From: "Overt" Subject: Overt Cancels Protest at the Rock Date: Wed, 19 May 1999 16:35:17 +1200 MEDIA STATEMENT 19/5/199 Overt Cancels Protest at the Rock Overt has been assured by The Rock Church that no attempts will be made by a speaker tonight to reform Exodus International in New Zealand and that no such attempts will be made in the foreseeable future. Because of this announcement by Carl daCosta, Overt has decided that its planned protest tonight is unnecessary as its aims have already been achieved. Overt is satisfied that these assertions are true and several members will be attending the seminar this evening to insure that they are accurate. However, according to daCosta's testimony it does appear that the speaker will be discussing homosexuality as a form of "sexual brokenness". Although Overt opposes such rhetoric, the group is unable to take any effective action against it due to a trespass warning by daCosta. The church has also banned Overt from handing out any pamphlets regarding the compatibility of Christianity and homosexuality on the grounds of the Church tonight. Overt offered to let the organiser of the seminar read these pamphlets prior to them being handed out but the offer was not accepted. However, daCosta suggested that Overt may be able to do so in the future. DaCosta also claims that some statements made by Overt have been incorrect. Overt is currently checking these statements with their anonymous sources to ensure they are true. If these statements are in anyway inaccurate, then Overt would like to disassociate themselves with these sources and will withdraw the allegations. Overt has also been informed that another queer rights action group may be holding a protest at The Rock Church tonight. Overt would also like to distance themselves from this protest as Overt's vigil has been cancelled and all of its members are currently being contacted to inform them of this. ENDS Contact: Regan Andrew or phone 04 3844869 Overt Wellington - overt@crosswinds.net http://www2.crosswinds.net/~overt PO Box 12270, Thorndon, Wellington