Date:         Tue, 16 Aug 1994 02:42:14 EDT
From: BoiseBear@aol.com

700 Club Spins the Anti-Gay Effort in Idaho

By Robert Shaffer

"The homosexual lifestyle is not acceptable to cowboys,
ranchers, and farmers," said Bill Proctor, spokesman for
the Idaho Citizens Alliance on a 700 Club broadcast Monday,
August 15.


According to Rich Keefe, editor of Idaho's gay and lesbian
newspaper, Diversity, "This is the first national story on
the Idaho proposition as far as we know.  It was a slick and
subtle production."

While the camera showed images of gay pride marchers, the
commentator talked of "threats to the Idaho way of life."
While images of children and senior citizens in cowboy hats
were shown, the commentator talked of protecting Idaho from
the homosexual agenda.

LINK TO ANOTHER PREJUDICE

The anchorwoman introducing the segment said, "Idahoans
are trying to 'contain' the gay rights movement' that is
coming to Idaho with new immigrants to the state."

As with many Western states, Idaho's population continues
grow at a tremendous rate.  "This was clearly a tactical move
by the ICA to align the anti-gay campaign with another of
Idaho's fears -- that of a growing resentment of Californians
moving into Idaho," said Keefe.

ICA leader, Proctor, was shown in jeans near a pick-up truck.
"I am trying to protect Idaho's children from the homosexual
agenda and their request for minority status and special rights,"
said Proctor.  "We are taking the offensive position to protect
the citizens of Idaho for future generations."

As Proctor said this, more shots of kids in cowboy hats playing
on the playground.

ANTI-GAY or ANTI-SPECIAL RIGHTS

The commentator sent a clear message to viewers regarding
the importance of semantics in the campaign.  "Call it 'anti-gay'
and independent Idahoans will reject it.  Call it an effort to
stop homosexuals from gaining 'special rights' and voters will
respond differently," said 700 Club reporter, Julia Zaier.

The broadcast was followed by a trailer advertising a "fact sheet"
from the 700 Club on the Homosexual Movement in the Western
States. Phone 1-800-716-FACT for a copy.

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Contacts:

No On One Coalition                 Diversity Newspaper
PO Box 797, Boise, ID 83701         DiversityN@aol.com
Phone 208-344-4295                  PO Box 323, Boise, ID 83701

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