This file contains arguments regarding Oregon Measure 9 for 1992, which is regarded as an anti-LGB proposed constitutional amendment. There are ten (10) arguments in favor of the Measure and fifty-five (55) against the measure. Arguments for the measure appear first. You may skip forward to the arguments against the measure by searching for the string 'AGAINST' (case sensitive). The copies from which this archive is created were furnished by OUTPAC, PO Box 5263, Eugene OR 97405 These are in the same order as they will appear in the Oregon Voter's Pamphlet, which will be mailed to all Oregon voters. Additional copies can be obtained from the Oregon Elections Division, Salem OR. Editorial Note: I only had copies of the statements to work from and in some cases the statements were attachments to the paperwork which identified the author(s). As a result, some statements appear without attribution. Also, the grammar is the original as are a majority of the spelling mistakes (I have tried to fix the obvious ones, but you can't get them all). First, the text of the Measure This state shall not recognize any categorical provision such as ``sexual preference,'' and similar phrases that includes homosexuality, pedophilia, sadism or masochism. Quotas, minority status, affirmative action, or any similar concepts, shall not apply to these forms of conduct, nor shall government promote these behaviors. State, regional, local governments and their properties and monies shall not be used to promote, encourage or facilitate homosexuality, pedophilia, sadism or masochism. State, regional and local governments and their departments, agencies and other entities, including specifically the State Department of Higher Education and the public schools, shall assist in setting a standard for Oregon's youth that recognizes homosexuality, pedophilia, sadism and masochism as abnormal, wrong, unnatural, and perverse and that these behaviors are to be discouraged and avoided. It shall be considered that it is the intent of the people in enacting this section that if any part thereof is held unconstitutional, the remaining parts shall be held in force. Robert R. Miles V.O.I.C.E V.O.I.C.E. Against Hate Hate and apathy go hand-in-hand. The U.S. Supreme Court, in deciding a case regarding obscenity, declared that each community is responsible for setting their own community standards. Oregonians can fulfill this obligation by voting on Measure #9. Measure #9 on homosexuality CANNOT be ignored by people of conscience. By ignoring the issue, we refuse to understand that democracy runs the risk of allowing our traditional rights and liberties to degenerate into harmful, self-indulgent perversions of freedom regardless of the cost to our society. Real love compels legislation against behaviors that, from the perspective of wisdom, are individually and socially harmful. Love-in-action is not universal permissiveness. It is because of love that the Bible prohibits murder, incest, theft, human sacrifice, homosexuality, bestiality, lying, and the like. It prohibits these practices even though some people have found them convenient, expedient, and attractive. Society has condemned drinking and driving while encouraging by law and treatment centers a way out for victims of the behaviors. Society has condemned drug use/abuse spousal abuse, violence against children, etc. while setting up programs for the victims of the behaviors to escape such a destructive lifestyle. Society is NOW BEING CALLED upon to stop accomodating victims of homosexuality while saying, "it's ok, it's alright, go ahead and play on the freeway, we'll make no effort to help you". A test of human experience is found in the parent-child relationship. There is not, nor can there be, any presumption that parents who truly love their children may not or should not establish and enforce behavior guidelines for them. Most authorities on family life insist that the absence of protective guidelines indicates absence of love because it does not secure the best interests of the child. A YES vote on #9 will secure the best interests of all of our children, our communities and our State. It will even help those who have chosen the practice of homosexuality. Maria DeMers, Treasurer Catholic Oregonians for Truth (given in Rome) October 1, 1986 by Pope John Paul II & Joseph Cardinal Ratizinger The issue of homosexuality and the moral evaluation of homosexual acts becomes a matter of public debate. Since this debate often advances arguments and makes assertions inconsistent with the teaching of the Catholic Church, it is a cause for concern for all....special concern and pastoral attention should be directed toward those who have this condition lest they be led to believe that the living out of this orientation in homosexual activity is a morally acceptable option. IT IS NOT ... ministers must ensure that homosexuals will not be misled by this point of view so profoundly opposed to the teaching of the Church. There are many who seek to create confusion regarding the Church's position ... ministers will reject theological OPINIONS WHICH DISSENT FROM CHURCH TEACHING and ... cannot be used as guidelines for pastoral care ... numbers of people ... are bringing enormous pressure to bear on the Church to accept the homosexual condition as though it were not disordered and to condone homosexual activity. Once tactic used is to protest that any or all criticism of, or reservations about, homosexuals, their activity and lifestyle, are simply diverse forms of unjust discrimination. Christians who are homosexual are called, as all of us are, to a chaste life. As they dedicate their lives to understanding the nature of God's personal call to them, they will be able to receive the Lord's grace so freely offered in order to convert their lives more fully to His way. The Lord Jesus promised, "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free". (Jn. 8:32) Scripture bids us speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15). The God who is at once truth and love calls the Church to minister to (all) ... with pastoral solicitude of our compassionate Lord. It is in this spirit that we have addressed this letter ... with the hope that it will be of some help as they care for those whose suffering can only BE INTENSIFIED BY ERROR AND LIGHTENED BY TRUTH. M. Dennis Moore, chair Special Righteousness Committee According to the book of Leviticus in the Bible, oyster-eating, crossbreeding cattle, shaving a beard, wearing clothing made of mixed fibers, cursing one's parents and adultery are just as immoral as homosexuality. If the OCA's "No Special Rights" Committee wants to take one of the 3,000 year-old laws of ritual holiness from Leviticus and put it into the Bill of Rights in the state constitution, they should be sincere enough to put all the rest of Leviticus into the constitution as well. It's a simple matter of respect for these historic laws to treat them consistently. We at the Special Righteousness Committee are just as offended by oyster-eating, shaving and mixed fibers as the OCA is offended by homosexuality, as we have just laws much right as the OCA does to change the state constitution to require government discrimination against people whose behavior we don't like. My friends, do you want public schools teaching your children that shaving is a legitimate and equal alternative style to a normal and healthy beard? Would you want to be forced to higher an oyster-eater to direct your church choir? Adam and Eve wore fig leaves -- 100% fig leaves -- and this is divine proof that those disgustingly unnatural cotton/polyester blends are sinful. And when the OCA was analyzing the threat to traditional family values, we don't know how they managed to overlook adultery! Why, there's a lot more adultery than homosexuality going on out there, and extrapolations from OCA statistics show that 90 percent of the people who have engaged in sexual perversions are heterosexual ("straight"). The state condones adultery by not punishing it with death as required by Leviticus. It promotes oyster-eating by licensing seafood restaurants, and it allows people to take mixed fibers out of the closet and flaunt them right out in public without being fired or evicted! The state is encouraging sin! If the OCA can have the special right to make their personal moral agenda into public policy, then anyone else should be able to amend the state Bill of Rights to eliminate basic human rights for people who they don't like. Let's put all of Leviticus into the constitution: A "yes" vote is the first step in facilitating our militant moral agenda. AGREE WITH US OR BURN IN HELL Lon Mabon NSR Chairman No Special Rights Committee PAC Statement of Legislative Intent It is the primary intent of the Chief Petitioners of the initiative to distinguish between private behavior and public policy, and to prevent the establishment of special rights, taxpayer funding, or authorized access to public schools for individuals who promote, encourage or facilitate homosexuality, sadism, masochism, or pedophilia... The initiative is not intended to interfere with the constitutional rights of anyone, including but not limited to opponents of this measure ... The measure would not amend, reduce or interfere with anyone's rights under the U.S. constitution and federal law. The initiative would not amend or repeal any existing provisions of the Oregon Constitution. Subject to state and federal criminal civil law, the measure does not prohibit persons from chosing to participate in the conduct identified in the initiative... With respect to government employment: As long as an individual is performing his job, and is not using his position to promote, encourage, or facilitate behaviors listed in the initiative, his private practice of such behaviors will not be considered a matter of public policy and will be considered a non-job factor. However, is a person is using his job to promote, encourage or facilitate one or more of the behaviors listed in the initiative, inquiry by a supervisor is required, and subsequent disciplining action, reassignment, or dismissal is appropriate. Remedial actions should be proportional to the degree that the individual has made his private sexual behavior a job-related factor. With respect to government employment: ... if an individual's position puts him in direct contact with children or youths, and it becomes known that he (he) is promoting, encouraging or facilitating any of the behaviors listed ... then inquiry by a supervisor is required. If the charge is substantiated, the subsequent reassignment to a job of equal status and pay not directly affecting children is required. The primary factor in jobs relating to children is the protection of the innocence of the children, not the comfort of the individuals practicing, promoting ... behaviors listed ... The above statement is submitted by the Chief Petitioners as the true intent of the NSR ... initiative. All other representation of the motivation or purpose of the petitioners should be examined in relation to this document. Phillip Ramsdell Political Director Oregon Citizens Alliance PAC Homosexuality is an abnormal and unhealthy behavior which should be discouraged, not encouraged by our government. Studies by researchers show that the following practices are regularly engaged in by many homosexuals: fellatio 100%, fisting 41% (insert fist and forearm into rectum), rimming 92% (licking the rectum), water sports (urinating on partners, drinking urine), mud wallowing 17% (defecating on partner), sado-masochism 37% (beating, piercing, another person for sexual pleasure), public sex 66% (public restrooms, bathhouses, parks), pedophilia 46% (sex with minors). (Nebraska Medical Journal, 1985 and Lancet, June 9, 1984). Sodomy and other routine homosexual practices tear and rupture the tissue of the lower bowel and allow for easy transmission of viral and bacterial infections. It's no wonder that Portland's homosexual newspaper Just Out (July, 1992), reports that homosexuals account for 92% of all AIDS cases in Oregon to date. Similar figures were reported in the Oregonian (March 18, 1991). A 1982 Center for Disease Control study showed that homosexual men infected with the AIDS virus had an average of 1160 partners. Rimming brings the participant into oral contact with fecal material. Thus, the rate for infectious hepatitus B is 20-50 times greater for homosexual males than for heterosexual males (American Spectator, 1984). Homosexuals account for over half the U.S. cases of syphillus, gonorreah of the throat, and intestinal infections (Plenum Medical Books, 1982 and Atlantic Monthly, 1/1988). Homosexuals are at least 8-12 times more likely to molest children than heterosexuals (Psychology Reports volumes 57, 1985; 58, 1986; 64, 1989). Despite the glaring truth about the homosexual lifestyle, some Oregon public schools are teaching children that homosexuality is a good and normal choice. No one gave public officials this authority. They took it upon themselves under pressure from homosexual special interest groups (Project 10 Educators Conference April 1992). The only way to reclaim our authority as parents and citizens is to put our will and beliefs into law. Protect your children. Protect your community. Vote Yes on 9 Beth Augee Communications Director Concerned Women for America Oregon Tax $$$$$ Support Homosexual Agenda How are Oregon tax dollars now supporting the homosexual agenda in our state? Here are a few examples: * The "Diversity" section of Portland's "Future Focus" futuristic plan includes homosexual agenda goals. * The Multnomah County Social Services Division mandated all-day sensitivity training for staff in June 1992 on the subject of "Heterosexism/Homophobia". * Oregon State Health Division and Oregon Department of Education have included homosexual propoganda in the 1992 "update" of "AIDS: The Preventable Epidemic" school curriculum for grades K-12, sent to every Oregon school in May, 1992. Homosexual bias pervades the curriculum but articulated specifically on pp. 284-5, 386. Pages 377-8 lists 20 resources for teachers, ten of which are homosexual organizations. * Lesbian propaganda dominates Women's Studies courses at Portland State University. * Homosexual student groups operate on State University campuses throughout Oregon. * Oregon State employees and school employees planned and attended the "Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Youth Conference" on taxfunded time, April 23-24, 1992. Present at this conference were verbal language and reading recommendations offensive to most citizens. * In April, 1989, South Eugene High School held "Gay Awareness Week". * Cascade AIDS Project, known for its "man to man playshops" for learning so-called safe sex, used Lakeridge High School facility in April 1992 to teach students and give them flavored condoms. * The Portland public school district has developed an outreach program for lesbian and gay youth, including classroom curriculum and counseling. * Valuable time is used during legislative sessions to debate homosexual rights bills such as HB 2325 in 1987 and SB 708 in 1991. * The University of Oregon offers "free" men's groups for men "who are beginning to explore the emotional and sexual interest in other men". Vote "YES" on Measure 9 to keep your tax money from supporting the special-interest agenda of homosexuals in Oregon. Christine Nickelson Eagle Forum Dear Eagle Forum Members: I'm a former teacher and mother of school-aged children. I attended the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Youth Conference for over 150 teachers and counselors this April 23 & 24 in Beaverton. It turned out to be nothing more than a training session on how to implement "Project 10" in grades K through 12, utilizing a proven strategy designed to avoid any parental control. To add insult to injury, this conference was paid for with taxpayer money. "Project 10" is a California school-based program started in 1984 by a lesbian teacher. Its goals are: schools adopting homosexual "affirmative" curriculum - hiring homosexual teachers and counselors - placing "gay-positive" books and magazines in school libraries for all ages - teaching specifics about homosexuality in all its forms and that children are born sexually neutral, needing to discover their real sexual orientation by experimentation. Students judged by teachers to be sexually "confused" would be sent to homosexual counselors without parental consent. All at taxpayers expense! According to Project 10's founder, the programs need no "official approval" to get started. Attendees were told "to get your stuff before asking permission .. give 'gay-positive' books like Daddy's Roommate and Heather Has Two mommies to your school library ... 'cause once they're in place, you can cry censorship if anyone wants them removed." Voting yes on Measure 9 will stop the government from spending our tax dollars on this kind of promotion of homosexuality in Oregon so every parent will not have to maintain a constant vigil against the insidious strategy of Project 10's proponents. To have any hope of saving our public schools, we must preserve parental support and stop this obnoxious social engineering. Allen Wildmon American Family Association Fndn. American Family Association's Position on Homosexual Rights Law 1. Homosexual rights laws are unnecessary. They are protected against physical and verbal abuse by the same laws that protect other citizens. The legal system should not suggest that the pain of one person is somehow more intense that the pain of another. As for discrimination in employment, market research indicates that the income of the average homosexual household is $55,430, as compared to $32,144 for the general population -- that's more than $23,000 higher. 2. There is no persuasive evidence that homosexuality is either genetic or physiological in origin. Despite ill-formed reports by the press, recent studies to not prove the case for a genetic predisposition to homosexuality. Even the authors of these studies have rejected such a thesis. Authorities fiercely disagree on the causes of homosexuality, and there is no prospect that the question will be resolved in the foreseeable future. Thus, civil rights legislation should not be passed on the false assumption that homosexuality is undeniably an inherited trait like race or sex. 3. Almost half the people in the United States belong to religious groups that condemn homosexuality, and it would be a violation of their constitutional rights (freedom of religion, freedom of association) to insist that such people hire homosexuals, admit them to their social organizations, and take them into their homes as roomers. 4. The passage of such laws inevitably leads to bizarre and extreme interpretations by the courts. In Wisconsin two women who chose not to room with a lesbian were hauled before the Human Rights Commission, fined, ordered to write letters of apology, forced to attend "sensitivity training" conducted by a gay rights group, and compelled to submit to official monitoring of their living arrangements. Carol A Petrone or Phillip Ramsdell Oregon Catholics for Life Gay Rights activists have attempted to pass special rights laws through the Oregon legislature for years, but the voters have forced consistently thwarted their efforts. Now, the tactic seems top be to force special "gay rights" laws and policies through government entities such as city councils, commissions and educational facilities -- thereby avoiding a vote of the people. Measure 9 will insure that special rights based on private behavior, including affirmative action and quotas for declared homosexuals, will not be forced on Oregonians. Homosexual activists have made their behavior central to their self-identification and they insist that society give it immunity from moral judgement. Further, they seek to propose legislation which forbids other citizens to disapprove of their lifestyle, which has the effect of compelling social acceptance. Portland's Future Focus program to promote "cultural diversity" includes phrases such as "embracing and celebrating" which could be used to force acceptance of homosexual lifestyles. In addition, the National Education Association's position paper, "Affording Equal Opportunity to Gay and Lesbian Students through Teaching and Counseling", tells teachers to censor books from school libraries that do not give positive treatment to the subject of homosexuality. With these facts in mind, there is some evidence that homosexual propaganda can sway some young people into homosexuality and, perhaps, permanent orientation in that direction. Because some persons enter adolescence with sexual orientation unresolved, the state should defend the rights of the children not to be subject to such influences in school. This is not homophobia, but rather the assertion of parent's rights over those civil rights activists. Homosexuals, as humans, have the same rights as all. However, homosexual orientation is an objective disorder and the acting out its lifestyle threatens the rights of the family. Allan Abe AS A HOMOSEXUAL ... I support No Special Rights granted upon behavior. I feel this is an unusual, but needful, endorsement of Ballot Measure 9. An objective review of this measure assures me that its passage would in no way criminalize homosexuality in Oregon. Although some gays wish government to promote and affirm their lifestyle, I have always been content to keep my sexual preferences private. As a resident of San Fransisco, I have eye-witnessed accelerated degeneration of this city since "sexual orientation" clauses were implemented. I applaud the Boy Scouts, a private organization, for standing firm against gay-rights corporate giants such as Levi Strauss, Wells Fargo Bank and Bank of America. I believe I speak for many in my community who are appalled by the fascist tactics of ACT-UP and Queer Nation. It is a shame that they allow themselves to be exploited by the far liberal left. Attacks against police are becoming for frequent and violent in nature. However, my main concern is that energy and money which could be used to research a cure for AIDS is being channeled to promote a liberal agenda. I agree with early gay-rights activist, William Dale Jennings, who said "The heirs our long and hard, and literally dangerous pioneering ... demand special privileges on no discernible basis ... It is literally true that all homosexual organizations that thrive on private and public grants speak only for the few who have the compulsion to flaunt their sexual preference" (L.A. Times OCTOBER 11, 1991) Please vote YES on Measure 9 Begin Section === ARGUMENTS AGAINST OREGON MEASURE 9 === Oregons United Together, OUTPAC "I'd also purge the queers. I despise them worse of all. They're one of the ugliest problems of our society, and they must be removed - I don't know if by gas or what, just so they don't poison society ..." American Nazi Party Leader George Lincoln Rockwell 1966 (Unnatural Quotations, 1988, Rutledge) "... the initiative promotes bigotry, hatred and intimidation and ... will only serve to exacerbate the harassment, fear and violence towards gay and lesbian people." Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, October 3, 1992 letter to pastors The choice is really that simple ... encourage hate and discrimination or support the dignity of ALL Oregonians. Please vote NO on Ballot Measure Nine, for all of us, for yourself Christian Coalition of Oregon PAC Traditional Family Values Coalition PAC American Heritage Party PAC Why do the Christian Coalition of Oregon, the Traditional Family Values Coalition, and the American Heritage Part PAC's all oppose the OCA/No Special Rights initiative? Because we support what the founding fathers REALLY said about the separation of church and state, and oppose attempts by any narrow, right wing, fundamentalist splinter organization to force ALL Oregonians to follow their creed. George Washington, our country's first president said "The United States is in no sense founded on the Christian religion." (Conway, Holy Terror, 1984) Even more direct was Thomas Jefferson who, at his inauguration in 1801 said, "Let us, then, fellow citizens, unite with one heart and one mind. Let us restore to social intercourse that harmony and affection without which liberty and even life itself are but dreary things. And let us reflect that having banished from our land that religious intolerance under which mankind so long bled and suffered, we have yet gained little if we countenance a political intolerance as despotic, as wicked, as capable of bitter and bloody persecutions." Vote against discrimination and divisiveness, Vote NO on Nine. Fred Fried MD, President Oregon Psychiatric Association Oregon Psychiatric Association American Psychiatric Association The Oregon Psychiatric Association and the American Psychiatric Association strongly oppose Measure 9 and condemn discrimination based on ignorance and distortion of scientific information. Based on scientific evidence, the American Psychiatric Association has determined that homosexuality is not a mental illness. Measure 9 intentionally and erroneously links homosexuality with various mental illnesses such as pedophilia. Scientific evidence does not support this stereotype. We oppose censorship of scientific and medical information which Measure 9 would require. We urge all Oregonians to oppose Measure 9 as a destructive law which would foster bigotry and discrimination against the citizens of our state. This information is furnished by the Oregon Psychiatric Association and the American Psychiatric Association. Sam Adams Mark Weiner Traci Spillman "We don't like your kind around here" "They're dangerous. They want to take over" "If we don't stop them now, they'll destroy everything we hold sacred" "They're not really like us, you know" These ugly phrases have re-appeared throughout history. Often they have been the precursors of official discrimination, repression and violence. And they have, at one time or another, been applied to every group imaginable. Jews, Blacks, Native Americans, Catholics, Irish, Italian, Armenian, Gypsies, even evangelical Christians - the list goes on forever. If you lived in the wrong place at the wrong time, it would include you. Now, in Oregon, it is the turn of Gays and Lesbians. That is what Measure Nine is about: singling out a group as being less that the rest of us. It is not about "special rights", unless you think things like keeping your job and having a place to live are "special rights". Measure Nine is about making official government-sanctioned discrimination a part of our state Constitution. Our nation was founded by people searching for a place where they could live their lives in freedom. Where neither the government, nor the church, nor an angry mob - could deny them "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness" based on who or what they were. Measure Nine destroys that principle. And if it is destroyed for Gays and Lesbians, it will be so much easier to destroy it for the next group. Perhaps for you. Perhaps for your children. To pass Measure Nine is wrong. It would bring enduring shame upon us as a state and as a people. Vote NO on Measure Nine. Leonard Lindas Jr., Ph.D. To the People of Oregon: In Measure 9 we as a State as faced with a monumental proposition which, if passed, will directly determine the treatment and fate of at least ten percent of our population and involve the rest of us in the process. The issue is: How are we going to treat one another? We have a choice. Treat others as we ourselves wish to be treated with decency and respect or separate out a group we perceive as different and, consequently, not as good, and blame the woes of society and our own special problems on them. Equal rights for ALL our citizens has been the unifying goal of our society since its inception. Equal rights for all of us does not constitute special rights for any of one of us. We cannot afford as a society to exclude any of our members from full participation. Labeling any group as not worthy to be a part of the greater community invites blame, hostility, and rejection. A vote in favor of Measure 9 is a move to set in motion destructive forces that will tear Oregon apart and damage countless lives with no conceivable gain. We must not let this happen. We have a unique, though not entirely welcomed, opportunity to rise above prejudice, petty politics, and mean-spirited thinking to block discrimination before it gets a legal foothold in Oregon. You and I must meet this challenge to our good judgement, our sense of justice, and stability. Our diversity is our strength. Let us all continue to contribute to the richness of our land through the variety of our talents and backgrounds. As a psychologist and an active community member, I have seen first hand in my office and on the street how destructive rejection, hatred, and discrimination are. I will do whatever I can to eliminate these problems from our society and ask your help to do the same. Think hard about the issues involved and the implications of a move to legalize discrimination and Vote NO on Nine! Henry Van Dyke, Clerk North Pacific Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, and Multnomah, Eugene, Corvallis, Rogue Valley Monthly Meetings of the Religious Society of Friends For over 300 years the Religious Society of Friends has struggled to understand and testify to our belief in basic human rights. We affirm again that there is that of God in every person. We are reminded that "God is love, and those that abide in love abide in God and God abides in them" (I John 4:16). We find that the Spirit of God is present in all loving relationships, regardless of the genders of those involved. We abhor all forms of sexual violence and coercion and recognize that these forms of abuse have nothing to do with sexual orientation. Therefore, the North Pacific Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends endorses efforts to protect the civil rights of all persons regardless of their sexual orientation. Our love and support is for all persons and is not based upon the gender of the person they love. We oppose all legislation or policy which disparages lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, or transexuals or abridges their constitutional or civil rights. Remi Sandri - Representative A Gathering of Faithful Measure 9 is entirely unchristian Jesus Christ's message and ministry speaks compellingly of love -- pure, unconditional love which is made visible in compassion for all, even those we do not understand. Measure 9 would legislate discrimination, censorship, suspician, surveillance, and judgement without facts or trial. These are not the tools of love or compassion. These are the tools of hate. To life the cross only to strike others is a woeful misuse of Christ's message. To preach intolerance in the name of virtue is selfish and cruel, and a ruthless use of political power to destroy those who are perceived as different. People of faith must act honorably toward all others and cast out fear. Measure 9 is blatantly preying upon the fears of out society. This measure attempts to equate a group of people with crimes for which their are current laws. Society's fears and lack of knowlege often put discussion of the gay community in a highly emotional arena, rarely allowing objective dialogue or understanding. This leads to more irrational fears. Measure 9 utilizes our society's unsettledness in an attempt to make this group of people scapegoats. This is yet another tool of hate and should be rejected. We must reject persecution of others because Christ's message is selfless love to all others; it does not matter who the target of hate is. We must embrace the guidance found in the fullness of the Gospels. Throughout the Gospels we find that Christ Himself broke through society's prejudices to accept and lift up people who were rejected and discriminated against by others. Christ Himself said: "Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate. Do not judge, and you will not be judged yourselves; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned yourselves; grant pardon and you will be pardoned. Give, and there will be gifts for you: a full measure ... because the amount you measure out is the amount you will be given back." (Luke 6: 36-38) Vote NO on Measure 9 Average Citizens of Oregon Average Citizens of Oregon: "NO ON 9" Average Citizens of Oregon (ACO) supports the OCA's belief in conformity - our own campaign song is "You've Gotta Be Me" - but we strongly disagree with this measure's approach and urge voters to vote NO. The OCA claims to promote "normality", but their definition of "normal" is biased, based on their particular fundamentalist religious beliefs. Certainly, it's the job of state government to define nomality and force everyone into it. (Our own slogan is "You're One of Us: It's the Law.") But we believe Oregonians was and deserve an objective definition, a statistical profile of the truly average citizen to live up (or down) to. This official Norm would regulate every aspect of life, since there's more to life than sex. (The OCA seems not to be aware of this fact.) Of course, to become average some people will have to give up money, or a child or spouse. Untypically healthy folks will have to be injured in some way. The OCA will have to stop their clearly abnormal attempts to investigate and control other adults' private, consensual, non-criminal behavior. And everyone will have to eat, dress, and worship exactly alike. But is the sacrifice of our values, beliefs, habits, tastes, and personalities too much to ask in trade for the comforts of conformity? Face it, the whole "democracy" thing, this "let's respect and learn from each other" idea, has gone too far. Let's just say no to individuality. Perhaps your don't take use seriously. That's okay. The OCA persevered even though many people can't believe they're for real. Remember: our state's future depends on whether people like you (though not as much like you as we'd like) really want to make Oregon more ordinary. Warning: You, yourself, may be dangerously deviant: average citizens don't read the Voters Pamphlet. Please consider the example you're setting for our youth! Mauragrace Healey Concerned Citizens of Estacada A Letter to Fellow Oregonians We are a group of concerned citizens from the community of Estacada who urge you to join us in voting NO ON MEASURE 9. We believe it is unconstitutional and immoral. This is not a gay issue; it is a human rights issue. In our country it is illegal to discriminate against others on the basis of their race, national origin, religion, gender, political affiliation, marital status, age, or physical disability. The laws that ensure freedom from discrimination apply to all Americans; they are not "special" rights. However, Measure 9 encourages discrimination by passing judgement on gay people and diminishing their worth as human beings. The Oregon Citizens Alliance says Measure 9 would not lead to persecution of gay people and their supporters, but unfortunately, this has already started in our community. OCA supporters here are challenging the integrity of school employees who oppose Measure 9. Additionally, Measure 9 would require schools to teach only a fundamentalist interpretation of sexuality. This selective manipulation of public school curriculum is no different than book-burning; it undermines the ability of teachers to develop quality, balanced curriculum that honors and reflects the rich diversity of our lives. The OCA's suggestion that Measure 9 "protects" children is an insult to voter's intelligence and a shameful attempt to generate irrational fears. Without question, we passionately believe in the safety and well-being of all children, and we believe the best way to do this is to guarantee their human rights while working to stop the REAL cause of child abuse. For these reasons and more, we feel Measure 9 is unconstitutional and morally offensive. Most of us have never before been politically active, but we've never been so insulted by a ballot measure. Please join us in voting NO on Measure 9 so we can all get on with our lives in a truly democratic society. Oregon Library Association Safeguard Oregon Libraries Vote NO on Measure 9 Oregonians who value the integrity and intellectual freedom of their liberties should vote no on Measure 9. The threat of censorship posed by Measure 9 is real, and it must be taken seriously by Oregonians. Here's the evidence: Last May, when a similar OCA-sponsored measure was passed by Springfield voters, an OCA spokesman said school and public libraries would be checked for objectionable material. "If we find that a book about homosexual lifestyle ... is in a library, we will do everything we can to get it out of there," the spokesman said, according to a May 26, 1992, report in the Eugene Register-Guard. Who knows what books or authors the OCA may have in mind for removal from library shelves? The Oregon Library Association wants voters to know about some of the likely candidates for an OCA purge. The following is a partial list of some acknowledged or recognized gay and lesbian writers. Edward Albee, Horation Alger, Hans Christian Anderson, James Baldwin, Brendan Behan, William Blake, Thomas Carlyle, Willa Cather, John Cheever, Stephan Crane, Emily Dickinson, Ralph Waldo Emerson, E. M. Forster, Lorraine Hansberry, A. E. Houseman, William Inge, Henry James, Jack Kerouac, Edward Lear, Vachel Lindsay, Jack London, Amy Lowell, Somerset Maugham, Rod McKuen, Herman Melville, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Plato, James Whitcomb Riley, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Henry David Thoreau, Jules Verne, Gore Vidal, Evelyn Waugh, Walt Whitman, Oscar Wilde, Thornton Wilder, Tennessee Williams, Virginia Woolf. Sensible Oregonians may find it difficult to believe that any author on this list could be seriously challenged for removal from a library because of that writer's sexual orientation or point of view. But other, less well-known writers are challenged every year in Oregon for exactly those reasons. Where would the line be drawn? Who would be qualified to make such decisions? Would OCA members have to approve library acquisitions? The Oregon Library Association urges thinking Oregonians to safeguard the intellectual freedom of their libraries and to vote no on Measure 9. Oregon Education Association (OEA) Educators Oppose Measure 9 On the surface Ballor Measure 9 appears to impact only a small segment of Oregon's population. In reality, its tentacles reach our for all Oregonians -- beginning in the classroom. Under Ballot Measure 9 teachers would be forced to present controversial social issues in only one context, thus eliminating critical thinking. Purges of school libraries and teaching material would not be far behind. In a world that is becoming smaller and more complex, exposure to diverse cultures, societies, lifestyles and individuals is crucial for future economic survival. Ballot Measure 9 doesn't open this door. It closes it. "In Germany, they came first for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up." -- attributed to Martin Niemoeller R. Cogburn and M. Frary Measure 9 would strip the civil rights of 1000's of law abiding citizens. There is nothing "special" about civil rights. Civil rights are rights to fair treatment in housing, employment, education, health care, credit (loans), etc. 9 prohibits laws protecting the civil rights of certain citizens. Prohibiting civil rights protection is the same as removing civil rights. History has proven over and over that people who are not legally protected become victims of discrimination and oppression. If certain citizens are denied legal protection for their rights, they are, for all practical purposes, denied rights. Measure 9 is un-American: American was founded in principles of liberty and equality. We have fought and dies to protect our inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. America stands for justice. But Measure 9 says these principles no longer apply: liberty and justice are no longer for all. The Bill of Rights says all people were created equal. Measure 9 says they were not. Our founding fathers taught the wisdom of separating church and state. Nine requires the state to enforce one interpretation of Christian doctrine. Measure 9 is dangerous to you and every American. If 9 passes, it will set a precedent that could change America. If 9 can declare some citizens unworthy of rights today, another measure could remove the rights of other citizens tomorrow. Any group (racial, religious, political, or ?) could become the target of similar laws. If liberty and justice are not for everyone, who will decide which citizens are worthy? In Germany, the Nazis decided. Early in his career, Hitler spread anti-homosexual propaganda, similar to some in circulation today. Then, in 1933, years before Jews were imprisoned, homosexuals were sent to the first concentration camps. Homosexuals were first, but one-by-one other groups became the targets of Nazi propaganda and attack. Don't let it happen here: Vote NO on 9. Church and Society Committee, Peacemaking Unit, Racial-Ethnic Unit, and Justice for Women Unit of the Presbytery of the Cascades God calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves As Christians we must oppose the attempt of the Oregon Citizen's Alliance to promote hatred and discrimination against people of homosexual orientation. Jesus told us that we should love our neighbors. He showed us that all humans are our neighbors, our brothers and our sisters. He did not discriminate against anyone. He did not attack sinners, because he new that we are all sinners. He condemned those who judge the moral worth of others. Those were the hypocrites whom he denounced. Who are our neighbors? As in the story of the Good Samaritan, our neighbors are the despised and rejected by society. Today the despised and rejected include people who are homosexual. Jesus calls us to love and to accept all people. We cannot love others and at the same time promote discrimination. The Presbyterian Church in Oregon and in the nation warns us against the sin of homophobia, the fear of homosexuals. The church says that all people are equally valuable in the sight of God. We believe that heterosexuals and homosexuals alike are beloved children of God. We, as Christians, cannot deny to any child of God the basic rights of employment, housing, and participation as an equal member of society. We, as Christians, cannot set ourselves up as better that the rest of humanity. As Christians, we call on other Christians to remember the love of God and to VOTE NO ON MEAASURE 9 and defeat its attempt to divide us from each other. Jewish Committee of People of Faith Against Bigotry Never Again! As Jews, we denounce Ballot Measure 9 for the following reasons: 1. Ballot Measure 9 would destroy religious freedom. The OCA wants to make their particular religious view the law for all people in Oregon. They want public schools to teach their religious values. The OCA has called for the elimination of the separation of church and state. Our history teaches us the danger of this path. 2. Ballot Measure 9 would subject our neighbor to injustice. Gay men and lesbians are our neighbors, family members, fellow Jews. Our tradition teaches: We must not stand idly by while our neighbor is subjected to injustice. (Leviticus 19:16) 3. Ballot Measure 9 would take away civil rights, truly making gay men and lesbians resident aliens without civil rights. Our tradition teaches: We must not oppress the stranger, for we were strangers in Egypt. (Exodus 22:20; 23:9; Deut. 11:19) 4. "This [measure] is one more example of the intolerance that is all too rampant in our society which does not tolerate norms and views that are different from the position of the self-appointed guardians of morals in our society," (Rabbi Joshua Stmpfer, Congregation Neveh Shalom _Chronicle_, 11/20/91) "As for myself, I have never seen too much in my life to stand by and watch." (Elie Wiesel, LA Times, 9/19/80) 5. We say "NEVER AGAIN!". Remember Hitler started with small steps, denying civil rights to those the Nazis deemed unacceptable in an Aryan world: Jews, homosexuals, Gypsies, people with disabilities ... "NEVER AGAIN!" must mean _never again_. We will not allow persecution or systematic denial of human rights. VOTE NO ON MEASURE 9. Kenneth Upton To All Oregon Republicans I am a Republican for traditional reasons. I am a fiscal conservative and a believer in a market based economy. I believe in a limited government. I volunteered for and served in Vietnam in a large part because of my opposition to totalitarianism in any form. Because of these beliefs, I am opposed to Measure 9. The state should not intrude into the intimate, private relationships of its citizens. Meeasure 9 is simply another attempt by one group of citizens to impose its values on the private lives of others. Such state action is completely unacceptable. I also oppose Measure 9 for personal reasons. I have gay and lesbian co-workers. They are productive and hard working citizens. I have gay and lesbian friends. I know them to be good and decent people. I cannot in good conscience allow my friends and collegues to be insulted by a state label of "abnormal". I urge all Oregon Republicans who share my views not to just quietly vote against Measure 9, but to lift their voices in opposition. It would be tragic for the silence of good people to allow this measure to pass. Don't Be Misled by the OCA! Vote NO on 9 Measure 9, promoted by the Oregon Citizen's Alliance (OCA) and their "No Special Rights" Committee, would amend Oregon's Constitution to require discrimination against one group of Oregon citizens. Under the guise of preventing "special rights", the OCA actually wants to take away rights that every taxpaying citizen enjoys away from those who are different. What would happen if Measure 9 passes? * Access to public services, programs, and facilities could be denied. * Meeting rooms in public buildings or permits to use public parks could be denied to groups -- labor unions, church groups, civic organizations -- any group that is perceived to "promote, encourage or facilitate" gays and lesbians. * State and county funding for AIDS prevention could be eliminated. * A climate where hate crimes and violence against anyone perceived to be gay or lesbian would be tolerated. * Employees [could be] fired because [they] are perceived to be gay or lesbian. * Buisinesses could lose their business licenses if the owner is perceived to be gay or lesbian. * Professionals such as doctors, lawyers, accountants, nurses -- anyone who is required to be licensed by the state -- could have their licenses revoked or denied if they are perceived to be gay or lesbian. * Restaurants could refuse to serve anyone who was perceived to be gay or lesbian. * Public libraries could be required to remove any book, magazine, or work of art that makes any positive reference to gays or lesbians. Are these "special rights"? .......................... NO! Is it a "special right" to hold a job? ............... NO! Is it a "special right" to eat in a restaurant? ...... NO! Is it a "special right" to have access to public buildings and services? ........................... NO! Say NO to the OCA Say "NO" to 9 People of Faith Against Bigotry People of Faith Oppose Measure 9 People of Faith Against Bigotry is an interfaith coalition of Christians, Jews, and other people of faith working against Ballot Measure 9. As people of faith, we feel an urgent need to denounce Ballot Measure 9 as being against the religious teachings by which we seek to live. Our religious, spiritual, and faith traditions teach us to work for justice for all people. Ballot Measure 9 would destroy religious freedom. The OCA wants to make their particular religious views the law for all people in Oregon. They want control over how tax money is spent, who is allowed to gather in public places, what can be viewed on television and in movies, what books can be kept in public libraries, who can work, who can get services. Religious tolerance and diversity must be respected. Ballot Measure 9 denies human rights to Oregon citizens. Human rights should be guaranteed to everyone in a free and democratic society. Ballot Measure 9 would amend the Oregon Bill of Rights to require discrimination against Oregonians who are gay, lesbian, or perceived as such. No one will be safe if Ballot Measure 9 becomes law. The OCA is counting on people not speaking out to protect this minority, just as people were afraid to speak out to protest the persecution of minorities under the Nazi regime. The OCA is targeting one group at a time. Their next target could be Jews, Catholics, immigrants, people of color, or women. All of these people have been the target of Oregon hate groups. Everyone Deserves Human Rights Vote NO on Ballot Measure 9. National Lawyers Guild Portland Chapter The National Lawyers Guild, Portland Chapter, urges you to vote NO on Measure 9. 1) Measure 9 requires state and local governments to discriminate against lesbians and gay men. It isolates one groups of people and mandates discrimination against them. This measure radically departs from our basic traditions of fairness and equality. We must also ask: Which of us will the OCA target next? 2) Measure 9 is unconstitutional. It denies to one particular group the fundamental rights that all Oregonians now have (free speech, free assembly and equal treatment by the governmnet). Measure 9 will force the state to spend enormous resources because it will be litigated and ultimately invalidated by the courts. 3) Measure 9 will drain critically needed money from schools and government. Each agency will be required to spend time and money trying to understand and comply with it, not to mention litigating lawsuits. 4). Measure 9 requires the government to intrude into the private lives of most Oregonians. Under Measure 9, state and local governments cannot "promote, encourage, or facilitate homosexuality." Because these terms are so broad, everyone who uses a public building or park, or obtains a permit, business license, or professional license, or has any business with the government will be subject to questioning by the government about their sexual practices. Government workers could asked you to prove that your sexual behavior is not "abnormal." 5) Measure 9 requires every state and local government entity and public schools at all grade levels to teach the OCA's version of mandatory sex education. DMV employees will have to provide sex education to teenagers when taking a driver's test. Teachers will be required to describe the specific "behaviors" the OCA deems "abnormal." Never before has an Oregon law required such bizarre intrusion into our children's lives. Because the state constitution orders the affairs of all of us, we should amend it only for sound reason and with a sound text. Measure 9 is unsound, intrusive, discriminatory, and unconstitutional. It will harm every citizen in Oregon. VOTE NO ON MEASURE 9 Alan Brown, Chair NO ON 9 - Lane County VOTE NO ON 9 The people of Oregon should vote NO on Measure 9 because it is completely contrary to the values of liberty and freedom this country was founded upon. This measure clearly asks us to decide whether rights, anyone's rights, are inalienable or not, and would require us to legislate discrimination against gay and lesbian people. Voting NO doesn't mean you agree with, or for that matter even understand homosexuality. It simply affirms that you believe in justice and in the freedom that built this nation. The individuals who proposed this measure want you to believe this is about "special rights". Yet, when you read the actual text of the initiative it is obvious that much more is at stake here. This measure would repeal segments of Oregon law that deal with crimes of violence, it will also restrict political dialogue, force segregation, and deny citizens equal access to government. Finally, this measure will mandate that the department of Higher Education teach about such subjects as pedophilia, sadism, and masochism in our state classrooms, subjects that do not belong in our Junior Highs and High Schools. And who is going to pay for these classes? You and I are! A conservative estimate for the cost of curriculum changes to the Department of Higher education for Measure 9 is a minimum of $210,000 just at the state level. This comes at a time when Oregon's schools are already struggling for survival due to state budget cuts. Is it worth the quality of your child's education to pay for classes about pedophilia, sadism and masochism? Is that how you want your tax dollars spent? Of course not! As you prepare to vote on Measure 9 remember one this: IF YOU VOTE "NO" NOTHING CHANGES Oregon remains a place where freedom is valued and human dignity is affirmed. VOTE NO ON 9 Reverend H. Laron Hall Individuals from First United Methodist Church, Portland Because we believe that the purpose of Measure 9 is ethically, morally, economically, and socially wrong, and because we believe that its intent is inconsistent with the Christian gospel, we, as individual members of the staff and congregation at First United Methodist Church, Portland's first church, intend to vote "NO" and urge other Oregonians to join us in defeating this divisive measure. Rev. H. Laron Hall Grant and Elaine Jones Rev. Paul and Rev. Deanna Self-Price Dick and Olive Pomeroy Mark and Ruth Ann Dodson Joyce Buckley Howard and Cheryl Luce Judy Kuhlman William Haden Carol Kimball Drs. Leif and Marjorie Terdal Troy Nash Chuck and Kathy Dimond Jay and Carol Kent Bill and Sonja Connor Gene Ediger Rosemary Dodds Paul Nickell Janet Harbold Rev. Terry Voss Max Mehlaff Robert and Virginia Anderson Lindsey and Marilen McGill Scott and Janice Gratton Jonas and Nancy Nordwall Blair Stiggins Tom Balmer and Mary Louise McClintock Bill and Thelma MacDonald Norman and Olivia White Rev. Earl and Kitty Riddle Marcey Balcomb Iola Halligan ELAN (Eugene Lesbians Against Nine) We are lesbians helping each other sustain faith in ourselves while voters are deciding whether we deserve respect as human beings and as citizens. Nearly everyone, not only lesbians and gay men, is frustrated and fearful about the future. Like you, we worry about physical and emotional security for ourselves and our children: safe streets, safe homes, work that gives us dignity. We need clean air and water, healthy food, decent medical care, and the certainty that there is a place for us, our friends, and families, in our communities. We need to be free from fear. Measure 9 doesn't answer any of these needs. Instead, it creates a scapegoat, lesbians and gay men, to bear the brunt of society's fear, anger and frustration. If it passes, here is what will happen to us lesbians: * children, including our own, would be taught in the schools that we are "abnormal, wrong, unnatural, and perverse." * we would live in greater fear of losing our homes, our jobs, custody of our children and of verbal and physical assault. * we would be turned into outcasts, "beyond the pale" of decent society, though we, like you, pay our taxes, risk our lives in war, fight child abuse and other injustices and contribute daily to our communities at our jobs, at home, in the schools, in our neighborhoods. If Measure 9 succeeds, it will be the first amendment written into any American constitution, state or federal, that takes away rights that already exist. If the amendment passes and turns us into targets for society's frustration, will the problems we face - unemployment and minimum wage jobs, expensive and inadequate health care, homelessness and violence, and soaring rates of child abuse - disappear? When they don't disappear, will other groups become the next scapegoats? Where will is all end? To get through these difficult times, we need to pull together our diverse resources - not to scapegoat and divide. We need to work together so that all of us can have decent lives. All of us deserve this. Oregon Psychological Association, Inc. Psychological Association Opposes Measure 9 The Board of Directors of the Oregon Psychological Association has unanimously voted to oppose the Oregon Citizen's Alliance sponsored Ballot Measure 9 that would call homosexuality abnormal, unnatural and perverse conduct, and urges you to vote NO ON NINE. Policy established by the American Psychological Association fifteen years ago declares, "homosexuality per se implies no impairment in judgement, stability, reliability, or general social or vocational capabilities." As behavioral scientists, responsible professionals, and concerned citizens, the Board of the Oregon Psychological Association believes that the public has the right to know that homosexuality has not been considered a mental disorder for the last 18 years. It is not currently listed as a mental illness in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the universally adopted psychiatric manual that defines mental disorders. The OPA Board believes that the Ethical Principles of Psychologists requires psychologists to "respect the dignity and worth of the individual" and to speak out against the misuse and distortion of psychological findings or language. Measure 9 distorts scientific facts. To use language like "abnormal, unnatural and perverse" to apply to homosexuality is a serious misrepresentation of decades of scientific research on homosexuality. The OP respects and defends each citizen's right to have his or her own moral and religious value system. However, we believe that to impose by law these particular moral or religious positions on others in order to discriminate harmfully against them is antiethical to respect for human dignity and worth. As an organization whose founding principles require us as professionals and citizens, "To further the development of psychology as a science, as an applied science, and as a means of promoting human welfare," we urge you to reject the misdirection and misinterpretation of scientific and human data in Measure 9 and vote NO. Dave Becket & Mike Darrah, Cindy Banks, Lynn F. Anderson, Angela Stein, Susan F. Thompson, Marlin Darrah, Katrina Greene, Don Maley, Julie Darrah, and Pam Holley "On that one point hold firm, As with a chain of steel. Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves; and under a just god, cannot long retain it." - Abraham Lincoln _Lincoln Speeches & Writings 1859-1865_, 1989. From a letter to Henry L. Pierce and others, April 6,1859; and from the "Lost" Speech at Bloomington, May 29, 1856. Measure 9's authors are the leaders of the Oregon Citizens Alliance, a nationally recognized hate group. They are attempting to fool Oregonians by padding their anti-gay platform with inflamatory language. Lumping homosexuality together with pedophilia has no basis in fact or logic, but the language is designed to produce an emotional reaction at the ballot box. Ballot Measure 9, if ratified into the Oregon Constitution, would be a dangerous precedent for not only Oregon, for the the entire nation. Never before in America's history has a specific group of people been targeted for "de-citizenation". If passed, the resulting inability of Oregon government bodies to even recognize the existence of variance in sexual orientations would open the door for unchecked discrimination and hostility against Oregon gays and lesbians. Measure 9's authors have taken an invalid and incorrect approach in labeling homosexuality a behavior. Homosexuality occurs naturally; it is extant in at least 10% of humans, and it appears throughout the animal kingdom as well. Recent biomedical research indicates that one's sexual orientation is biologically determined, not a behavioral choice. So convincing is the scientific evidence indicating homosexuality is a normal, natural occurance, that the American Psychiatric Association dramatically reversed its position on it in the early 1970's. The Association has since adopted a strong stand in opposition to discrimination against homosexuals. The ramifications of this amendment would be devastating for all Oregonians. This ballot measure requires censorship, requires the denial of rights, and requires constitutionalized discrimination. Measure 9 authors are attempting to dupe and coerce Oregonians into subjecting a minority to second class citizenship. The Bill of Rights states that we all have certain "inalienable rights and among these are the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness". It does not stipulate that these rights should be denied to any segment of the American population. The passage of Measure 9 would set a repugnant and evil precedent which is contrary to American ideals of justice and freedom. In this state, in this nation, there is only one choice that reflects our nation's values: NO to 9. Alan Batie, Rep. Now on Hate, Metro Portland Don't put Discrimination into the Oregon State Constitution Vote NO on 9! Measure 9 will amend the Oregon State Constitution to require state and local governments to discriminate against gay and lesbian Oregonians. This would include denial of professional licenses, as well as access to public facilities their tax dollars helped to build. It requires censorship of libraries, public broadcasting, and educational institutions. It will curtail AIDS prevention efforts and eliminate state or local funding for many organizations that provide direct services to people living with AIDS. It requires the state to teach our youth that homosexuality is abnormal and perverse. The effect will be devastating: according to the Dept. of Health and Human Services, lesbian and gay youth suffer 4 to 6 times higher teenage suicide rates than heterosexuals. Being repetitively told that they are abnormal and perverse will drive even more young people to a tragic end. It would overturn state hate crimes laws. Physical violence against homosexuals (and those perceived to be homosexual) has dramatically increased just since this initiative was brought before the public. This trend will accelerate, and very likely spread to other minorities and to anyone perceived as "different". Measure 9 would overturn civil rights ordinances banning discrimination in employment, housing and public accomodations in many cities, including Portland. Everyone will be potential victims of discrimination: The majority of homosexuals do not appear any different than you or your coworker - most of us have been invisible for years. Oregon will become a place where accusation and innuendo are used to destroy lives, much like the McCarthy era. This measure will require the State of Oregon to spend undetermined amounts of your tax dollars spreading hate and fear to your children and into every corner of government. Wouldn't this money be better spent on police, fire and other essential services which are in danger of being cut already? Don't let the OCA ruin your quality of life with their political agenda. Vote NO on discrimination Vote NO on 9 Alan Batie, Bill Chin, Scott Guthridge, Gerrit Huizenga, Mark Morrissey Don't be Tricked! Have you heard the terms "Militant Homosexual Activists", "Pedophilia", "Special Rights" or "Child Molesters" lately? If so, you've probably seen some of the irrational, emotional and misleading arguments the Oregon Citizen's Alliance is using to try and turn Oregonian against Oregonian. The OCA, nationally identified as a hate group, is trying to de-humanize homosexuals so that it becomes acceptable to attack us. We would urge all Oregonians not to scapegoat any group with hateful, untrue labels. We must judge everyone as a full person, with the human need for acceptance and the same capacity to love. This country was founded with the idea of a wider acceptance of *all* people, based on the equality and freedom of *all* individuals. Measure 9 is the first step towards restricting that freedom. The OCA would have you believe that "Traditional Family Values" excludes homosexuals. This is absurd; all lesbians and gay men have families. And, as family members, our basic values are the same as those in all families: loving one another, trusting one another, helping each other in times of need. The OCA's "family values" seem to say "love those you agree with and to force the others to conform or leave". Their emotional, hate-filled arguments work to erase the separation between Church and State. The founding fathers understood the danger inherent in this, and considered it to be so great as to prohibit it in the very first Article of the Bill of Rights. The rest of the country is watching Oregon, wondering if they are next to be attacked. Already a group similar to the OCA has formed in Washington. Don't let Oregon be the first state in the country to put discrimination into the Constitution: Vote NO on 9! Thomas Strong ACT UP/Columbia AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power The vague wording of Measure 9 makes it extremely dangerous. Words like "facilitate" and "condone" are open to perilously wide interpretations. If passed, right-wing extremists could grab hold of Measure 9, interpreting it to mean what they want. They could force the state government to follow their narrow agenda, from unfairly discriminating against gays and lesbians to withholding funding from AIDS organizations. Oregonians should vote NO on Measure 9 because vaguely worded tripe is not worthy of and does not belong in our Constitution. Furthermore, Oregonians should oppose Measure 9 because it will literally put people's lives at stake. There is one new HIV infection every 15 seconds. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. It is estimated that there are approximately 10,000 infected Oregonians. As the AIDS epidemic expands among all Oregonians - heterosexual men and women, gay men and lesbians, gay and straight teenagers - Measure 9 would have a devastating impact. Here are some of the effects Measure 9 could have because of its vague wording: Publicly funded AIDS prevention programs would be eliminated. Life-saving information that prevents the transmission of HIV would be kept from Oregonians. Measure 9 would promote a climate of fear and intolerance towards people with AIDS. While people with AIDS already face enormous discrimination from a corrupt health care industry and in their day-to-day lives, Measure 9 would exacerbate discrimination against people with AIDS. Organizations which serve people with AIDS could lose state funding. Anonymous or confidential HIV testing programs could be eliminated. The Oregon AIDS Hotline could be prohibited from answering questions about safer sexual practices that prevent HIV transmission. In short, all the positive steps that we have taken as a state towards ending the epidemic would be reversed by Measure 9. Measure 9 would jeopardize the quality of health care for all Oregonians. People who want to stop AIDS should vote NO on Measure 9. Oregonians who respect the sanctity of human life and who recognize the basic human dignity of all people - gay men and lesbians, nongay people, people with AIDS - should vote NO on Measure 9. Religious Society of Friends We Concerned Friends For over 300 years the Religious Society of Friends has struggled with the actions required by our conviction that there is that of God in every person. Early in our history this conviction lead to respect for leadership provided by women. Subsequently, it required us to eradicate slavery from among our society; to act against slavery in our communities; and to support civil rights for all people regardless of their color. We are now required to speak out in defense of civil liberties for all people in the State of Oregon. There are those in this state who have proposed an amendment to the Oregon Constitution which would abridge the civil rights of homosexuals. It would deny homosexuals equal protection of the law when they face discrimination in employment, or in housing, or from harassment based on their sexual orientation. We find this is wrong, that it denies God's love for each and everyone of us, regardless of sexual orientation. We are convinced that civil rights flow from our common humanity, as we are all children of the one God. "God is love, and those who abide in love abide os God, and God abides in them." (1 John 4:16) Therefore: We as individuals of faith call upon all people in Oregon who care about civil rights of anyone in this State to vote NO on Ballot Measure 9. Kim M. Bauske, Treasurer Right To Privacy PAC Vote NO on 9 Oregonians have a right to privacy * Oregonians have long cherished their independence and right to privacy from government intrusion into their lives. Ballot Measure 9 would reverse this right and require the State of Oregon to scrutinize the activities and speech of individuals and organizations. * City, county and state agencies would have to verify that groups and individuals using public facilities are not promoting, encouraging, or facilitating homosexuality. Vote NO on 9 - Preserve freedom of speech * Free speech would have to be monitored by the State of Oregon to determine if public employees are "promoting or encouraging" homosexuality. * Free speech will be censored in our colleges and universities. Textbooks, novels used in literature classes, videotapes, and works of art would be censored or banned if they do not "discourage" homosexuality. Vote NO on Measure 9 - Preserve the right to privacy * In 1990, Oregonians voted to uphold a woman's right to reproductive privacy. When the Oregon Citizens Alliance (OCA) put an initiative on the ballot to limit a woman's right to choice and ban abortions, OREGONIANS VOTED NO. * Measure 9 is a continuation of the OCA's attempts to intrude into the private lives of Oregonians. This time the OCA has gone too far and is trying to insert their religious beliefs into Oregon's Constitution. We urge you to vote no again. American Friends Service Committee Measure 9 is Violent A principle that brings particular strength to American Friends Service Committee's (AFSC) 75 years of work for justice and peace is seeing each human being as of infinite worth. This belief has lead AFSC to ways of work which support the uniqueness of communities and cultures and to respect the rich diversity of the human family. What kind of society are we creating if we allow any group of persons to be discriminated against in state services, employment, and housing? It is clear that the supporters of Ballot Measure 9 are waging an attack upon the gay and lesbian communities of Oregon. Discrimination and bigotry are forms of violence which deny the sanctity, equal worth, and dignity of the individual. Protection from discrimination is a basic human right deserved by all Oregonians including its gay and lesbian citizens, whose lives are no less sacred and whose rights are no less inalienable than those of any other human being. Vote NO on Ballot Measure 9. [Spanish translation deleted] National Organization for Women American Association of University Women Oregon Women's Political Caucus Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Abuse Planned Parenthood of Columbia/Willamette Oregon Federation of Business and Professional Women National Abortion Rights Action League NO, NO, NO ON 9 NO ON 9 means Oregon Women oppose Measure 9 Why should the women and men of Oregon unite in opposition to Measure 9? * Measure 9 would discriminate. Women understand all too well the effects of discrimination. Working women, single mothers, older women on Social Security - all women - understand the devastating affects of unequal treatment under the law. We strongly oppose any measure that would deprive some of a job or home due to prejudice. * Measure 9 would take rights away from a group of Oregonians. Government could deny services to individuals or groups thought to "encourage or facilitate" homosexuality. And our school system would be forced to teach propaganda to students from kindergarten to college. If we stand by while one group is targeted, who will be next? * Measure 9 is written and promoted by the same people who tried to ban abortions in Oregon two years ago. They oppose women's rights - from the Equal Rights Amendment to reproductive choice to parental leave. We believe Oregon must move forward together, not retreat into ideas of the past. We strongly urge all Oregonians to join us in voting NO on 9. Betsy Hayford, Director Kent J. Spring, Treasurer Kenton Neighbors for Quality Public Education NO ON #9 Measure 9 is a giant step backwards for civil rights * Measure 9 would censor the speech of teachers and officials in public government. We must not allow censorship in Oregon, but need to stand by the First Amendment to the Constitution. * Measure 9 would remove equal rights on the basis of sexual orientation from all laws throughout Oregon. We must not be the first state to turn back civil rights. Current local laws prohibit discrimination in housing, employment and public accomodation on the basis of sexual orientation. * Measure 9 uses a big lie tactic. There are no current no proposed laws to protect "pedophilia, sadism, or masochism." AND there are already strict laws against teachers being involved sexually with students. * Measure 9 tears apart the school community. Teachers need our support in dealing with the difficulties of today's youth. Students - especially gay and lesbian youth - need our support, not the message that they are illegal. * Measure 9 helps to build a climate where hate crimes will flourish. The connection of hate crimes to the OCA's measure was clearly demonstrated when the No on 9 campaign offices were vandalized. Other break-ins included the offices of a gay newspaper and an AIDS treatment center. "The burglaries are more fallout from the climate of fear, hatred, and divisiveness that the OCA campaign against homosexual rights has produced. And they are further rebuttal of the OCA's hollow argument that its initiatives are nothing more than attempts to prevent special rights for homosexuals. They are unnecessarily dividing Oregon communities for no good purpose." (Oregonian, June 24, 1992) * Measure 9 must be defeated. Oregonians need to work to overcome their differences, not fall prey to the divide and conquer strategy. * Measure 9 is a blatant attempt to control important civil liberties guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. Differences and diversity are what have made our nation strong. Measure 9 is a giant step backwards for civil rights. No on 9 Campaign P.O. Box 3343 Portland, OR 97208 (503)-232-4501 MEASURE 9 DOES NOT REPRESENT OREGON VALUES Having grown up in Oregon and having traveled through this state for decades, we think we know Oregonians and their values. We Oregonians cherish our independence. We are honest and seek the truth. We are tolerant of one another and respect our differences. From Burns to Eugene, from Medford to Beaverton, from Bend to Lincoln City, we are fair-minded and compassionate. We value the contributions made by all Oregonians. Measure 9 represents none of those values. It is not representative of the Oregon we know and care about. We're concerned about the legacy we leave for our grandchildren. Measure 9 is bad for business. It's bad for our schools and our kids. It's bad for Oregon. Join us as we are joining with thousands of fair-minded Oregonians from all across the state to say: DISCRIMINATION DOES NOT BELONG IN OREGON'S CONSTITUTION. VOTE NO ON MEASURE 9 Norma and Bill Paulus Dave and Lynn Frohnmayer Neil Goldschmidt Bob and Pat Straub Clay and Elizabeth Myers Barbara and Frank Roberts NO ON 9 Campaign, Fred Neal, Treasurer VOTE NO ON MEASURE 9 "The sheer outrageousness of the Oregon Citizens Alliance's proposed anti-homosexuality measure should be enough to set every rational Oregonian's teeth on edge." _Grants Pass Daily Courier_, May 23, 1991 (partial list deleted) Oregon Alliance for Progressive Policy, Cheyenne Chapman, Executive Director VOTE NO ON 9! We are Oregonians from a variety of backgrounds committed to a progressive and flourishing Oregon. Our diverse traditions and experiences inspire us with a common dedication to dignity and equality for all. We are committed to as system of laws and justice which ensures basic civil rights and equal treatment for all. We oppose discrimination based on sexual orientation, race, gender, age, income, religion, marital status, country of origin, or being differently abled. Lesbians and gay men are our neighbors and family members and co-workers. Measure 9 would encourage discrimination against anyone who is perceived to be different, disrupt families and neighborhoods and workplaces, and encourage an atmosphere of hatred and bigotry. Your vote against Measure 9 is a vote for real family values -- love, understanding, acceptance. Your vote against Measure 9 is a vote for democracy -- protection of differences is the core of American freedom. Your vote against Measure 9 is a vote for a democratic society where everyone is valued and encouraged to participate. Don't fall prey to misinformation. Don't allow Oregon to be the first state to mandate discrimination in our constitution. Join us in OPPOSING MEASURE 9! American Postal Workers Union Hotel and Restaurant Employees (HERE #9) Lesbian Community Project National Lawyers Guild/Portland Chapter New Jewish Agenda, Portland NW Farmers Union Oregon Federation of Teachers, Education and Health Professionals, AFT, AFL-CIO Oregon NARAL Oregon NOW Oregon PeaceWorks Oregon Public Employees Union Rainbow Coalition Right to Privacy PAC United Food and Commercial Workers #555 Portland Rainbow Coalition DON'T BUY THE OCA'S "SPECIAL RIGHTS" CLAIM Measure 9 spells D-I-S-C-R-I-M-I-N-A-T-I-O-N, plain and simple. On the surface, the phrase "No Special Rights" doesn't sound too bad. But the Oregon Citizen's Alliance wants to take basic civil rights away from one particular segment of society. In the Rainbow Coalition, we are painfully aware of discrimination, and we work to fight it every day. "In the U.S. today, it is estimated that there are nearly 25 million lesbians and gay men -- about 10 percent of our population. Lesbians and gay men come from every part of society and from every stripe of the Rainbow, and are an integral part of the quilt that is America. They are Black, Latino, Catholic, Jewish, farmers, unemployed, homeless, disabled, students and parents. As citizens of this great country, lesbians and gay men must be afforded all the rights the Constitution provides." "There are those who isolate differences, desecrate our humanity, and then justify their inhumanity. just as the Nazis did with yellow stars or pink triangles. It was not right in Nazi Germany, and it's not right in America." Rev. Jesse Jackson _Keep Hope Alive_, 1989 PLEASE VOTE NO ON MEASURE 9 American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon DON'T UNDERMINE THE OREGON BILL OF RIGHTS!! MEASURE 9 WOULD REQUIRE DISCRIMINATION!! VOTE NO ON MEASURE 9!! Don't be fooled by the doubletalk of Measure 9's supporters. Section 3 of the measure requires all government agencies--state, regional, and local--to take actions that "recognize" homosexuality as "abnormal, wrong, unnatural and perverse..." That means government agencies would be forced to discriminate against homosexuals. MEASURE 9 WOULD UNDERMINE EQUAL PROTECTION! Oregon's current Bill of Rights--which was written in 1857--prohibits discrimination by the government against any group of citizens. Article I, Section 20, of the Oregon Constitution says: "No law shall be passed granting to any citizens or class of citizens privileges, or immunities, which, upon the same terms, shall not equally belong to all citizens." This provision prevents the government from granting special rights to any group or individual. MEASURE 9 WOULD OVERRIDE THIS PROTECTION!! Because the proponents of Measure 9 chose to draft it as an amendment to the Oregon Bill of Rights, it would override this equal protection guarantee whenever there was a conflict between the two provisions. FREE SPEECH & ASSEMBLY WOULD BE UNDERMINED! Again, because Measure 9 is written as an addition to the Oregon Bill of Rights, our state constitution's protection of freedom of speech and freedom of assembly would be weakened. For example, Measure 9 would require public libraries to censor any books that mention homosexuality but don't condemn it as "abnormal, wrong, unnatural, and perverse." While the current Oregon Bill of Rights free speech protection would prevent that type of censorship, Measure 9 would almost certainly override that fundamental right. DON'T UNLEASH THE THOUGHT POLICE IN OREGON! VOTE NO ON MEASURE 9!! MEASURE 9 IS AN ASSAULT ON OUR SCHOOLS, OUR CHILDREN, AND OUR DEMOCRATIC WAY OF LIFE * CENSORSHIP. Measure 9 would dictate what teachers could teach and what students could learn, thus restricting the opportunity for freedom of thought, expression, and access to information. Schools would be required to review all educational materials to determine whether to ban or censor them if they refer to homosexuality. Measure 9 strikes at the heart of the public schools mission to help students learn how to make their own informed decisions. * DISCRIMINATION. Measure 9 legalizes discrimination against gay and lesbian teachers and any teacher perceived to be homosexual. Lon Mabon, Executive Director of the OCA, has said that teachers suspected of being homosexual would be subject to an inquiry. (Ch. 2 News, Portland, 7/8/92). Most Oregonians believe that everyone has the right to work in his or her chosen career or profession. * SUICIDE. According to _The Report of the Secretary's Task Force on Youth Suicide_ (U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, 1989), lesbian and gay youth are 2-6 times more likely to attempt suicide than other youth. Without positive intervention, these numbers are certain to escalate. Under Measure 9, students whoa re coming to terms with the most difficult issues of sexuality could be denied services and counselors could be forced to advise students to see themselves as "abnormal, immoral, and perverse." Do we want our schools to be a place where children learn hatred, bigotry, and intolerance of others? Voting NO ON 9 is a vote for a democracy where everyone is valued and allowed to participate. Don't let Oregon be the first state in the history of the United States to take away the rights of others. Passage of Measure 9 would create a climate of fear and suspicion among educators, students, and the community at large. WE CANNOT ALLOW HATRED AND BIGOTRY TO DETERMINE THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION IN OREGON. VOTE NO ON 9! MEASURE NO. 9 IS FOUNDED IN FEAR, HATRED, AND DECEIT. Measure No. 9 is disguised as an initiative banning a selection of "perverse behaviors." In truth, its aim is to legitimize discrimination against those born with a homosexual orientation. The backers of Measure 9 claim that the initiative is necessary because men and women who are homosexual seek to win "special rights" for themselves. This is the same argument once used against African-Americans, women, people with disabilities, and other non-dominant groups to deny them their basic civil rights. People of homosexual orientation do not seek special rights; they simply seek the same freedom others have to work and live where they want, without fear, and to maintain their lives in peace. THE TRUTH ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY REFUTES MYTHS AND STEREOTYPES. * Evidence indicates that people are born heterosexual or homosexual. Sexual orientation is not choice. * Heterosexuals cannot influence people to be heterosexual; homosexuals cannot influence people to be homosexual. * Heterosexual and homosexual persons alike condemn crimes against children. Statistics confirm that the vast majority of child abusers are heterosexual, not homosexual. * With people of homosexual orientation numbering at least one in ten in the population, they are among your friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family members. THE BIBLE HAS BEEN MISUSED BY BACKERS OF MEASURE 9. Proponents of Measure 9 claim that homosexuality deserves condemnation because they interpret the Bible as condemning it. However, in similar ways, the Bible has been twisted in the past to wring interpretations condemning minorities and women to secondary status. In the Bible, God commands us to love, not hate. We cannot imagine Jesus condemning people on the basis of who God created them to be. Measure 9 targets for discrimination those guilty of nothing more than being born a certain way. Discrimination is wrong. Hatred is wrong. This initiative is wrong. We must stand up for one another. We must speak out against injustice. That's why we urge a "NO" vote on Measure 9. NO ON 9 Campaign, Fred Neal, Treasurer VOTE NO ON MEASURE 9 "The issue here is not homosexuality, but whether this bizarre, demeaning stuff should be inserted in the constitution... We hope Oregonians will refuse to endorse this poisonous attempt to pervert the Oregon Constitution." _East Oregonian_ (Pendleton), May 22, 1991 "... we cannot support the alliance's efforts to turn homosexuals into second-class citizens subject to job and housing discrimination and to acts of potential hatred and violence." _Salem Statesman-Journal_, May 14, 1992 The NO ON 9 Campaign is a statewide, grassroots coalition of thousands of Oregonians. (partial list deleted) Portland Parents And Friends Of Lesbian And Gays, Inc. Kathryn A. Warrior, President ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF LESBIANS AND GAYS, INC. (Parents-FLAG) AGAINST MEASURE 9 We are an international federation of parents, family members, and friends of lesbian and gay people. While we are diverse in our ethnic, racial, religious, educational, and economic backgrounds, we cherish the family unit as a fundamental building block of society. We support the gay and lesbian person's full human and civil rights. We are outraged by the Measure 9 initiative to label homosexuality as an abnormal perversion -- Vote NO on 9. Homosexuality has nothing to do with sickness or sin. Children are not influenced nor taught to be gay or lesbian by parents nor are any other persons. We adamantly defend the rights of our gay and lesbian children to live in a society that accords them the same dignity, privileges, and protections accorded all of our citizens. Justice demands that all lesbian and gay children grow up in a world that accepts them as equal citizens. Measure 9 promotes discrimination and intolerance. We are appalled that Measure 9 would permit religious-based dogma to promote discrimination and intolerance against a group of citizens. It is a purposeful insult by the promoters of this proposed measure to equate homosexuality with already unlawful acts such as pedophilia in order to promote religious-based intolerance and discrimination against healthy and productive citizens. Vote NO on 9. Parents-FLAG is Pro-Family Each gay or lesbian person comes from a family unit. One out of every four families has a gay member. Our gay and lesbian children have parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews whom they love. Rejection of a lesbian or gay person by her/his family is a tragedy for each person in the family. Parents-FLAG is pro-family because we seek to keep families in loving and respectful relationships. Please join us in VOTING NO on Measure 9. The views expressed are our own and our titles and affiliations are included for identification only: Candace Steele Pacific NW Regional Director Federation of Parents-FLAG, Inc. Kathryn Meyrovich, President Parents-FLAG, South Coast Cherie Garland, President Parents-FLAG, Rogue Valley Kathleen Cooper, President Family FLAG of Eugene-Springfield Deanie Barker, President Parents-FLAG, La Grande Jim & Elsie Self, Founders Parents-FLAG, Grants Pass Tom Balmer, Ernie Bonyhadi, Rich Botteri, John Paul Graff, Mark Johnson, Chip Lazenby, Doreen Margolin, Phil Margolin, Don Marmaduke, Susan Mandiberg, Katherine McDowell, Ben Merrill, Lynn Nakamoto, Carl Neil, Paul Norr, Ken Novack, Margaret Olney, Katherine O'Neil, Bonnie Serkin, Cory Streisinger, and Cathy Travis VOTE NO ON 9 MEASURE 9 IS FLAWED, COSTLY TO TAXPAYERS AND BAD PUBLIC POLICY Measure 9 will open a Pandora's box of legal problems, lawsuits and constitutional challenges which could only be resolved at great cost and loss to all Oregonians. We, as lawyers, urge you to vote No on Measure 9. Some of the questions which will be raised and challenged in court if Measure 9 passes are: IS MEASURE 9 UNCONSTITUTIONAL? Does it conflict with the U.S. Constitution's guarantee of free speech, freedom of association, privacy, equal protection, and due process? WHAT ACTS, MEMBERSHIPS, OR OTHER CONSIDERATIONS CONSTITUTE PROMOTING, ENCOURAGING, OR FACILITATING HOMOSEXUALITY? WILL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES BE REQUIRED TO: Dismiss any employees who are or are perceived to be homosexual or who are perceived to be promoting homosexuality? Where employees are protected by union contracts, can these employees be dismissed or must they be reassigned to other government jobs? Deny admission to public hospitals and clinics of pations who are or are perceived to be homosexual? Deny or revoke licenses to physicians, lawyers, teachers, accountants, chiropractors, nurses, hairdressers, realtors and others who are or are perceived to be promoting, encouraging, or facilitating homosexuality? Remove from public libraries all or portions of all books, magazines, cassettes or videotapes authored by homosexuals or which contain positive or neutral references to homosexuality? There are no easy answers to these questions. What is certain is that they will strain the State's limited resources, create divisiveness, and take years to resolve. VOTE NO ON MEASURE 9 Open and Affirming Task Force First Congregational Church of Portland United Church of Christ A CHRISTIAN CALL TO VOTE NO ON MEASURE 9 Faithful Christians may disagree on Biblical interpretation and its application to social policy. But on one point, at least, all Christians should agree: there is no room in the Christian gospel for bigotry and prejudice. However, through the years many groups claiming to be Christian have defended their bigotry and prejudice by saying it is God's will. Racial prejudice, the subjugation of women, even slavery have been defended at times on the ground that the Bible condones or even requires them. Today, proponents of Measure 9 are waging a similar war against homosexual people, claiming that gays are like child molesters and that God supports this view. measure 9 requires an amendment to the Oregon constitution which would make one religious viewpoint the law of the state; and it would require the state to discriminate against gay people. It is wrong to use the Bible of the Christian faith as a cloak for intolerance and discrimination. The issue of homosexuality is not mentioned in The Ten Commandments or in the teachings of Christ. Instead, Christ calls us to love one another as ourselves, even when our neighbor is different from us. For this reason, First Congregational Church of Portland welcomes and accepts for membership all people who believe in Christ, regardless of sexual orientation. During a dark period in its history, Germany had laws that stigmatized homosexuals and made them targets for hatred and intolerance. Measure 9 would be a tragic step in the same direction. Measure 9 is contrary to the teachings of Christ and to the principle of separation of church and state. It should be defeated. VOTE NO ON MEASURE 9 No on 9 Campaign Coalition Council Liasons Ellen Lowe Catherine Soto Kathleen Saadat Marge Work RURAL OREGONIANS OPPOSE MEASURE 9 "Who the heck do these OCA nuts think they are? And in what particular century do they think we live, the 14th?" Cottage Grove Sentinel August 7, 1991 Submitted by: * Central Oregon Battering and Rape Alliance Bend, Oregon * Citizens for Equal Rights Coos County, Oregon * Citizens for Human Dignity -- Blue Moon Region Pendleton, Oregon * Citizens for Human Dignity Columbia County, Oregon * Central Oregon AIDS Support Team (COAST) Bend, Oregon * Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Roseburg (GALA) Roseburg, Oregon * Gorge Alliance for Human Dignity Hood River, Oregon * Josephine County Human Rights Alliance Josephine County, Oregon * Lincoln County Human Rights Alliance Lincoln County, Oregon * Mid Willamette No on 9 Campaign Linn-Benton, Oregon * Planned Parenthood of Lane County Lane County, Oregon * Sherman County No on 9 Committee Sherman County, Oregon * Tillamook County Citizens for Human Dignity Tillamook County, Oregon LOG CABIN OREGON, Republicans Concerned for Individual Rights, an Oregon nonprofit corporation. Eric D. Brown, Chair Lee Coleman, Vice Chair REJECT OPPRESSION, SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTION: NO ON 9 No one has any legal right to crush the constitutional rights of any American citizen to fairness and equal protection under the law. Ballot measure 9 does just that to citizens who are, as a matter of biology rather than choice, either gay or lesbian. Affirmative government oppression, discrimination, and persecution would be the end result of measure 9. Attempts in earlier times to use the law to deny women, or blacks, or Jews, or Asians, or Hispanics their rights to fair treatment and equal protection, based on biological differences, were equally illegal. In America, a person's constitutional right to fair and equal treatment is determined only by the fact that he or she is a citizen. The champions of measure 9 try to deceive the public into believing that a person's gender orientation should determine whether he or she is to be treated fairly under our Constitution and laws. However, gender orientation, or race, or any other orientation, are irrelevant. Moreover, fair and equal treatment is all that gays and lesbians seek. Fair and equal treatment means not being singled out for special wrongs. Fair and equal treatment does not mean quotas or special rights. Measure 9 seeks oppressive treatment of citizens on grounds that are both wrong and unconstitutional. We ask Oregonians to VOTE NO on measure 9. DEMOCRATIC VOTER PAMPHLET THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY URGES VOTE NO ON 9 This ballot measure would place language into the Oregon Constitution that would unfairly discriminate against Oregonians with an alternative lifestyle by lumping them in with persons who participate in criminal sexual behavior. The Oregon Democratic Platform Convention adopted the following statements in the 1992 Oregon Democratic Platform. (March 1, 1992) "AS DEMOCRATS, WE BELIEVE that our nation can only be as strong as our commitment to liberty, justice, and equality. The Democratic Party of Oregon is committed to individual liberty, dignity, and opportunity. Individual rights, including the right to privacy, must not be limited because of race, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, medical history, reproductive choice, marital or financial status, or political affiliation. The Democratic Party of Oregon believes that among the "inalienable rights" referred to in the Declaration of Independence and the rights reserved to the people in the Ninth Amendment to the United States Constitution, our forefathers intended the right to be left alone, or in contemporary language, the right of privacy. Nowhere is this more necessary to human dignity and self-determination than in the right to bodily integrity and the right to associate and love whomever one will. Thus, we believe that all attempts... to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation... are unacceptable, illegal, and unAmerican. Therefore, we condemn the Oregon Citizens Alliance... ballot measures regarding homosexuality as bigoted attempts to legitimize and protect discrimination and create fear and divisiveness among Oregon's citizens." THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF OREGON URGES YOU TO VOTE AGAINST DISCRIMINATION VOTE NO ON 9! As Catholic Christians, we ask all Oregonians to heal a deepening wound in our state. We call upon people of good will to say NO to Measure 9, which "bears false witness" against our homosexual neighbors by spreading half-truths in a spirit of division and intolerance, and demands active government discrimination against homosexual citizens. AS CATHOLICS, WE OPPOSE MEASURE 9: IN THE SPIRIT OF JESUS, who told his disciples: "Whatever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters, you do to me." He cautioned that only those people who are without sin should be prepared to cast the first stone of condemnation. IN THE SPIRIT OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI, our founder, whose deepest desire was to be "an instrument of God's peace." He challenged his followers to be brother to all people and to bring pardon, understanding, and hope to the world. IN THE SPIRIT OF OUR FATHERS AND MOTHERS, who experienced discrimination and violence in Oregon at the hands of the Ku Klux Klan, a few short decades ago. They called us "foreigners" and "papists." They said that we would corrupt children and destroy families. Catholic churches were burned down and convents of sisters were attacked. We Oregon Catholics will not do to others what was once done to us. IN THE SPIRIT OF THE U.S. CATHOLIC BISHOPS, who said: "Homosexuals, like everyone else, should not suffer from prejudice against their basic human rights. They have a right to respect, friendship, and justice. They should have an active role in the Christian community." (_To Live in Christ Jesus_, 1976) IN THE SPIRIT OF OUR OWN OREGON BISHOPS, who have opposed this OCA initiative, saying "The Oregon Catholic Conference, then, finds itself in a position of opposing the proposed constitutional amendment..." as "overbroad, ambiguous, and potentially harmful and discriminatory to homosexual citizens." (_Oregon Catholic Conference Statement_, 9/31/91) IN THIS SPIRIT, we call upon Catholics and all people of good will to bring understanding, mutual respect and healing to our state. Do not write hatred and discrimination into the Oregon Constitution. Oregon Coalition for Free Expression Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Your NO vote on Ballot Measure 9 is a vote FOR YOUR RIGHT to continue to have access to information. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for redress of grievances. - The First Amendment WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF MEASURE 9 PASSES? * Classic and bestselling works will be taken from our schools and libraries, such as Alice Walker's _The Color Purple_, Stephen Crane's _The Red Badge of Courage_, Hans Christian Anderson's _Fairy Tales_, as well as works by Rita Mae Brown, Thoreau, May Sarton, Flaubert, E. M. Forster, and Gore Vidal. These and other fine works, which are read by many not only for enjoyment, but because of their insights into our common humanity, will be banned in our state. * Oregon will experience isolation and financial losses as artists, tourists, and events by pass our state, since only Oregon will have discriminatory anti-minority policies. * Information on AIDS and other health issues will not be found in your library. Teenagers may become terminally ill with AIDS because they are denied preventative information about the disease. Oregon MUST NOT be the first state ever to take away rights from its citizens and to promote discrimination. Who will be singled out next as "abnormal"? Religious and ethnic groups? Oregon's Constitution gives EVERYONE the right to express ideas and opinions. Don't allow others to force the state to take away YOUR access to information and YOUR right to express your ideas! VOTE NO ON MEASURE 9! It is a bad piece of special-interest legislation which would be only the first step in restricting the freedoms of those who do not agree with its sponsors. NO on 9 MID-VALLEY Merry Demarest, Manager VOTE NO ON DISCRIMINATION VOTE NO ON 9 Ballot measure 9 would amend the Oregon Constitution to: * cause people to be fired from their jobs * cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars to defend state and local governments against lawsuits * prevent some community groups from using publicly owned meeting rooms, parks, and other facilities * permit refusal of service in coffee shops, banks, stores, etc. to persons based on perceived sexual orientation * censor public library materials by or about lesbians or gay men, including Walt Whitman, Gertrude Stein, Willa Cather, Leonardo Da Vinci, James Baldwin, and Socrates * deny state services, including health care for people with AIDS, based on presumed sexual orientation * threaten accreditation of Oregon's medical and mental health training programs by requiring the teaching of myths that contradict medical and professional standards and ethics * protect and legalize discrimination based on sexual orientation * prohibit state or local government from ever banning or punishing such discrimination no matter how blatant and unjust Ballot measure 9 would not "just" allow discrimination, it would mandate discrimination in Oregon. Measure 9 is so extreme that it requires government to discriminate. VOTE NO ON 9 VOTE NO ON DISCRIMINATION Ecumenical Ministries of OR 0245 SW Bacroft, Suite B Portland, OR (and its member denominations) VOTE NO ON MEASURE 9 RESPECT DIFFERENCES The directors, including the Bishops and Executives of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO) recognize the diversity among their 17 denominations and over 2,000 Oregon congregations as to the teachings about sexual orientation and expression. They are unanimous in believing that such diversity does not negate their Christian conviction that every person's human dignity ought to be respected. They believe a vote against Measure 9 is not a vote of approval or disapproval of homosexual expression; it is a vote for human rights. BUILD COMMUNITY The mission statement of EMO states that "we believe that the mission is to discern and respond to the Divine call for the unity of all people under God and to build a just and loving human community in Oregon and the world." Measure 9 draws a line between us rather than a circle around us. UPHOLD THE BILL OF RIGHTS The Social Principles of EMO further states that "we uphold for all persons and groups the Bill of Rights... We believe everyone should be protected from discrimination." Measure 9 amends the Oregon Bill of Rights to take away rights rather than protect them. It codifies fear and bigotry. EMO asks you to discard these destructive and hurtful emotions and join the quest for an Oregon where all persons might live without fear, expect justice and be able to contribute their talents. Corvallis Human Rights Coalition No on 9 Mid-Valley Corvallis NOW Circle of Hands Ecoweb Graphics School of Earthy Arts Theda Antrican La Tiendita ("The Little Store") Bill Conde Mother Kali's Books People for Human Dignity -- Union County War Resisters League Southern Willamette Alliance Newspaper Eugene Peace Works Kathy Ging, relator World Peace University Friendly Foods & Deli Red Barn Grocery Emerald Valley Kitchen Sandpiper Import Service Light Majic Productions Peace Economics Save Our ecoSystems, Inc. (SOS) Second Nature Bicycles William C. Carpenter, Jr., attorney Charles O. Porter Anatolia Asian/Pacific American Alliance Bill Morrisette, Mayor of Springfield Rev. Joanne C. Sizoo DON'T BE FOOLED BY THE OCA The Oregon Citizens Alliance wants you to believe that Measure 9 is about "special rights" and affirmative action and quotas and protecting kids from some "evil." DON'T BE FOOLED BY THE OCA Measure 9 is really about government intrusion. It's about requiring discrimination and it's about taking away human rights. We are a diverse group of individuals, businesses, and organizations. Vote No on Measure 9. Respect our differences; preserve our freedoms. Please join us in voting No on Measure 9. M.B. Congdon Vice President and Chief Executive Officer U S WEST COMMUNICATIONS -- OREGON 421 S.W. Oak Street Portland, Oregon 97204 ARGUMENT AGAINST BALLOT MEASURE 9 As an equal opportunity employer, U S WEST Communications does not support measures which have the potential to create an environment of discrimination against individuals or groups. We believe our corporate policy, which recognizes the value of human diversity, makes good sense for business, government, and education: Unlawful, disparate and discriminatory treatment of an employee or individual because of their race, sex, religion, national origin, age, handicap, marital status or sexual orientation is prohibited. This includes harassment and intimidation, the use of derogatory or demeaning remarks, and ethnic or sexist jokes directed at or offensive to another employee or individual. Gerrit Huizenga, Representative A. Batie B. Chin Joe Farrenkopf D.S. Guthridge Kyle Grieser Dorsie Hathaway G. Huizenga Douglas MacIver Nelson Minar M. Morrissey Ben Tucker Vote NO on Discrimination Vote NO on 9! We are a group of people who are linked by three things: our interest in computers, our sexual orientations, and our strong desire not to be the subject of legislated bigotry. We normally do not get involved in politics, but what the Oregon Citizen's Alliance is trying to do is not normal. We are average people forced into a battle we don't want by an attack we don't deserve. The OCA is attempting to force their beliefs on all Oregonians. Their "current" targets are lesbians and gay men. If Measure 9 passes, it can be used to deny jobs, deny housing and deny equal legal protection for homosexuals. Denying basic civil rights and human dignity to anyone is "discrimination". You can prevent this discrimination by voting NO on 9. We believe that traditional family values are based on trust, honesty, stability and love, not hatred and bigotry. The OCA's disregard for these values undermines its own position as a Christian organization. There are few, if any, discernable Christian qualities embodied within this measure. We encourage the OCA to look past their hatred and bigotry and judge people based on who they are and not what they are. We believe that the members and supporters of the OCA have the right to hate anyone they choose. However, the Constitution of the State of Oregon is no place for hatred and bigotry. The State of Oregon should not be forced to become a tool of the OCA agenda. Vote NO on Discrimination Vote NO on 9! Oregon AFL-CIO, Irv Fletcher, President Northwest Oregon Labor Council, C.O.P.E., AFL-CIO, Ron Fortune, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, 1125 S.E. Madison St. Portland, OR 97214 LABOR UNIONS AGREE: "NO ON 9" The state's largest labor federation, the Oregon AFL-CIO, and largest labor council, the Northwest Oregon Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, urge you to vote no on measure 9. MEASURE 9 EXPANDS GOVERNMENT POWER OVER PRIVATE BUSINESS AND WORKING PEOPLE Measure 9 has large and far-reaching implications for Oregon's businesses, our economic health and our workforce. If passed, it would place government in the position of deciding whether a business "promotes, encourages, or facilitates" homosexuality. Business licenses could be revoked or denied. Professionals licensed by the state, such as medical professionals, attorneys, and accountants, could be denied licenses. Any business could suffer because employees are perceived to be homosexual. MEASURE 9 WEAKENS JOB SECURITY FOR WORKERS Any worker could be called a homosexual and be harassed or fired, throwing that person's life into chaos. Oregon has a good workforce, with skilled, hardworking people upon whom thousands of businesses depend. We all work hard to make Oregon prosperous, and any one of us could suffer discrimination. Public employees are especially at risk. OREGON'S REPUTATION AND COMMERCE WOULD BE HURT Passage of Measure 9 would create a climate of intolerance, and could result in chilling business trade with other states, reducing the number of out-of-state visitors and tourists. Jobs could be lost. Oregon doesn't need such negative publicity and we can't afford it. Oregon Public Employees Union Alice Dale, Executive Director P.O. Box 12159 Salem, OR 97309 EMPLOYEES SHOULD BE JUDGED BY HOW WELL THEY DO THEIR JOBS Fair and equal treatment on the job is important to all Oregonians. We believe people should be judged by their ability and skills, and by how hard they work. But the supporters of Measure 9 believe that the most important thing in judging a person's job performance is their sexual orientation. DISCRIMINATION AGAINST EMPLOYEES ON THE BASIS OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION IS UNFAIR Union contracts we have negotiated, covering over 19,000 state and local government employees, currently prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Under these contracts, employees are judged by their abilities, not by their private lives. Measure 9 eliminates these protections. MEASURE 9 COULD REQUIRE GOVERNMENT TO DISCIPLINE EMPLOYEES REGARDLESS OF JOB PERFORMANCE This measure requires government employers to discourage homosexuality, and allows discrimination against public employees solely on the basis of sexual orientation. EQUAL TREATMENT SHOULD APPLY TO ALL Employers should not discriminate against employees on the basis of religious beliefs and marital status. Nor should they discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation.