Date: Thu, 23 Dec 1993 12:07:45 EST
From: Jeff Herwatt <jherwatt@netcom.com>
Subject: (fwd) Anti-gay initiative launched in state (fwd)
     
        PHOENIX (UPI) -- A statewide initiative drive was launched Wednesday
in Arizona to ban any laws that protect homosexuals against
discrimination.
        The initiative, sponsored by the Traditional Values Coalition of
Anaheim, Calif., would deny any special privileges for gays or lesbians
that are not granted to others.
        The Traditional Values Coalition will seek 158,311 signatures by July
7 in order to get the issue on the November ballot.
        Arizona Traditional Values Coalition Chairman Frank Meliti said the
coalition does not want gays or lesbians to gain any special privileges
not accorded to anyone else.
        The coalition contends that gays are attempting to have special
protection because of their sexual orientation.
        The drive is the first gay initiative in the state. The Traditional
Values Coalition said it has 14,000 volunteers statewide and that it
will start collecting signatures Wednesday.