From: ogg@physics.carleton.ca
Subject: Re: Measure 9
Organization: Dept. of Physics/CRPP Carleton University
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1992 15:11:49 GMT

> The measure had words which would prohibit
> "special rights" for the class of individuals described (not only 
> homosexuals, but also child molesters and such), which would mean that
> there wouldn't be quotas for this class of people in the workplace, you
> would not have to let them in your church, club, etc.; and you could
> legally use that excuse to discriminate.  The OCA really pushed their
> "special rights" thing, implying that unless we voted for measure 9,
> pedophiles would be demanding to teach children in the schools and the
> courts would require it.  Pretty scary stuff.
> 
> I hope I didn't get any facts wrong here - you can ignore my opinions
> if you don't like them.

With a little digging around on the net, I got the actual wording of Oregon #9
(and Colorado #2 for that matter - both appended below.)  Until now, I hadn't
seen the wording in any newspaper article.  I will admit to being totally
shocked that such a piece of hate-filled garbage could appear on a ballot in a
supposedly civilised country.  What's worse - the promoters of #9 clearly tried
to sell it as preventing *special* rights (i.e. no reverse discrimination.) 
Well I ain't no lawyer, and I ain't no rocket scientist (tho I am a nuclear
scientist :-) but even I can figure out that this attempted legislation was
nothing other than an attempt to call open season on gays and lesbians.  And it
did so in the scummiest way possible (i.e. the legislation effectively says
homosexuality=pedophilia=masochism.)

So why did Oregon fail and Colorado succeed?  IMHO the Oregon motion was so
offensive that a) it caused a very large mobilisation against it and b) it
offended even some people whose symathies were leaning to the homophobic.  The
Colorado motion you could describe as, well, kinder gentler homophobia?  There
are probably two lessons: 1) garbage like #9 can be defeated, but 2) motions in
other states will probably lean more to the Colorado wording.  And since at the
end of the day, #9 was defeated, but #2 passed, therefore Colorado is worse,
cos now it's not only a disgusting idea, it's the law.

And don't think this is just an issue for G&L, it affects everybody.  Which was
the first group that Hitler systematically discriminated against, and got the
people into wanton acts of violence against?  (Hint: open attacks against Jews
came later.)

But judge for yourself.  Here's the wording:

 ---------------------------------------
 Oregon #9:
  
         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.

 ---------------------------------------
 Colorado #2:
  
 Be it Enacted by the People of the State of Colorado:
  
 Article 2, of the Colorado Constitution is amended by the addition of Section
 30, which shall state as follows:
  
 NO PROTECTION STATUS BASED ON HOMOSEXUAL, LESBIAN, OR BISEXUAL ORIENTATION.
 Neither the State of Colorado, through any of its branches or departments, nor
 any of its agencies, political subdivisions, municipalities or school
 districts, shall enact, adopt or enforce any statute, regulation, ordinance or
 policy whereby homosexual, lesbian or bisexual orientation, conduct, practices
 or relationships shall constitute or otherwise be the basis of, or entitle any
 person or class of persons to have or claim any minority status, quota
 preferences, protected status or claim of discrimination.  This Section of the
 Constitution shall be in all respects self-executing.

 ---------------------------------------

Mike

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