From: Date: Thu, 27 Oct 1994 23:50:08 -0400 Subject: Focus on Fam. Idaho Attack **Begin Editorial** BOISE BEAR says, consider how you would feel if the following letter from James Dobson, leader of the radical right group Focus on the Family, sent this to people in your state. Focus has joined with Lon Mabon's Idaho Citizens Alliance (OCA) for a full-fledge attack. People, stop this thing in Idaho before it spreads across the country. It is terrible. Read this letter carefully. Focus has a $97 million-dollar-a-year budget and they have publicly stated the elimination of Gay Rights in America is their number one goal. It was mailed on Focus letterhead from Colorado Springs, CO to all Idahoans on their mailing list (including me) and my guess is that it went to everyone on the Idaho Citizens Alliance and Idaho Christian Coalition mailing lists too. >>This is so full of clever lies and deceptions that I am anxious to >>see your analysis. This is what we are working against. **End Editorial** ============================================= ============================================= ============================================= FOCUS ON THE FAMILY Dear Friends, I trust that you have survived the summer and have managed the transition into a busy fall schedule of activities. It is not my desire to burden you with one additional thing to do, but I would like to pass along some encouraging news about an important development in Idaho. Focus on the Family believes that, as individuals, homosexuals are entitled to the same basic rights as every other citizen, and we strongly oppose any form of persecution, harrassment or violence against them. However, there are substantial reasons for opposing current attempts to grant special legal privileges to gays, lesbians, and bisexuals that are not enjoyed by heterosexuals. In light of this, we believe that it is important for those of you living in Idaho to become aware of and support Proposition One, the Stop Special Rights Initiative. Whenever Christians consider potential legislation which touches upon the private lieves of individuals, it is extremely important that two questions be kept in mind. First, is the legislation necessary for the maintenance of a just social order? Second, does the legislation protect people from being constitutionally disadvantaged? Proposition One passes both tests. It recognizes and protects the basic constitutional rights of all Idahoans, including those who have chosen to participate in homosexual behavior. In summary, the Initiative: * guaranttes every citizen their full constitutional rights without granting special rights to homosexuals * prohibits marriage of homosexuals * prohibits the positive presentation of homosexuality within public elemtary and secondary education * prohibits the expenditure of public funds to promote homosexuality * prohibts the State of Idaho from considering private sexual behavior as a basis for penalizing any employee Proposition One does not, by any means, promote or condone any form of harrassment or violence against homosexuals who maintain their equal protection under the laws of Idaho and the United States. Idaho law currently recognizes the right of the citizens of Idaho to judge sodomy and other "crimes against nature" to be worthy of criminal sanctions. For the citizens of Idaho who desire to see homosexuals dealt with fairly and compassionately, but who also do not approve of homosexual behavior, nor want the state to enact legislation or policies which do just that, this Initiative provides the appropriate safeguards and prohibitions. For those who are concerned that it may not pass constitutional muster, the Initiative Review Commitee (consisting of active members of the Idaho State Bar) has sub- mitted it to thorough analysis, and determined that the provisions included in the Initiative are constitutional under both the federal and state constitutions. These legal professionals were brought together by the Idaho Family Forum, in whom we have great trust. Proposition One allows citizens to decide the legal implications of homosexuality based on moral consensus, a right guaranteed by the constitutions of both the United States and Idaho. It safeguards the rights of parents to teach their children about homosexuality, factually and morally, and to elect school boards which will reflect their basic constitutional rights, including equal protection under the law, the right for redress of grievances, and the right of free speech within the limits already recognized by the United States Supreme Court. Given its fairness and constitutionality; given its pro-family intent in protectin the rights of parents to be the moral nurturers of their children; and given the pro-homosexual movement's threat to Idaho's social welfare, Focus on the Family urges voters to support Proposition One, the Stop Special Rights Initiative. It is fair. It is just. And it is needed now. Thank you for letting me share these few thoughts on this important piece of legislation. Together, we can work to defend the priceless heritage of our fragile freedoms. Keep us in your prayers, won't you? God's peace and joy to you and your household. Sincerely, James C. Dobson, Ph.D. President P.S. For a complimentary voter's guide containing more information on this and other ballot issues, please call the Idaho Family Forum at (208) 344-9009. JCD/mp ================================================= ================================================= Submitted by BoiseBear@aol.com To help Idaho defeat these folks, contact: No On One Coalition, PO Box 797, Boise, ID 83701 (208) 376-1599 voice (208) 376-1699 fax. No On One now accepts VISA and MC donations. =================================================