel. 212-456-7777. WE MUST CONFRONT THE MEDIA'S HOMOPHOBIA IN ORDER TO CURE IT! TO NOTIFY THE GAY & LESBIAN ALLIANCE AGAINST DEFAMATION OF ANY DEFAMATORY OR AFFIRMATIVE MEDIA COVERAGE CALL OUR 24- HOUR MEDIA WATCH HOTLINE AT 415-861-4588, OR WRITE TO GLAAD/SFBA, 1360 MISSION STREET, SUITE 200, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103; FAX, 415-861-4893; E-MAIL GLAAD SFBA@AOL.COM. SEND ITEMS FOR THIS WEEKLY REPORT TO THE ATTENTION OF "MEDIA WATCH" AT GLAAD/SFBA OR E- MAIL TO GLAAD SFBA@AOL.COM. WHEN APPROPRIATE, ATTRIBUTIONS FOR ITEMS USED SHOULD BE MADE TO AL KIELWASSER AND/OR GLAAD/SFBA. AS ALWAYS, WE GREATLY APPRECIATE COPIES OF ANY PUBLICATIONS THAT USE ALL OR PART OF THE "MEDIA WATCH." THANKS FOR YOUR CONTINUING INTEREST IN GLAAD'S WORK!