From: jpaulso1@cc.swarthmore.edu (Justin Gram Paulson)
Subject: *APPEAL FROM OREGON*
Followup-To: alt.activism.d
Originator: rich@pencil.cs.missouri.edu
Organization: Swarthmore College
Distribution: usa
Date: Mon, 5 Oct 1992 19:37:20 GMT

*****URGENT HELP NEEDED*****

	The state of Oregon is in imminent danger of passing a 
constitutional amendment which would declare homosexuality 
abnormal and perverse, require all governments to actively 
discourage it, and ban certain human rights guarantees for gays, 
lesbians, bisexuals, and anyone suspected of being gay, lesbian, or 
bisexual.  The measure is sponsored by the far-right-wing Oregon 
Citizens Alliance, a group of "Christian" fundamentalists who passed a 
measure four years ago that rescinded Gov. Goldschmidt's executive 
order prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation.  This 
measure goes much farther:

[text of Measure 9:]

Paragraph 1.  The Constitution of the state of Oregon is amended by 
creating a new section to be added to and made a part of article 1 
and to read:

Section 41 (1) This state shall not recognize any categorical provision 
such as "sexual orientation," "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.
(2) State, regional and local governments and their properties and 
monies shall not be used to promote, encourage, or facilitate 
homosexuality, pedophilia, sadism or masochism.
(3) 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.
(4) 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.

----------

	This measure is very vague, and there is widespread fear 
among many in the state (and joy among others) that a broad 
interpretation could lead to libraries and school districts withdrawing 
all books written by or about homosexuals or those perceived to be 
homosexual, the firing of all gay and lesbian teachers, and of course 
discrimination and humiliation against gay and lesbian students.  (It 
has been estimated that 10% of Oregon's population is gay and 
lesbian.)
	Measure 9 definitely would overturn the civil and human 
rights statutes in such cities as Portland, where discrimination based 
on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, etc. is prohibited.  it 
would also forbid any government from attempting to extend civil 
rights protections to gays and lesbians.  The rate of hate crimes in 
Oregon, especially homophobic ones, has shot through the roof in the 
last year due to the political and emotional climate sparked by the OCA.
	Oregon has a very liberal, progressive reputation.  if the 
religious right wins here, there are very few states which will not be 
discriminating against gays and lesbians 4 years from now.  Pat 
Robertson's Christian Coalition recently donated $20,000 to the OCA's 
campaign, and the vote is going to be close.  Although polls currently 
show Measure 9 losing, the pollsters 4 years ago were confident that 
the OCA would be defeated on that ballot measure as well -- it 
passed by about 56-44.  *Polled people tend to lie on this issue.*

	The state of Oregon _DESPERATELY_ needs your help.  If the 
OCA is not overwhelmingly defeated at the ballot box, they will be 
back; if they win, then it is a loss not just for gays and lesbians, not 
just for Oregon, but for the whole country and all people in support 
of human rights.
	*Please* donate whatever you can to:


		No on 9 Mid-Valley Committee
		Human Rights Coalition
		P.O. Box 1828
		Corvallis, OR     97339



Thank you -- your help is very appreciated.

*************************************************************
*     Justin Paulson         		 jpaulso1@cc.swarthmore.edu      	*
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*       Swarthmore College      		3057 NW Greenbriar 
*       500 College Ave.			Corvallis, OR			*
*       Swarthmore, PA			97330		
*       1981-1397								*
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