----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Please feel free to distribute this to any or all gay-related lists, or any other appropriate individual or group. About three weeks ago the Idaho Library Assn met up in Moscow, in North (but not FAR North) Idaho. One of the keynote speakers was Kelly Walton, a gentleman who is Chair of Idaho Citizens Alliance. Kelly just moved here from Oregon where he was head of their OCA, which tried to get an antigay initiative passed there. Guess he figures Idaho is also ripe territory. The opposition speaker was Steve Shaw, a political science professor at Northwest Nazarene College in Nampa (25 miles west of Boise). The next day the ILA passed a resolution opposing the Idaho Citizens Alliance initiative that would prohibit homosexuals from obtaining minority status, keep governmental entities from spending tax money to 'promote homosexuality' (i.e. even mention the word in much of any context), and keep public schools from 'promoting homosexuality as a healthy behavior' (i.e. mention it as part of safer sex discussions, mention it as an alternative lifestyle, etc.). And, of course, this would keep public libraries from buying Heather Has Two Mommies or Daddy's Roommate, just to mention two wonderful books among the many. It would prohibit children under 18 from checking out any books related to homosexuality, even if their parents gave permission. Guess mommy and daddy would have to go check them out and then lend them to the kids if they wanted to. All quotes below are from the October 7 Moscow-Pullman Daily News, page 10a. 'Walton said this partial ban would protect children from diseases and psychological problems that he says are typical of gay communities. He cited research that suggested a large percentage of homosexuals participate in pedophilia and suffer from syphilis, gonorrhea and AIDS.' '"This is not censorius activity," Walton said. "I happen to believe many homosexuals make great authors."' The above line brought MANY rejoinders from the librarians after the session. WHICH of the many homosexuals have made WHICH great authors? How many homosexuals does it take to make a great author? If I buy her the yarn will your mother make ME a great author? etc. etc. etc. Don't for a minute believe that librarians are above cheap and tacky humor. o-) Professor Shaw, despite his employment at a VERY conservative institution, spoke eloquently in favor of freedom of speech, education, etc. He reminded us that we should fear 'saviors of society' more than any other types of group. The ILA membership passed the resolution to oppose the ICA ballot measure almost unanimously. There was one vote against it. dan Dan Lester Internet: alileste@idbsu.idbsu.edu Network Information Coordinator Bitnet: ALILESTE@IDBSU Boise State University Library Boise, Idaho 83725 In the kingdom of the blind, the 208-385-1235 one-eyed man is king. Erasmus. 1523