Subj: WASHINGTON BLADE IN FAIRFAX PUBLIC LIBRARIES We in Fairfax County are again fight the issue of distribution of THE WASHINGTON BLADE in the Public Libraries. We need your help to counteract the advances of the religious right in their efforts to restrict our first amendment rights. If the religious right successfully restricts distribution of the BLADE in Fairfax, they will set a precedence and will proceed to do the same in other jurisdictions throughout the country. Read on to see what the Fairfax Lesbian and Gay Citizens Association is doing to fight this along with other Northern Virginia Gay and Lesbian groups. Join us at NOVA PRIDE on Sunday, October 10 at Joseph Hemsley Park in Alexandria VA 11am-5pm to celebrate gay pride and find out more. (Call 703-660-2633 for more info on NOVA PRIDE). FLGCA's RESPONSE TO THE CHRISTIAN RIGHT'S ATTACK ON THE BLADE In response to the Fairfax County Supervisor's 5 to 1 vote to find a way to "legally" remove the BLADE from the library, FLGCA immediately reacted on Tuesday, September 27 with the following actions: Each gay and lesbian community group in the Northern Virginia area was contacted: AGLCA, AGLA, Virginians for Justice, VA Partisans, and MCC NOVA. Other groups contacted include NOW and the congregation of the MT Vernon Unitarian Church. A special voice mail box has been created on our phone line to accept inquiries from members and others who want to help. (703- 451-9528, #1) We are asking EVERYONE to call and write Tom Davis. Fairfax County citizens are urged to call their own district supervisor as well (a list of which can be found below). The gay/lesbian/bisexual community must protest this grossly irresponsible and unfair action by the board. Each person is encouraged to follow their phone calls with a personal letter(s). Please note that the one dissenting vote on the 26 was cast by Sharon Bulova of the Braddock District. Please be sure in your calls of support to Ms. Bulova to thank her for her support and let her know she voted the right way. FLGCA has retained a lawyer, Jeanne Goldberg, from the firm of Victor M. Glasberg & Associates in Alexandria for a possible law suit against the county. We have sent a letter to vice-chair of the Board of Supervisors, Elaine McConnell, responding to her public attacks on the homosexual community on WAMU radio, Tuesday, Sept 27. Where do we go from here? The following suggestions have been brought forward: *A "Fight the Right" Rally to keep the Blade in the libraries with speakers from NGLTF, HRCF, and ACLU among other groups. (as of Oct. 5, plans are being made to have the rally on October 11 from 12pm - 1pm as the Board of Supervisors is meeting. Look in THE WASHINGTON BLADE or call 703-451-9528 for updates and details) *A press conference during the rally announcing FLGCA's probable legal action against the county, with a statement from our lawyer. All major press are to be invited. *A petition to recall Elaine McConnell to be circulated to all Springfield residents. *A singed notice/petition delivered to the supervisors that we will hold them accountable for their actions against us on election day (copies of which will be at most every table at NOVA PRIDE on October 10). *On the more positive side, presentation of a public service award to Phylis Salak, Chairman of the Library Policy Board and a staunch supporter for distribution of the BLADE in the face of all of the controversy from the religious right. It is possible that the Board of Supervisors will do the right thing and leave the BLADE in the library, however we think it's important that the gay community respond to this threat from the Christian Right, whatever the decision of the Board. The Northern Virginia gay/lesbian community cannot remain silent on this issue. In any case, FLGCA will need the help of each and every one of you in the DC area and especially those gay/lesbian/bisexual citizens of Virginia. You can help by doing the following: *Help us with phone trees and mass mailings urging people to attend any planned rallies, press conferences or Supervisor's Board Meetings. *Encourage anyone who wants to help to continue to call/write the Board of Supervisors, particularly Tom Davis, Chair and Elaine McConnell, Vice-Chair. *Become an individual plaintiff on FLGCA's law suit against the county. A plaintiff has to be able to allege that he or she has read or obtained the BLADE in the Fairfax County library system and wishes to continue to do so. *Encourage those who are concerned about censorship and restrictions of our first amendment rights (whether they be homosexual or heterosexual) to call and/or write. FAIRFAX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Hon. Tom Davis, Chairman Robert B. Dix, Jr 1200 Government Center Pkwy Hunter Mill District Suite 530 1200 Bowman Towne Dr Fairfax, VA 22035-0071 Reston, VA 22090 703-324-2321 703-478-0283 Elaine McConnell Michael R. Frey Springfield District Sully District 6140 Rolling Rd 5900 Centreville Rd Springfield, VA 22152 Centreville, VA 22020 703-451-8873 703-378-9393 Joseph Alexander Katherine K. Hanley Lee District Providence District 6121 Franconia Rd 8739 Lee Hwy Alexandria, VA 22310 Fairfax, VA 22031 Ernest J. Berger Gerald W. Hyland Dranesville District Mt Vernon District 1437 Balls Hill Rd 2511 Parkers Ln McLean, VA 22101 Alexandria, VA 22306 703-356-0551 703-780-7518 Sharon Bulova Christine R. Trapnell Braddock District Mason District 4414 Holborn Ave 6507 Columbia Pike Annandale, VA 22003 Annandale, VA 22003 703-425-9300 703-256-7717 THE WASHINGTON BLADE CONTROVERSY: A Strategic Overview The issue being raised in Fairfax County, with respect to the availability of THE WASHINGTON BLADE (the Washington DC area's gay newspaper) in the public libraries, is that of freedom of speech - plain and simple. The key to being successful in countering the efforts of the religious right is to remain focused on the first amendment issue of freedom of speech. The right will try to manipulate the situation by creating an abundance of "other issues" for which they feel justifies the removal of this widely respected gay publication. Although, we will be tempted to dive into a comprehensive debate on the standard attacks against homosexuality, we must remember that this argument is not about homosexuality (as even they have stated) but about the right of everyone to be able to express their values and beliefs in a "public forum" The following is a list of arguments being used by the religious right in their efforts to ban or restrict THE WASHINGTON BLADE from public accessibility in the Fairfax County Libraries: 1) THE WASHINGTON BLADE promotes activities which are illegal in Virginia. In the United States, people are granted the rights of freedom of assembly and freedom of speech. This includes expressing our opinions and values upon things which are legal and illegal. Also, twenty-seven states and the District of Columbia have removed anti-sodomy from their books. Interestingly, there was a time in this country when it was illegal for labor to meet and organize. 2) THE WASHINGTON BLADE promotes unhealthy activities and promotes a lifestyle which can lead to an early death. THE WASHINGTON BLADE has comprehensive coverage on the AIDS epidemic as well as a listing of professionals and counseling centers where people can become more educated on this terrible disease which puts all of us at risk. It is in this light which THE WASHINGTON BLADE becomes an asset to the whole community. 3) THE WASHINGTON BLADE participates in the recruitment of young people into the homosexual lifestyle through its advertisements and overall philosophy. It is the responsibility of every citizen who is a parent to know their "own" values and to teach them to their children. We in the gay and lesbian community encourage people of all walks of life to do this - regardless of whether we agree or disagree with what your values are. However, it is the right of every citizen that they be able to speak freely of their values in a public forum. We live in a pluralistic society in which the diversity of values and public opinion is encouraged and respected. 4) THE WASHINGTON BLADE is pornographic and violates obscenity laws. In the history of THE WASHINGTON BLADE it has never been in violation of obscenity laws. It is a highly respected publication and has earned several journalistic awards. THE WASHINGTON BLADE has been reviewed by the American Library Association and was given a "Highly Recommended" status for availability in public libraries. The Fairfax County Library Board Reviewed THE WASHINGTON BLADE, and also approved it as a non-obscene publication. In addition to the Library Board, all twenty-two branch managers of the Fairfax County Public Library System signed a letter approving the availability of THE WASHINGTON BLADE in their branches. Also, the slide presentation which Mrs. Gounard showed at the Board of Supervisors Meeting on Monday, September 26 (which prompted the Board of Supervisors to revisit the BLADE issue) is under suspect. Evidently, the photos shown may have not been from the BLADE or may have been from the adult insert which is not available in the library drop offs. PROTECT YOUR BASIC RIGHTS - DON'T LET THE RELIGIOUS RIGHT RESTRICT YOUR FREEDOM OF SPEECH. --- TBBS v2.1/NM * Origin: GLIB - Washington DC - The Political City * (207:1/3) - Bob Summersgill | Xq28 -- Thanks Mom! XE605C @ GWUVM.GWU.EDU |