Date: Sun, 13 Feb 1994 13:26:00 EDT From: Song Weaver Subject: IDAHO Gov. Candidate Anti-Gay The following article appeared in the Saturday, 2/11 Idaho Statesman and is reproduced without permission: GOVERNOR HOPEFUL EASTLAND BACKS ANTI-GAY INITIATIVE The Associated Press IDAHO FALLS -- Republican gubernatorial candidate Larry Eastland wants to make it clear: He's for the anti-gay rights initiative. He has signed a petition supporting the initiative sponsored by the Idaho Citizens Alliance. That reversed his stance of 11 months ago, when he questioned the need for it. In March 1993, Eastland said the initiative was unnecessary. In November, he said he'd vote for the initiative if it got on the ballot, but added, "I really wish we weren't going through this." Eastland said this past week he wanted to make his position clear by signing a peitiion. "I didn't want to confuse the message," he said. "The more I had to explain where I was, the more I thought I should send an unmistakable message." Eastland's Republican opponents renewed their opposition to the initiative, and one criticized Eastland for signing. "This is the evloution of a desperate candidate," said Jeff Malmen, campaign manager for Phil Batt of Wilder, the former party chairman and lieutenant governor. "It's arguably the biggest flip-flop of this election cycle." The Burley-based alliance needs about 32,000 signatures of registered voters to put the issue on the November general election ballot. The deadline is July. The initiative seeks to stop gays from seeking additional civil rights, for hiring or other purposes. It would bar public school teachers from depicting homosexuality as an acceptable, healthy lifestyle. The initiative addresses important public policy questions, especially in the classroom, Eastland said. "What people do in their own homes is their own business," he said. "What we teach in the public schools is everybody's business." Eastland's opponents suggest he's more interested in getting votes. Boise businessman Chuck Winder dismisses Eastland's move as a play to the GOP's far right.