Autumn 4th Quarter 1999 October -December

 OCTOBER

1 October 1999 Friday

Feelings called key to lifestyle change    Study of formerly gay men discussed at S.L. meeting By Dennis Romboy Deseret News staff writer    

 How men interpreted their sexual feelings for other men contributed to their once living homosexual lifestyles, according to a study by an Orem marriage and family therapist.     The seven LDS men in Jeffrey W. Robinson's study were more concerned about what it meant to feel the way they did than about experiencing same-sex attraction itself.     "Am I or aren't I? Not do I or don't I have the feelings, but am I or aren't I gay?" was the primary question the men face, Robinson said.    

Robinson discussed the findings of his study Thursday at the Association of Mormon Counselors and Psychotherapists conference at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. His presentation, titled "Understanding the Meaning of Change as Described by Men with Histories of Homosexual Activity," was among subjects therapists addressed at the semiannual convention.    

Other topics included sexual abuse, overcoming depression and aging.    

Robinson's study examined how the seven men, all LDS Church members, changed from homosexual to heterosexual lifestyles. Each had to have been married to a woman for at least a year to be included in Robinson's research.    

Robinson said he found they all "over-interpreted" the thoughts and feelings they had. For example, one man thought a desire to admire other men meant he was gay. In reality, Robinson said, everybody likes to look at attractive people.    

"In therapy, we focus a lot on what happened, what's triggering it," he said. About one-third of men who enter counseling for same-sex attraction are able to change, Robinson said.    

All seven men also underwent a "spiritual transformation" that capped off the process, he said.

 

FUNDRAISER FOR ROCKY ANDERSON TONIGHT There will be a fundraiser for Rocky Anderson (www.voterocky.com) tonight at Bricks. The suggested donation is $5.00 and will be taken at the door. There will be a camp comedy performance starting at 9:30 P.M. Please bring your friends, enjoy the show, meet Rocky and show your support! Bricks is a private club and is located at 579 West 200 South. Feel free to distribute this email widely.

  

2 October 1999  Saturday

General Conference: Afternoon Session. . . . . excerpt from speech by Henry B Eyring, Quorum of the Twelve   A second truth about our accountability is to know that we are not the helpless victims of our circumstances. The world tries to tell us that the opposite is true: imperfections in our parents or our faulty genetic inheritance are presented to us as absolving us of personal responsibility. But difficult as circumstances may be, they do not relieve us of accountability for our actions or our inactions. Nephi was right. God gives no commandments to the children of men save He prepares a way for them to obey. However difficult our circumstances, we can repent.     

Similarly, the world might be willing to excuse our bad behavior because those around us behave badly. It is not true that the behavior of others removes our responsibility for our own. God's standards for our behavior are unchanged whether or not others choose to rise to them.    . . . .

 

3 October 1999 Sunday

MORMON HEAD OPPOSES GAY MARRIAGE c The Associated Press SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Gay marriage is morally wrong and Mormons should feel compelled to oppose it, church President Gordon B. Hinckley told the faith Saturday. ``Some portray legalization of so-called same-sex marriage as a civil right,'' Hinckley said at the faith's 169th Annual General Conference. ``This issue has nothing to do with civil rights. For men to marry men, or women to marry women, is a moral wrong.'' Hinckley said the church's support of California's Knight Initiative, which would only allow marriages between men and women, is an attempt to safeguard God-sanctioned marriage - and the moral fiber of society - from forces trying to undermine it. Even before Hinckley addressed the subject, local gay-rights groups announced plans to protest outside Temple Square during the second day of the conference Sunday.

Earlier this year, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent a letter to branches in  California asking them to urge their 740,000 members ``to do all you can by donating your means and time to assure a successful vote'' on the March 2000 measure. The church conducted similar efforts in Alaska and Hawaii last year, and members raised $1.1 million for the successful campaigns to block same-sex marriages in those states. Hinckley made it clear to the conference's priesthood session Saturday night that the money going to California has come from individual members; gay-rights groups have threatened to fight the faith's tax-exempt status if church institutions or foundations get involved. . . . . .

 

DETAILS OF SPEECH BY LDS PRESIDENT - FOCUS ON FIGHTING SAME SEX MARRIAGE Excerpt   All of this was the lead story today on Page A1 of the Tribune Rest of the article was on page A4 Salt Lake Tribune, October 3, 1999 LDS Leader Defends Activism BY BOB MIMS and PEGGY FLETCHER STACK, THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE  LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley declares the 10 million-member faith remains steadfastly committed to opposing same-sex marriages as sinful, despite protests from civil libertarians and even some Mormons. Speaking to the 169th Semi-Annual General Conference's Priesthood Session Saturday night, the 89-year-old "prophet, seer and revelator" of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said there could be no compromise in protecting "God-sanctioned" male-female unions.     To successfully battle 1998 gay marriage proposals in Hawaii and Alaska, the church anted up a total $1.1 million.  More recently, church leadership has encouraged California members to make sizeable contributions to the campaign there for a ballot initative banning same-sex marriages.     "We regard it as not only our right, but our duty to oppose those forces which we feel undermine the moral fiber of society," Hinckley said.  "Such is currently the case in California, where Latter-day Saints are working as part of a coalition to safeguard traditional marriage from forces in our society which are attempting to redefine that sacred institution."   

 The church's California campaign has brought protests from some members, a number of whom have publicly demanded removal from LDS membership rolls. Other critics have contended the church's stance flies in the face of civil liberties.     "This issue has nothing to do with civil rights," Hinckley said.  "For men to marry men, or women to marry women, is a moral wrong.     "Others question our right as a church to raise our voice on an issue that is of critical importance to the future of the family," he added.  "We believe that defending this sacred institution . . . lies clearly within our religious and constitutional prerogatives."     Still, Hinckley cautioned against allowing the fervor over the gay marriage issue to spill over into "hatred, intolerance or abuse of those who profess homosexuality. . . .  Our hearts reach out to those who refer to themselves as gays and lesbians.  We love and honor them as sons and daughters of God."  Earlier Saturday, the Mormon leader's rhetoric was less fiery, focusing instead on the 10 million-member church's continued growth.  Hinckley said the evidence of that growth was evident to anyone watching the dozens of new Mormon temples rising. . . (continued on page A4) . . .

 

DESERET NEWS STORY ON THE SAME SPEECH LDS stance reaffirmed Church will continue to be involved in moral issues By Steve Fidel Deseret News staff writer       The LDS Church is engaged in a California debate over same-sex marriages and will continue to be involved in moral issues, church President Gordon B. Hinckley told a general conference priesthood audience in the Tabernacle on Temple Square Saturday evening.       The church is supporting the Knight Initiative, slated for a March 7 ballot in California, that would legally define marriage in that state as between one man and one woman. The church also supported 1998 ballot measures blocking same-sex marriages in Alaska and Hawaii.  "We deal with those legislative matters which are of a strictly moral nature, or which directly affect the welfare of the church," President Hinckley said. "We have opposed gambling and liquor and will continue to do so. We regard it as not only our right but our duty to oppose those forces which we feel undermine the moral fiber of society."       His sermon was the final message offered during the opening day of the LDS Church's 169th Semiannual General Conference. President Hinckley's remarks anchored a sermon describing some of the church's activities and came in advance of a planned Sunday protest outside Temple Square by Utahns for  fairness, which organizers say is to send a message that the church's anti-gay efforts in places like Hawaii, Alaska and California are not appreciated.   The political efforts of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are largely conducted in association with others whose interests are similar. "We have worked with  Jewish groups, Catholics, Muslims, Protestants and those of no particular religious affiliation, in coalitions formed to advocate positions on vital moral issues," President Hinckley said. "Such is currently the case in California, where Latter-day Saints are working as part of a coalition to safeguard traditional marriage from forces in our society which are attempting to redefine that sacred institution. God-sanctioned marriage between a man and a woman has been the basis of civilization for thousands of years. There is no justification to redefine what marriage is. Such is not our right, and those who try will find themselves answerable to God."  President Hinckley said the church is an ecclesiastical organization primarily concerned with worship of Jesus Christ, its great mission is to testify of Christ's living reality. He said the church should not be involved with anything not in harmony with this major objective, but "We should be involved with whatever is in harmony with this objective."   "We believe that defending this sacred institution by working to preserve traditional marriage lies clearly within our religious and constitutional prerogatives. Indeed, we are compelled by our doctrine to speak out."   President Hinckley said he wanted to make it clear that while the church opposes attempts to legalize same-sex marriages, the position "should never be interpreted as justification for hatred, intolerance or abuse of those who profess homosexual tendencies, either individually or as a group. As I said from this pulpit one year ago, our hearts reach out to those who refer to themselves as gays and lesbians. We love and honor them as sons and daughters of God. They are welcome in the church. It is expected, however, that they follow the same God-given rules of conduct that apply to everyone else, whether single or married."  Money being raised in California to support the Knight Initiative is being donated to the coalition by individual members of the church, he said.  . . . . . 

 

SAME STORY FROM PROVO (only publication to get  a comment from the GLBT community) THE DAILY HERALD  LDS president defends activism 10/03/99 BY STEVEN GARDNER The Daily Herald SALT LAKE CITY -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will continue to speak out on moral issues and those considered to directly affect the welfare of the church. President Gordon B. Hinckley, world leader of the LDS Church, answered critics who questioned the church's involvement in opposing legislation in California that would allow same-sex marriages. "God-sanctioned marriage between a man and a woman has been the basis of civilization for thousands of years," he said at the priesthood session of the church's 169th Semiannual General Conference Saturday night. "For men to marry men, or women to marry women, is a moral wrong." President Hinckley said it is not only the church's right, but its duty to oppose forces that church leaders feel would undermine the moral fiber of society. As for the effort in California, President Hinckley said individuals are funding the anti-same-sex marriage plan, with the church's encouragement. Defenders of gay rights plan to protest outside Temple Square on Sunday. "This doesn't surprise me," said Kathy J. Worthington, a gay activist and former LDS Church member. "Spokespeople for the church continue to insist that their efforts are part of a coalition effort, but their efforts in California and Hawaii and Alaska are way overboard in proportion to their numbers in those states," she said.  Worthington said LDS Church members make up 3 percent of the population in Hawaii, but money spent to oppose a same-sex marriage initiative there far outweighed donations from people of other religions. "They haven't given concrete reasons why us having the right to marriage would damage their families or their way of life," Worthington said. . . . . . . . (cut). . .   (continues on other subjects) This Story appeared in The Daily Herald on Sunday, October 3, 1999 and was printed on page A1

 

OGDEN UTAH COVERAGE OF SAME SPEECH -  STANDARD EXAMINER  Hinckley condemns marriage of gays LDS Church president re-emphasizes support for California initiative  SALT LAKE CITY -- Gay marriage is morally wrong and Mormons should feel compelled to oppose it, church President Gordon B. Hinckley told the faith Saturday. Hinckley said the church's support of California's Knight Initiative, which would allow marriages only between men and women, is an attempt to safeguard God-sanctioned marriage -- and the moral fiber of society -- from forces trying to undermine it. Even before Hinckley addressed the subject, local gay rights groups announced plans to protest outside Temple Square during the second day of the conference on Sunday.  This issue has nothing to do with civil rights," Hinckley said. "For men to marry men, or women to marry women, is a moral wrong."

 

169th Semi Annual General Conference, President Gordon B. Hinckley, October 2, 1999 I have time for one more question. Why does the Church become involved in moral issues that come before the legislature and the electorate? We deal with those legislative matters which are of a strictly moral nature, of which directly affect the  welfare of the Church. We have opposed gambling and liquor and will continue to do so. We regard it as not only our right, but our duty to oppose those forces which we feel undermine the moral fiber of society.  Much of our effort, a very great deal of it, is in association with others whose interests are similar. We have worked with Jewish groups, Catholic, Muslims, Protestants, and those of no particular religious affiliation, in coalitions formed to advocate positions on vital moral issues. Such is currently the case in California when Latter day Saints are working as part of a coalition to safeguard traditional marriage from forces in our society which are attempting to redefine that sacred institution. God sanctioned marriage between a man and a woman has been the basis of civilization for thousands of years. There is no justification to redefine what marriage is.  Such is not our right, and those who try will find themselves answerable to God Himself. Some portray legalization of so called same-sex marriage as a civil right. This issue has nothing to do with civil rights. For men to marry men, or women to marry women, is {7} a moral wrong. Others question our constitutional right as a Church to raise our voice on an issue that is of critical importance to the future of the family. We believe that defending this sacred institution by working to preserve traditional marriage lies clearly within our religious and constitutional prerogatives.  Indeed, we are compelled by our doctrine to speak out. Nevertheless, I wish to say that our opposition to attempts to legitimize same-sex marriage should never be interpreted as justification for hatred, intolerance, or abuse of those who profess homosexuality, either individually  or as a group.  As I said from this pulpit one year ago, our hearts reach out to those who refer to themselves as gays and lesbians. We love and honor them as sons and daughters of God. They are welcome in the Church. It is expected, however, that they follow the same God given rules of sexual conduct that apply to everyone else, whether single or married.{ We want to help these people, to strengthen them, to assist them with their problems and to help them with their difficulties. But we cannot stand idle if they indulge in immoral activity, if they try to uphold and defend and live in a so called same-sex marriage situation. To permit such would be to make light of the very serious and sacred foundation of God sanctioned marriage and its very purpose, the rearing of families.

 

(Gordon B. Hinckley, Official Report of the One Hundred Sixty eighth semiannual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, October 3 and 4, 1998, 91; or Hinckley,  “What Are People Asking about Us?,” The Ensign, 28 (November 1998): 71)} I commend those of our own membership who have voluntarily joined with other likeminded people to defend the sanctity of traditional marriage. As part of a coalition that embraces those of other faiths you are giving substantially of your means. The money being used in California has been donated to the coalition by individual members of the Church. You are contributing your time and talents in a cause that in some quarters may not be politically correct, but which, nevertheless, lies at the heart of the Lord's eternal plan for His children, just as those of many other churches are doing. This is a united effort.{8} I think that s all I need to say on that and the other matters on which I have commented. I ha e tried to explain why we do some of the things that we do. I hope I have been helpful. (Gordon B. Hinckley, “Why We Do Some of the Things We Do,” Advance press release from Church Public Affairs, October 2, 1999, 5:30 pm., 6-8.)

 

3 October 1999 Sunday Kathy’s List Salt Lake City PROTEST ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 3 IN SALT LAKE

Utahns for Fairness has planned a protest for this coming Sunday in connection with the General Conference of the LDS (Mormon) church in Salt Lake City.  People of all ages and persuasions are invited to join the protest - or to drive by and honk or wave and show your support. NOT IN SALT LAKE? People from outside of Utah are definitely encouraged to be a part of this event and Kathy Worthington of Salt Lake is willing to help arrange community housing for people who drive or fly in for the protest.  Californians in particular are encouraged to come to Salt Lake to protest the well-orchestrated and high-pressure fundraising being done by California church leaders on behalf of the Knight Initiative, which will be voted on in March of 2000 in California.

WHY A PROTEST? The principal reason for the protest is to send a message that the church's anti-gay efforts in places like Hawaii, Alaska and California are not appreciated.  The church has been doing some well-orchestrated high pressure fundraising on behalf of the anti-gay Knight Initiative in California, which is scheduled to be voted on in March of 2000.Since July over 100 people have sent in letters of resignation in response to the anti-gay efforts by the church, and quite of few of the letter writers have gotten unwanted phone calls, unannounced visits and requests for interviews and other types of harassment and delays from bishops and from the member records office in Salt Lake. Because of that, some people at the protest will be protesting the church's unwillingness to just accept resignations without harassment or hassles.  (I think it would be great if someone would dress like Moses and carry a sign that says "Let my people go!") Here are the details on the protest from Utahns for Fairness: The protest at Mormon General Conference will be held this Sunday, October3rd, beginning at 11:30 a.m. on the south sidewalk of temple square in Salt Lake City.  It is a silent protest.  However, witty signs and attire are encouraged.  In accordance with Utah law, signs cannot be attached to any stick or post, as sticks can be used as weapons. Individuals who cannot make it for the entire protest are encouraged to drive by and "honk" to show their support. Ideas for signs include the following: I am a child of fraud! Keep your bigotries to yourself. Freedom from Religion! No on Knight! Non-prophet Organization! Please attend this protest and encourage your friends (both gay and straight)to participate also!  If you have questions, please call Jared Wood @537-8600 during the day or Darin @ 557-2597 any time else. If you are coming in from out of town and would like free community housing, please write to me, Kathy Worthington, at KathyWUT@aol.com or call me at801-963-7922.  If you need someone to pick you up at the airport, we can probably also arrange that.  We can also arrange a ride to the protest itself. If you live in Salt Lake and are willing to offer free housing to folks from out of town, even if it's just a sofa to sleep on, please let me know.   Kathy Worthington

 

About 150 to 200 people demonstrated outside Temple Square today in a successful silent (mostly) protest of the LDS Church's excessive and obsessive involvement in an anti-gay initiative in California. Pretty well all of the Utah media were there, including reporters from the Daily Chronicle at the U of U, from several radio stations and from the Provo Daily Herald.  Most of those entities don't usually send reporters to cover these things, they just use wire service stories.  Unfortunately, the TV stations did a much better job of telling the Mormon side of the story than they did the GLBT side, . . . but that's no big surprise.   AND the church is managing to pass off to everyone the story that it was not only members who are donating in California, but that the donations in Hawaii and Alaska were made the same way.  NOT! Oh, well, what can we expect? All in all, todays protest was much more fun than it could have been, with a lot of the protestors smiling and enjoying themselves despite being totally outnumbered by the Mormons, who've been thoroughly indoctrinated lately to think we are wicked and sinful.  It was obvious that many of the LDS conference goers were VERY uncomfortable walking through our lines of people holding signs and they would not even look at those protesting or they would give angry or distressed looks.  A few of them, however, were actually friendly, said hello, stopped to read signs or to talk to people.  A few, of course, had to tell people that homosexuality is evil or other similar things.  Some were amazingly ignorant of what their church has been doing. THAT was no big surprise, since they usually limit their sources of information to church-approved ones. At the end of the protest I sat alone on a cement planter just outside the gates of Temple Square and got to hear conference goers and police and sheriff's officers discuss the protest.  It was especially nice to listen to those law enforcements types saying how well the protest had gone, how "well behaved" we all were, and how they hadn't had any problems with the protestors.  Then they launched into how ridiculous the anti-gay woman across the street, with her "anti-species" and other signs was.   These officers were talking among themselves and had no idea that one of the gay protestors was listening. I finally joined their conversation, a couple of them sat by me on the planter, and it was an enjoyable discussion.  They were quite nice about it and didn't exhibit any facial expressions or body language that showed they had a problem talking to me or talking about our protest and about the anti-gay woman (something Rodriguez) across the street. Just my personal report of the day's events.  As for the silent aspect of the protest, well I didn't stick to that one too well myself.  When I wasn't telling jokes or greeting friends among the protestors, I was making quiet little comments to the conference folks.  I tried to be as nice as I could, but it was an opportunity that it was hard to pass up . . . Kathy Worthington Salt Lake City

 

 

4 October 1999 Monday,

The Daily Utah Chronicle U Group Joins LDS Conference Protest SCOTT LEWIS Chronicle News Writer Kersten Swinyard also contributed to this article.

 

Gay and lesbian rights activists gathered outside the south gates of Temple Square, creating a sea of signs and messages as LDS General Conference attendees filed in and out of Sunday's speeches held at the Tabernacle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints . Utahns for Fairness organized the "silent protest" against the LDS Church. Many University of Utah students joined their efforts, including  members of the Lesbian and Gay Student Union. An estimated 150 people avoided blocking the crosswalk and the gates on South Temple, as out of uniform police officers looked on. “We are calling on the LDS Church to cease its involvement in gay hatred politics," said Jared Wood, president of Utahns for Fairness. "We want them to stop spreading hate about gay and lesbian relationships. “Wood’s organization formed in June after reports emerged about the LDS Church's political support of the Knight Initiative in California that would ban all nontraditional marriages. It was difficult to find a protester who wasn't holding a sign as organizers kept tight control of the demonstration. The organizers of the demonstration explained rules of the silent protest at the beginning, and then stamped everyone’s hand who agreed to follow them. Participants were not allowed to argue with pedestrians or conference participants nor engage them in debate. But calm arguments erupted along the picketer's line and counter protesters across the street continually denounced the demonstrator's "intolerance." Wood said they chose General Conference, held every fall and spring, as a good time to demonstrate because the first things he ever learned about gays lesbians came from watching the conferences as a boy. "We want to make sure that people see we're not a whole bunch of freaks; we just want the same rights they enjoy," said Rosemary Russo, a sophomore at the U studying psychology. "I don't think they really see that they have no control over what their church administrators are doing with their money," she added. LDS Church officials have shown strong support for the Knight ballot initiative in California. They have also donated up to $1.1 million against same sex marriage proposals in Alaska and Hawaii in the past. North America West Area Authority Elder Douglas Callister called on LDS Church members to use their time and resources to ensure a successful vote in a letter to local church leaders in California. "There is no justification to redefine what marriage is. Such is not our right, and those who try will find themselves answerable to God himself, “said LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley in his speech at the priesthood session of conference on Saturday. According to Hinckley, the issue has nothing to do with civil rights. “The money being used in California has been donated to the coalition by individual members of the church," he added. "As I said from this pulpit one year ago, our hearts reach out to those who refer to themselves as gays and lesbians."U student Will Reyes justified the protest saying the church is being hypocritical in its stand on gay marriages. “LDS doctrine teaches love and equality, but when it comes down to [the church's] actions, that's not what it has shown," said Reyes Scott Morgan, co president of LGSU, said its members were told to come to the protest if they wanted, but the group  wasn't officially an organizer. “A lot of the time people are afraid to question [LDS] church authorities," said Morgan. "I would like to have the right to marry a lifelong companion." "They use some of the same reasons to oppose homosexual marriage as people did when they opposed interracial marriage," he added. Most of the conference visitors seemed unaffected by the protest and, although there were no altercations between them and the demonstrators, many stopped to read the sometimes long messages written on the picketer's signs. "If they want to protest they can, but I feel a bit sad that they think they need to do it," said Bryan Skelton, in town from Hull, England, to attend the semiannual conference. “It’s a signal that they don't feel accepted and they have to do this to feel better. It's a pity they feel so threatened by something good," added Skelton. "To their credit, though, they are well behaved. “Across the street, Sandra Rodriguez played loud antigay music and apologized to the conference attendees for "having to protest the protesters. “They are misinterpreting tolerance," said her husband Jonus, as Rodriguez continued lobbying. "They are the ones not showing tolerance. “But the only noise coming out of the gay rights protesters were the loud cheers heard every time a sympathizer passing by honked this or her horn in support. Russo said she hoped the protesters' signs would make people think critically about the LDS church's actions." Maybe they will actually see we're real people and then think about whether or not what [their church] is doing is right," she said. “I want a lot of people to know that we're not just going to sit back. We are going to fight for our civil rights," said Spencer Sim, a sophomore at the U sudying film .Wood, a recent graduate of the U, said organizers formed Utahns for Fairness in response to LDS Church members' involvement in the antigay marriage initiative.

 

By LORETTA PARK Standard-Examiner Davis Bureau SALT LAKE CITY -- "Mormons, stop teaching your children to hate," and "A man can be a mother, a lesbian can have a wife," were among about 50 signs held up outside of Temple Square Sunday. Utahns for Fairness, a gay- rights group, gathered about 100 demonstrators for the silent protest between the morning and afternoon sessions of the169th Semi-Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Across the street, a second smaller group demonstrated against the gay rights group. Most conference-goers, however, ignored or were oblivious to both demonstrations. Jared Wood, spokesman for Utahns for Fairness, said the demonstration was planned six weeks ago in response to the church's support for the California Knight Initiative that would only allow marriages between men and women. "We want LDS Church officials to cease political involvement in issues that prevent equal treatment for lesbians and gays under the law," Wood said. Elder John B. Dickson of the Quorum of the Seventy said in an interview, "Everybody has the right to protest. It's their First Amendment right, same as we have the First Amendment right to speak out on issues we believe to be morally wrong." Dickson is the president over the North American West Area, which includes California and Hawaii. He said once church members were asked to get involved in getting the California Knight Initiative on the ballot, many donated their time or money. In Alaska and Hawaii, church members raised $1.1 million in a campaign to block same-sex marriages in those states. "We do not apologize for our members' rights to express themselves," Dickson said. Eva Fattah of Kaysville was one of the protesters at the demonstration. “The message I'm sending goes to the maladjusted religious people of Utah. Parents must support their children," she said. Shannon Strickland of Salt Lake City came and stood away from the demonstrators. He does not support the protesters, even though he was ex-communicated from the church because of homosexual activities. "I'm working my way back into the church. I uphold President Gordon B. Hinckley as prophet, seer and revelator and I support the church's stand on family values," Strickland said. Elder Russell M. Ballard warned members in the Sunday morning session about those who advocate same sex marriages. "False prophets and false teachers are also those who attempt to change the God-given and scripturally-based doctrines that protect the sanctity of marriage, the divine nature of the family, and the essential doctrine of personal morality," Ballard said. Across the street, a non-LDS group, America Forever Foundation protested the quiet gay rights demonstration with loud music and large posters. These protesters claimed the gay rights' beliefs will victimize children. Sandra Rodrigues said they did not learn of the gay rights protest until Wednesday night and were unable to get many members to attend Sunday's demonstration. About 10 people came to demonstrate against the gay rights group. You can reach reporter Loretta Park at 776-4951 or lpark@standard.net

 

4 October  1999  Monday 

SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, Gay-Rights Protesters Decry LDS Stand BY JUDY FAHYS, THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE     Love and family might have unified people in another time or place.     But, as principles, they only deepened a divide Sunday between gay-rights protesters outside Temple Square and throngs of Mormon conference-goers who could not avoid walking past the demonstration during a lunch break.    

The rift was as clear-cut as the contrast between the people involved: those embracing the love and family prescribed by The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints and those who hold that gays and lesbians live the same values, just differently.   About 150 protesters lined the parking strip at Temple Square's south gates, many of them wearing sunglasses, logo T-shirts and shorts. They stood quietly and let their posters do the talking.    "Keep Your Bigotry to Yourself," said one. "America Equals Equality." "Your Church Spent $1.5 million on Our Oppression."     Kathy Worthington, a former Mormon who helped organize the protest, tried to hand out explanatory flyers to passers-by.    "It's hard to get them even to take it," she said. "They're taught not to question, not to ask."    Passing without comment were thousands wearing Sunday-best floral prints and dark suits. Many looked away from the signs and clutched Bibles, babies or lawn blankets.   A 79-year-old conference-goer was an exception. He paused thoughtfully as he read each poster. Still, he was not swayed. "In this life, there are certain things that are right and some things that are wrong."   It was actually LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley who pushed the gay-marriage controversy to the forefront of this weekend's conference. He told men gathered for a priesthood meeting on Saturday that the church would continue its efforts on behalf of a California ballot measure to prevent same-sex marriages in other states from being recognized in that state. Best known as "the Knight Initiative" for the name of its sponsor in the state assembly, the measure will appear on the ballot next March 7.  LDS leaders in California have asked members to give money to help the initiative pass. Although their efforts have helped raise more than $1 million for the cause, some faithful don't like church leaders pushing them to become politically involved and some fear retaliation for not contributing. But Sunday's conference crowd turned up few critics of the church's involvement. Even Shannon Strickland stood by Hinckley's and the Church's statements about same-sex marriage.    "I don't stand by what these people [the protesters] are doing," said the Salt Lake City Mormon, who was excommunicated for his homosexuality. " . . . they [church leaders] will prevail."  John B. Dickson, a member of the church's Quorum of the Seventy who supervises 800,000 members in the Western United States, reasserted the church's view that it has an obligation to be involved in some political issues, such as same-sex marriage. While homosexuality occurs in every culture, Mormons believe that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained by God, he said. "It's a moral issue to us," he added. "God never intended a man would marry a man or a woman would marry a woman."    Dickson had little to say when asked if he thought the church might accept same-sex marriage as part of a change in its views about marriage, as it did once more than a century ago when leaders decided to forsake the practice of plural marriage.   "As far as we are concerned, it is not really relevant to the situation in California," he said. In fact, Sunday's gay- rights protest seemed only to underscore the church's opposition to same-sex marriage. It's just strengthening our faith and beliefs," said Brad Weech of Mesa, Ariz. "I don't think they [the protestors] are educating or persuading anyone."    Protestors were not surprised with the reaction, but they did wish for greater acceptance within the church and its faithful for their way of thinking.     "I feel betrayed by my church," said Denver Smith, whose poster insisted "Hate is Not a Family Value." "I'm gay, and I love the church, but what can you do? " he said.

 

4 October 1999 Monday KSL TV (Utah NBC Affiliate) story on the Protest at Conference A polite protest took place outside Temple Square Sunday. News Specialist Pamela Davis has that story. As protests go, this one was sizeable -- about 100 demonstrators, maybe more. Their chief complaint is that the LDS Church is using its influence and money to support political issues that they say are anti-gay. The demonstrators' strategy was to "stand silently and smile." Politeness was the hallmark of this protest. People leaving Temple Square after the Sunday  morning Conference session noticed the long line of signs -- but for the most part, passed quietly by.  Kendall Roberg/LDS Church Member: IF THIS IS WHAT THEY WANT TO DO, THAT'S OK. BreeAnne Barker/LDS Church Member: I JUST DON'T KNOW WHY THEY THINK WE HATE THEM. 'CAUSE WE DON'T. Nick Consolo/LDS Church Member: IT JUST SEEMS LIKE THEY'RE GIVING OUT A BUNCH OF PROPAGANDA TO PEOPLE WHO DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT THE CHURCH. Groups like this are opposed to the LDS Church's support of the Knight Initiative in California, a proposed law which would only allow marriages between men and women. Darin Hobbs/Protestor: WE DON'T LIKE THE FACT THAT THE CHURCH CONTINUES TO INVOLVE ITSELF IN OTHER STATES' BALLOT INITIATIVES THAT WE PERCEIVE AS REPRESENTING AN ANTI-GAY BIAS. Elder John Dickson/Quorum of the Seventy: WE HAVE URGED MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH IN CALIFORNIA TO HELP SUPPORT THIS BECAUSE OF THE IMPORTANT NATURE, THE MORAL NATURE OF THE ISSUE. President Hinckley addressed the issue on Saturday.

LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley: "SOME PORTRAY LEGALIZATION OF SO-CALLED  SAME-SEX MARRIAGE AS A CIVIL RIGHT. THIS ISSUE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH CIVIL RIGHTS. FOR MEN TO MARRY MEN, OR WOMEN TO MARRY WOMEN, IS A MORAL WRONG."

President Hinckley also said church members in California have joined a coalition, and any money  contributed to the cause is from individuals. Protestors said their main goal was visibility, and placing themselves in this high-profile spot gave them the best chance at having their signs read and their message understood.

Krystal Hansen/LDS Church Member: I'VE NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE, EVER. I'VE NOT COME DOWN TO THE CONFERENCE ON SUNDAY, AND I'VE NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE. IT'S LIKE AN EYE OPENER TO MYSELF BECAUSE I DONT KNOW, IT'S DIFFERENT.

 

5 October 1999 Tuesday

PRIDE MEETING WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 6 AT 7:00PM Just a reminder to everyone that the October Pride meeting will be held this Wednesday at 7:00PM at the ACLU building. Please send any items you wish brought before the committee to this email address by Wednesday 5:00PM. If you cannot attend, please contact either Kim or Adam, or respond to this address. Thanks! Kim and Adam

 

5 October 1999  Tuesday    

 DESERET NEWS (Mormon-owned evening daily) Protesters target church activism in California 150 gather outside Temple Square as LDS session ends By Steve Fidel Deseret News staff writer    Staff writer Jason Swensen contributed to this story   LDS Church members leaving the Sunday morning session of General Conference were greeted outside the south gate of Temple Square by about 150 people holding placards protesting the church's involvement in a California ballot initiative that would reinforce marriage as a relationship between a man and a woman.      Utahns for Fairness protest organizer and Salt Lake resident Jared Wood said he expected 25 to 50 people to participate and was surprised to see the numbers grow. Most of the protesters live in Salt Lake City, he said. "I guess there were more people upset enough about this to be here than I expected," Wood said. He said his hope was to "call on LDS Church leaders to cease political involvement. We want complete treatment under the law — job discrimination, housing issues and adoption rights." Steven Peterson was among protesters with LDS missionary tags hanging from their shirt pockets. "For 20 years I sought help from every bishop I went to. If God has all truth, Mormons don't have it," he said. He said he joined the protest with the hope of creating an opportunity for increased communication with LDS Church members and leaders. "Every time there is an opportunity for dialogue, it helps wash away their stereotypes."      The Knight Initiative will let California voters decide March 7 whether to amend their state constitution to reinforce the definition of marriage asa relationship between a man and a woman. While some clergy will perform same sex marriages, no state recognizes such unions under the law.      Inside Temple Square, Elder John Dickson of the Quorums of the Seventy offered the church's response to the protest by saying the fact the protesters were there demonstrates the value of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that protects free speech. "We're grateful they have that right," Elder Dickson said. "We hope they understand we have the same right to speak out on an important moral issue."      Elder Dickson restated the position church President Gordon B. Hinckley made during the priesthood session of the conference Saturday evening. "We know that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God," Elder Dickson said. The church is actively supporting the Knight Initiative because it is an important moral issue. The LDS Church is part of a larger coalition of religious faiths supporting the initiative, and money being used to support the initiative is coming directly from church members, not from church funds, Elder Dickson added.     The protesters mostly stood quietly or talked among themselves as they displayed signs. Kellie Foreman of the Gay and Lesbian Political Action Committee said the group decided the protest would be silent to respect the people they would encounter — and silent with the hope people emerging from Temple  Square would respect the protesters' positions.      President Hinckley said Saturday night the church would continue to" deal with those legislative matters which are of a strictly moral nature, or which directly affect the welfare of the church." He also added emphatically that the church's opposition to attempts to legalize same sex marriage "should never be interpreted as justifications for hatred, intolerance or abuse of those who profess homosexual tendencies, either individually or as a group."      Many conference goers regarded Sunday's protest with mild indignation. Others entering the south Temple Square entrance paid little attention to the group.   Salt Lake resident Debbie Arana, who watched the gathering at the Temple Square gate, termed the protest "stupid, " adding it was "no big deal."      Ralph Gurney of Emmett, Idaho, glanced at the demonstration, smiled and asked "Isn't America great?" — then answered, "Well, we all have our free agency."      Emilio Escobar, El Salvador, said he respects the protesters' rights to express their opinions, "I ask only that they respect my beliefs and principles."      South Jordan teenager Kellie Williams said she was not offended by the demonstration. "I just think they're wasting their time.".

 

Tue, 5 October 1999   From: KW ABOUT SANDRA RODRIGUEZ - AND 'AMERICA FOREVER' (this woman first showed up across the street from a huge demonstration [about 1000 people participated] and rally that was held at the Utah StateCapitol about the gay clubs issue) Thanks to Stuart McDonald for this information Sandra Rodriguez -- the woman across the street -- is a leader and main spokesperson for America Forever. This group was also trying to use the local Spanish-speaking Catholic churches to scam $200/family from the illegal immigrant (and Spanish-speaking and Catholic) parents of US-born children -- promising to help them stay in the country with statements like "You need us" and "Just trust us". The only real promise was to send a picture of the children -- a picture to be provided by the parents – to President Clinton, provided 1000 such Utah families paid that amount. The group also required these parents to provide them with copies of the children's birth certificates, the children's Social Security numbers, copies of the parents' immigration applications, etc. Mrs. Rodriguez also told attendees at meetings held in local Catholic Churches that Matt Hilton was their lawyer -- you know, the lawyer whose group is suing to get all gays removed from Utah's secondary schools: in particular, Wendy Weaver at Spanish Fork High School.

 

6 October 1999 Wednesday

Conference protest story by a David Bresnahan   LDS church takes a strong stand President emphasizes morality in General Conference address By David M. Bresnahan © 1999 WorldNetDaily.com

SALT LAKE CITY -- Despite heavy criticism and controversy, as well as an expensive lawsuit, one church refuses to back down from a controversial stand on homosexual marriage. There can be no compromise when it comes to defending truth and right, according to President Gordon B. Hinckley of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Hinckley is regarded as a modern prophet of God by more

than 10 million members of the church worldwide. Hinckley spoke to the 10 million members of the LDS Church worldwide via satellite as part of the 169th Semi-Annual General Conference just concluded this weekend. It was the last such conference ever to be held from the famous Tabernacle on Temple Square. A new Conference Center will be completed in time for the next such meeting in April 2000. "We regard it as not only our right, but our duty to oppose those forces which we feel undermine the moral fiber of society.  Much of our effort, a very great deal of it, is in association with others whose interests are similar. We have worked with Jewish groups, Catholics, Muslims, Protestants, and those of no particular religious affiliation, in coalitions formed to advocate positions on vital moral issues," Hinckley explained in his address. "God-sanctioned marriage between a man and a woman has been the basis of civilization for thousands of years. There is no justification to redefine what marriage is," he added. A large, noisy group of homosexual demonstrators gathered outside the gates of Temple Square in Salt Lake City this past weekend to protest the LDS Church's efforts to defeat the legalization of same-sex marriage in California. Protesters shouted angry taunts at church members who passed by. One small counter protest group shouted back and was threatened with arrest by police for disturbing the peace. America Forever is a non-denominational group from California.  They were organized specifically to fight the same-sex issue and claims over 500 families as members. Undercover police quickly left the group alone when they produced a written permit from the city for their protest, and when police were asked why they were not also stopping the homosexual group from disturbing the peace.  The officers involved would not identify themselves. They simply displayed their police badges from under their coats and walked away. "This is one of the key issues.  Homosexuality and propaganda to the children," said Sandra Rodrigues about her concerns. "We are here because we want to stop the propaganda. We have asked many times to the gay community to allow tolerance. They don't want to. They want to teach the children when they're eight. Same-sex marriage they want to teach them under the guise of tolerance. We are here today to protest against the protesters," said Rodrigues. Members of the LDS Church in California have been giving donations to a coalition of concerned members of many churches united in their effort to stop the attempt to legalize same-sex marriage in California. In 1998, the LDS Church spent over $1 million dollars to lobby against same-sex marriage in Hawaii and Alaska. Now church members are making their own donations to stop the effort in California. The LDS Church supports the Knight Initiative in California, which is scheduled to be on the ballot on March 7, 2000. If passed, the initiative will legally define marriage in that state as between one man and one woman. “Our opposition to attempts to legalize same-sex marriage should never be interpreted as justification for hatred, intolerance, or abuse of those who profess homosexuality, either individually or as a group. As I said from the pulpit one year ago, our hearts reach out to those who refer to themselves as gays and lesbians. We love and honor them as sons and daughters of God. They are welcome in the Church. It is expected, however, that they follow the same God-given rules of sexual conduct that apply to everyone else, whether single or married," Hinckley explained. He applauded LDS members who have joined the coalition in California to "defend the sanctity of traditional marriage."  The money funding the coalition has been provided through private donations, not directly from the LDS Church itself. "You are contributing your time and talents in a cause that in some quarters may not be politically correct, but which, nevertheless, lies at the heart of the Lord's eternal plan for His children, just as those of many other churches are doing. This is a united effort," Hinckley stated. The protesters outside the gates of Temple Square were asked to comment on why they were yelling at people passing by. Several claimed that their civil rights were being trampled by members of the LDS Church. A number of demonstrators then attacked this reporter verbally and began shouting "homophobe." One man claimed to be a former member of the LDS Church who was excommunicated for his homosexual lifestyle. He defended the stand of the Church and spoke against the demonstrators. A shouting match developed which prevented getting further information from the man. The LDS Church provides financial support to the group Evergreen, which  helps homosexuals and lesbians change their behavior and their lifestyle. Hinckley, and other LDS Church leaders, took the opportunity to counsel church members on issues of morality. He spoke directly to teenage boys when he told them to avoid certain behaviors. “Stay away from pornography. It too will destroy you. It will cloud your minds with evil and destroy your capacity to appreciate the good and the beautiful," Hinckley warned." Avoid alcohol as you would a loathsome disease. Beer will do to you what hard liquor will do. Each contains alcohol in varying amounts," he cautioned. "Shun immorality. It will blight your life if you indulge in it. It will destroy your self-respect. It will rob you of pleasant opportunities and make you unworthy of the companionship of lovely young women," the young men were told. Thomas S. Monson, first councilor to Hinckley, told the audience to become like Christ. He suggested that the foundation for moral upbringing is in the home. "It is in the home that we form our attitudes, our deeply held beliefs. It is in the home that hope is fostered or destroyed," Monson stated. Elder Neil L. Andersen, a member of the Quorum of the Seventy, compared Hinckley to Prophets of the Old Testament. He said there were skeptics who criticized the instructions given by the Prophet Joshua on how to bring down the walls of Jericho. "When the walls came down, the skeptics were quiet," stated Elder Anderson. "In our world today, one thing has not changed since Joshua spoke: Those who choose to serve the Lord will always listen attentively and specifically to the Prophet." Members were told to follow the example of Hinckley in their daily lives. "Aren't you proud that the church teaches us the truth?  We don't have to wonder about earrings for boys and men, tattoos, spiked hair, the four-letter words, and obscene gestures.  We have Prophets who model the standards.  They teach that the Ten Commandments are not outdated," explained Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone, a member of the Quorum of Apostles. "No matter how strong the winds of public opinion may blow, the Church is immovable.  God has commanded that the 'sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife," he added. Regardless of what the law or public opinion may say, certain behavior will always be wrong. "Those who espouse perverse principles and deviant behavior are living in sin. Laws, consensus, consenting adults that teach contrary to the gospel are wrong even if the majority accepts them. Sin is sin. That is God's truth," state Featherstone emphatically. He was also critical of other forms of sin. He spoke out against drinking, smoking, the use of illegal drugs, and pornography. "Those who produce it are godless and have no conscience. They know the consequences, but they don't care. Like those who peddle drugs, they will never be around to pick up the pieces when you're all broken up," said Featherstone. He also cautioned that children learn from the example of their parents. “Our youth may choose to violate a commandment later on in life perhaps ten times or a hundred times worse and justify it on the basis of the small commandment we broke," he warned. Many people are not willing to stand up for what is right, or to even try to avoid making a decision. The world offers many temptations which are difficult to resist,  according to Sharon G. Larsen, Second Councilor in the Young Women General Presidency. “We want the freedom without consequences.  And so, too often, we try to stand neutral, undecided and uncommitted. It is in this atmosphere that we become vulnerable to the influence of Satan," said Larsen. The gay and lesbian demonstrators outside the gates of Temple Square taunted and shouted at those attending the conference. No one was provoked to even yell back at them.  They seemed to be remembering the advice of Apostle Henry B. Eyring from the Saturday portion of the conference. "It is a lie that our anger justifies our impulse to hurt or ignore our antagonists. We are to forgive to be forgiven. To wait for them to repent before we forgive and repent is to allow them to choose for us a delay which could cost us happiness here and after," stated Elder Eyring. Another Apostle told the audience that controlling one's behavior begins with controlling our thoughts. He advised young and old alike to recognize when unworthy thoughts enter their minds and quickly move them out. "As the years passed I found that, while not easy, I could control my thoughts if I made a place for them to go. You can replace thoughts of temptation, anger, disappointment, or fear with better thoughts – with music," said Apostle Boyd K. Packer. He suggested thinking or humming a favorite hymn each time bad thoughts come to mind.  Since people cannot maintain two thoughts simultaneously, the hymn will replace the unwanted thoughts. "When you learn to control your thoughts, you will be safe," he explained. “Young Latter-day Saints, shape up! Face up! Take hold of your lives! Take control of your mind, your thoughts! If you have friends who are not a good influence, make changes, even if you face loneliness and rejection," he counseled. We have been given instructions and commandments to help us in our lives, but we are not forced to obey. Each person on earth has the right to choose, according to Elder L.  Aldin Porter, a member of the Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy. “A very important part of the plan is the right of personal choice," said Elder Porter. "We may choose as we desire but we may not avoid the consequences of our choices. Think on that. We are permitted to make our choices in this life, but we ought not then call the plan unfair because we must accept the results of our choices," he said." Right and wrong do exist. Our actions do have moral consequences. There isno right way to do a wrong thing," said Elder William R.  Bradford of the Quorum of the Seventy.David M. Bresnahan is a staff writer for WorldNetDaily.com

 

(RE  DAVID M BRESNAHAN, FORMER MEMBER OF THE UTAH HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES There is a David M Bresnahan who is a former Utah legislator.  He ended losing his seat in the legislature after he made a fool of himself by telling a story about his gay brother and a bunch of other guys having been "recruited to the homosexual lifestyle by a scout master."  He told the story, choking back tears, on the floor of the Utah House of Representatives during a special session of the Legislature in spring of 1996.  The special session was called by Governor Leavitt to discuss the gay clubs issue and Bresnaham told his story during debate over the gay clubs bill. Bresnahan's story about his brother and a bunch of other boys being recruited by a gay scoutmaster and an assistant scoutmaster, according to him, proved that gays DO recruit.  The point was that if the legislature let kids have gay clubs they would use the clubs to recruit more homosexuals.  A lot of Utah activists knew the scoutmaster thing sounded fabricated and a month or so later Gary Watts of Provo publicly offered to donate $10,000 to Bresnahan's favorite charity if Bresnahan could prove the story was true. Bresnahan totally refused to even try, making some excuse .  Later Bresnahan made a fool of himself by pulling out a concealed handgun and firing it into the ground while chasing some guys who had fled the scene of a minor auto accident.  Between the two incidents, Bresnahan's brief political career was over.  I hadn't heard anything about him in a long time until someone sent me a copy of this article. Anyway, our group at Temple Square was almost always really quiet and polite - VERY quiet for a group of protestors.  There was definitely no shouting. Even my goofy stuff was done so only the people nearest me could hear it .  .  The media all reported on how quiet and polite the protestors were, . . . I wonder what kind of readership Bresnahan writes for.  Do you know?  I'm not sure it's the same David Bresnahan, of course, but Bresnahan is hardly a common name.  The David Bresnahan I know is definitely emotionally and obsessively anti-gay.  (and my gaydar goes off when I'm around him)  Kathy W.)

 

 

October 1999 Salt Lake writer Carolyn Campbell is looking for two men she did a story on a couple of years ago.  If you have any information, please write to Carolyn directly (info below).   Also, watch next the next couple of issues of the Salt Lake City Weekly for another article by Carolyn.  The people on this list have really been of help to Carolyn in putting together articles on gay issues. NOTE FROM CAROLYN: About two years ago, I interviewed a wonderful gay couple, Thom Canning and Bart Skinner, who had adopted two black children. A large magazine is now interested in an update of my article about them. This magazine says they receive far more articles about lesbian couples with children than gay male couples with children, and they really feel like Thom and Bart would be a great example to others out there. My only problem is, I can no longer locate Thom and Bart.   Can you help?  Even if they are no longer together, I would like to talk to them. carolync@sisna.com (Carolyn Campbell).

 

6 October 1999 Salt Lake City Orson Spencer Hall. "I have read your warnings before saying that cops bust OSH, but didn't heed it, thinking that if I am cautious, I wouldn't get caught. Because I felt safe, I have cruised there occasionally for the last year and almost daily in the last six weeks. This afternoon, I got arrested. There is no gloryhole in the stall I was in, so the man next to me and I looked at each other's cocks from underneath the partition. We kneeled and crouched on the floor and touched each other's genitals. Immediately, I heard a beep and a man instructing us to come out and cooperate. Over the next five minutes, the two plainclothes policemen handcuffed both of us and questioned us about our criminal record (I've never been arrested before.) My driver's license was inspected and a ticket was filled out for 'lewdness' (code 76-9-202.) They then escorted us, cuffed, to their normal-looking automobile (it wasn't a cop car) and drove to the station on campus. After the officer questioned me and filled out more paperwork, my cuffs were removed and I signed the green ticket he had been writing on. Now, I am to appear at the Justice Court. He said that I will receive a letter and/or telephone call regarding this offense. Because my crime is on public record, he says that this may be printed in the newspaper! The other officer said that the daily student newspaper here occasionally includes such things!" "I am mortified that someone I know will learn of this. What if one of my roommates sees the letter or answers the telephone call from the authorities? What if this crime is published in the paper?? How much will my fine cost? This isn't something I feel comfortable asking even my gay friends about because they don't cruise public places. Anyone I ask for advice is going to be horrified that I search for sexual adventure in restrooms. I would be glad if you would include my e-mail address and someone reading this might write to me with suggestions. I'm terrified and humiliated. Help me."

 

6 October 1999 Salt Lake Tribune, Rolly & Wells: Gay Group Loses Battle For AM Station By Paul Rolly and JoAnn Jacobsen-Wells, The Salt Lake Tribune     Salt Lake City came within a whisker of having its first gay-and-lesbian radio station.  But when the smoke cleared from a three-way bidding battle over the bankrupt Venture Broadcasting's KWUN AM station, the winner was Citadel Broadcasting, which already owns several stations in Utah.     The apparent high bidder on Monday was Triangle Multimedia of Palm Springs, Calif., which planned a full-scale gay-and-lesbian-focused talk and entertainment format.  But in the final round Tuesday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Salt Lake City, Citadel came in with a bid of nearly $500,000 to win the right to take over the 1230 AM frequency.     "We have an advantage over the others because all the stations in Salt Lake are going after the same advertisers," said Frank Olsen, a principal in Triangle, which is building a nationwide gay-and-lesbian network.  "We are going after a unique advertising dollar because we target a gay-and-lesbian audience," Olsen said before the final bid.     Triangle announced its impending takeover of the station on Monday, causing speculation that its announcement may have given added incentive to competitors that might not want a gay-and-lesbian station in Utah.     "We bid up to $485,000, but Citadel bid $490,000 and said it was prepared to go to $700,000," said Triangle's Gary Goldman.  KWUN has had a stormy history since Venture Broadcasting, controlled by conservative talk show host Mills Crenshaw, took over operations in 1996. Several parties filed lawsuits alleging misrepresentation and fraud against American Pension Services, the parent company, after Venture Broadcasting filed for bankruptcy last year. . . .    

 

7 October 1999 Thursday

UTAH    REMINDER FROM BOBBI FOUTS: THERE MAY BE NO GAY RADIO STATION IN SLC, BUT KRCL IS STILL THERE SERVING GLBT PEOPLE (in some areas)  90.9 FM Just a friendly reminder you might want to pass on to your list - while there is no station dedicated strictly to gay and lesbian issues, KRCL still broadcasts "Concerning Gays and Lesbians on Wednesdays from 12:30 to 1 p.m., followed by "Because We're Here."  KRCL also has "This Way Out," which is an excellent national program on Monday mornings.  At least there is SOME GLBT programming in Salt Lake!  Also, if you miss a particular program, you can call the station and usually get a copy of it.

 

8 October 1999 Friday

There is a BBQ this Sunday (Oct. 10) in Sugarhouse Park to celebrate National Coming Out Day. There will be free food and drinks and hundreds of fellow Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals and transgendered family members. There is no cost involved with event, simply bring your friends and family and enjoy a great day in the park!  If you are planning to come or for more information, please visit www.tribez.com/ncod and register.  Registration is not necessary but it will help them determine how much food to buy! Happy National Coming Out Day! From your friends at gayut.com You can remove yourself from this list at any time by sending and email to majordomo@networld.com and typing "unsubscribe gayut" in the body of the message.

 

 

JUDGE SAYS BAN ON CLUBS IS LEGAL, BUT STUDENTS CAN SUE Salt Lake Tribune, October 8, 1999 Judge: It's Legal to Ban School Clubs, But East High Gay Group Can Sue BY SHAWN FOSTER and HILARY GROUTAGE, THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE  A federal judge ruled Thursday that a Salt Lake City School District policy banning all clubs except those related to academic subjects is legal.     But U.S. District Judge Bruce Jenkins also ruled that the students who tried to form a school-sanctioned gay support group at East High School can go to court to prove their claims that the district's "unwritten policy" has violated their First Amendment right to free speech.     Even though gay clubs and some other groups are banned in the district, gay organizations at East and West high schools in the Salt Lake District and Copper Hills in the Jordan District have continued to meet under provisions of the Utah Civic Center Act.  The law allows community groups to rent space from schools as long as they provide liability insurance and an adult  supervisor.  The clubs are sponsored by GLSEN, the New York City-based Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network.  About 100 Salt Lake City-area teens participate.     "The students who had the courage and determination to file a lawsuit back in 1998 are vindicated," said Stephen Clark, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union in Utah.  "The students wanted all the clubs to come back, and still do."     In 1996, the Salt Lake City Board of Education banned all noncurricular clubs rather than allow students at East High to form a school-sanctioned Gay Straight Alliance.  A group of students -- backed by parents, the ACLU and the New York City-based Lambda Legal Defense Fund -- filed a lawsuit against the school district after several other clubs were allowed to meet.     Jenkins ruled that one of those student groups, The Improvement Council  at East (ICE), violated district policy when it met on the East High campus during the 1997-98 school year.  Since the lawsuit was filed, district administrators have said ICE is connected to student government at East and it has continued to meet.

    "The fact that the school district scrambled to cover its tracks does not

change the fact that there was a violation," Clark said.  Attorneys for the students have argued that district officials enforced their club ban selectively, allowing some clubs -- such as the Future Business Leaders of America, the National Honor Society and ICE -- to meet even though they are not directly tied to courses in the curriculum.     In Thursday's decision, Jenkins ruled those clubs should be allowed because they are based on academic subjects -- even though they participate in noncurricular activities, such as fund-raisers.

    Elizabeth King, one of the two Utah assistant attorneys general representing the school district and the state, said the decision was important because it defined what it means for a club to be "curriculum-related."  In deciding the issue, Jenkins put himself in the place of Cynthia Seidel, the district's assistant superintendent who screens club applications, King said.  "[Jenkins] went further than any court has gone before," King said.  "He is the first to really do what Cynthia Seidel does every day -- decide what is related to curriculum and what is not." But Jenkins left the door open for students to show that the school district's practice differs from its policy.  The judge has scheduled a Nov.5 pre-trial conference to review whether students have been prevented from

voicing their opinions. "The only factual question which remains is whether an unwritten policy exists that prohibits [the gay students] from expressing their viewpoint," Jenkins wrote.    Indeed, Jenkins dedicated several pages of his 55-page order to the right of free speech. Although the law allows some government institutions, such as schools, to limit 1st Amendment rights, Jenkins wrote, that should be the exception rather than the rule.  "In a very real sense, the First Amendment maps an expanse of sacred ground -- ground upon which ideas may be expressed . . . free from intrusion or restriction by the power of government -- because we recognize that 'freedom of expression is the well-spring of our civilization.' "     Keysha Barnes, one of four plaintiffs, joined the lawsuit with her father, James.  She graduated from East High School in May, but said her

involvement in the suit has provided an invaluable education.  "It definitely changed my life for the better.  I learned so much from being involved, regardless of what the outcome is, my life has been changed for the better,'' she said.  Ivy Fox, a senior at East and co-president of this year's GSA, agrees.     "I know that we've saved lives.  The GSA really has such a large impact on people's lives, it's a very worthwhile thing for me to be doing with my life,'' she said.     At West High School, the Gay Straight Alliance is shepherded by Dick Teerlink and Paul Trane every Wednesday afternoon.  Trane and Teerlink are retired Granite School District educators, GLSEN members and life partners.    "Our whole lives have been spent nurturing and trying to help young people,'' Trane said.  "This is one way for us to give back to our community.''  The two lead club members in journal writing, discussions, movies and activities.     East High's club is in its fourth year and attracts between 15 and 35 members to its Thursday meetings.  Adviser Camille Lee, also a member of GLSEN, said students are content mostly to consume snacks and talk.     "Maybe they're not as political this year," she said.  "They're just content.''

 

Trial ordered in S.L. club case by Jennifer Toomer-Cook Deseret News staff writer  The Salt Lake City School District has a right to ban clubs that are not related to the curriculum — from multi-cultural clubs to the East High Gay-Straight Alliance, a federal judge has ruled.      But U.S. District Judge Bruce Jenkins still wants to know whether the district is prohibiting kids from talking about gays at school just because district officials don't like the viewpoint.      Jenkins, whose ruling doesn't change the current status of clubs, ordered a trial on that matter when he decided parts of a lawsuit challenging the 1996 district policy on clubs this week.      "It is a victory for the school district, and I also think it's a victory for the plaintiffs in that if there really is viewpoint discrimination, it should be found out and examined," said assistant attorney general Elizabeth King, who is representing the school district. "I think that's a win for everybody."      The issue began in 1995 when a few East High students sought to form a gay-straight alliance, as other schools have across the country. But the question led to uproar, rising all the way to the Legislature and ultimately the policy banning clubs not related to the curriculum.      The lawsuit was filed last year by local and national civil rights  groups on behalf of gay-straight alliance members Ivy Fox and Keysha Barnes, and their respective parents, Kay Koslow Fox and James Barnes. West High student Leah Farrell and her mother, Kelly Hogarty, have joined the plaintiffs. District policy prohibits Farrell from forming environmental and Young Democrats clubs.      Jenkins set a few points straight in his Wednesday ruling. The district policy allowing only curriculum-related clubs is OK, and Future Business Leaders of America, Future Homemakers of America, the National Honor Society and other clubs challenged in the lawsuit are curriculum-based.      The Improvement Council at East, however, is another matter. In the1997-98 school year that group was allowed to meet as a club, but the judge said it was not related to the curriculum, violating district policy. The problem was corrected the next year, when the council folded into student government.      But the fundamental question of the lawsuit, whether the district follows an unwritten policy prohibiting students from talking about gays and if so, whether that violates students' rights, will be resolved at trial.      The question remains partly because of assistant superintendent Cindi Seidel’s letter denying a request to form a Rainbow Club. The proposed club sought to discuss contributions of gays and lesbians in arts, history, literature and politics.      "Ms. Seidel's May 10th letter may be read to suggest that there exists at least the perception that 'no student group activity can include a gay-positive viewpoint,' " the judge wrote.      Seidel denied the Rainbow Club application because the subject matter will not be taught in a regular course and "sexual orientation does not concern the body of courses as a whole," according to court documents.      But her letter to Camille Lee, the Rainbow Club's faculty sponsor, went on:  "For your information, even if the Rainbow Club were somehow curriculum-related, I would still deny the application. In my opinion, as a professional educator, sexual orientation is not the proper organizing subject matter of a curriculum-related club" because the law strictly regulates the way human sexuality is taught in school, and the club would disrupt the school.      Plaintiffs' attorneys will touch on that in their trial arguments. While it's unknown whether students anywhere else have sought such a club, ACLU attorney Stephen Clark says they likely haven't had a reason to.      "They allow them to exist in the context of other non-curricular clubs," he said. "You don't have schools reacting in a hysterical fashion as the Salt Lake City School District has here."      Attorneys for the school district are likely to argue, as they’ve mentioned in other court hearings, that schools do let kids talk about gays.      For instance, East High's multicultural assembly last spring included principal-approved slide show from the alliance, regarding history, symbols and terms of importance to the gay community.      The community was turned upside down, in part because offended students were not allowed to leave the assembly under school policy. That policy has changed.      A pre-trial conference is set for Nov. 5.      Meanwhile, despite the legal wrangling, many displaced clubs —including the gay-straight alliance — are meeting anyway, after hours at the school under the Utah Civic Center Act. Still, the Gay, Lesbian Straight Education Network-sponsored group still wants club status to access school resources such as bulletin boards and the school's sound system.      But even if the plaintiffs don't win, not all is lost.      "Our club is continuing to thrive. Because of the school board's idiotic decision, we really have gotten a lot out of things," Ivy Fox said. "I think it's not so much negative. Our club, no matter what the ruling on the trial, will continue, and we're sticking around. We've had an amazing experience because of it."

 

UTAH OPINION  SLC MAYOR RACE COULD BLOODY DEMO RELATIONSHIPS Friday, October 08, 1999 S.L. mayor race could bloody Demo relationships By Bob Bernick Jr. Deseret News political editor  As this column is put to bed Thursday, which Democrat will face Rocky Anderson in the Salt Lake City mayoral finals is still up in the air.       Will it be Stuart Reid, the current city director of community and economic development, or House Minority Leader Dave Jones? In Tuesday's balloting Anderson, also a Democrat, finished well out in first place. …  Anderson, Reid and Jones are all Democrats. But, boy, are they different Democrats.  Anderson is the idealist; a man who has fought against the death penalty, against the establishment whenever he feels people have been wronged. Reid is the conservative Democrat, a former public relations official for the LDS Church who believes Mayor Deedee Corradini's administration is on the right track.  Jones sees himself as the moderate; a former state party chairman who as Utah House minority leader likes to see things get done, he's willing to make compromises with legislative colleagues.        Then the Gay and Lesbian Utah Democrats decided to disband (they are still a caucus within the party but much less active, much less visible). Soon after Meg Holbrook was elected state chairwoman of the party in 1997.  "I decided we needed (moderate and conservative Democrats) in leadership of the party, not forming their own (side) groups," Holbrook recalled this week.

 

There will be a Candle-light Vigil and March on Monday October 11 at 7:00 pm meeting on the steps of the Utah State Capitol and proceeding down State Street to the City and County Building. This March is to raise awareness of anti-gay violence here in our community. It is also to mourn the death of Matthew Shepard which occurred one year ago on this date. National Coming Out Day is also officially on this date. So please come out, bring family and friends, a cup and candle and at least your body and help raise awareness that our community will take a stand against HATE! We want as many people as possible to let everyone know that violence against our community or any others is not acceptable especially here!

 

"Chad C Keller"     To:   "Williams, Ben"  Dear Friends  I reflect upon the past year, and find myself faced with a difficult decision.  In the past, most decisions I have faced have allowed me to find a winning solution for those things needing to be accomplished. Currently before me is a wealth of opportunity, unlike any other time in my life.  I must make the choice to limit my involvement, so I may put forth the best I have to offer to things closest to my heart.  As I have listened to the community at large, I find that my energy, time, and talent are needed elsewhere.  It is because of these prompts from those closest to me that I submit to you, my friends, my resignation as a Chair of Utah Pride Events Committee, effective immediately.  The reasons which have prompted this decision are many, and I find that the  opportunities currently before me will not allow for a full heart felt participation in the building of Pride 2000 or those to come.  Together we faced a great challenge last year and succeeded in many firsts.  I will forever treasure that time and the many memories that were made.  I hope that we may work together again soon.  I will be happy to advise the individual that fills the position of Rainbow adventures/Youth Services Chair as time allows.  Please feel free to call if you are in need of resources or solutions.  The best of luck to each of you in planning and developing yet another successful edition of Utah Pride. Sincerely,  Chad Keller

 

PWAC Annual Awards Banquet at Little America

 

9 October 1999 Saturday

There will be a Candle-light Vigil and March on Monday October 11 at 7:00pm meeting on the steps of the Utah State Capitol and proceeding down State Street to the City and County Building. This March is to raise awareness of anti-gay violence here in our community. It is also to mourn the death of Matthew Shepard which occurred one year ago on this date. National Coming Out Day is also officially on this date. So please come out, bring family and friends, a cup and candle and at least your body and help raise awareness that our community will take a stand against HATE! We want as many people as possible to let everyone know that violence against our community or any others is not acceptable especially here! Note from Kathy W.: It will probably get cool, so you might want to bring a jacket, sweatshirt or whatever.  Bring a candle if you can, dripless, if possible, or in a container.  Tell your friends about this event!    Feel free to come to express your displeasure with the Utah organization (CULTure) that is helping to perpetuate a climate of hate and rejection of GLBT people (even though they claim they are NOT). COME OUT to feel the empowerment of a group of people that likes you just the way you are and that believes, like you, that GLBT people are first class

citizens and deserve equality.

 

GAY-FRIENDLY UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST ASSOCIATION GROWING STEADILY Unitarian Universalist Association Growing Steadily, 4 percent annual rise exceeds that of many mainline churches SALT LAKE TRIBUNE BY JOHN BOUDREAU KNIGHT RIDDER NEWS SERVICE     WALNUT CREEK, Calif. -- It's not exactly the Great Awakening. It's more like the Small Stirring.     The Unitarian Universalist Association, the 215,000-member denomination with roots going back to the Puritan pilgrims, is growing. Membership is increasing about 4 percent a year, said the Rev. John Buehrens, president of the association. Although it is not exactly a surge, the modest rise exceeds that of many mainline Protestant churches. The church sees itself in the vanguard of religious progressives. In 1850, Unitarians were perhaps the first in the world to ordain women. More than 50 percent of church ministers are now women. The church has been ordaining openly gay and lesbian people for 30 years, and has blessed same-sex marriages for two decades.     "We are playing a key role in reviving interfaith cooperation and a progressive religious movement," he said. "There hasn't been an effective, broad, progressive religious coalition since the civil rights era."

 

RACE FOR SLC MAYOR CAUSING RIFTS IN GLBT COMMUNITY by Kathy Worthington The 1999 race for SLC mayor is causing or deepening a lot of rifts in Utah's gay* community.  Some of the rifts are probably not reparable, but I hope most of them are. To let a race between four rather gay-friendly straight guys permanently damage our unity and ability to work together as a community would be a real loss. A day or two before the SLC primary, I openly shared with readers of 'Kathy's List' my support of Rocky Anderson for SLC Mayor.  Yesterday and the day before I told readers that I hope Dave Jones will NOT do a write-in campaign. I've gotten responses from a couple of people who disagree with me on both counts and I KNOW that there are more people who disagree.  Some people have had personal disagreements with Ross ('Rocky') Anderson, some remember the problem over statements he made about same-sex marriage during his race for Congress.  Some people just remember vaguely that he did something that 'we' didn't like, so now they won't support him.  Some people, of course, simply think someone else would make a better Mayor. If either Bradley, Jones or Zuhl had won the primary, and if they were now in a campaign against Reid, I would be throwing my full support to that winner. Anderson, Bradley, Jones and Zuhl have all done well at times on issues that matter to me.  (Those issues include choice, the environment, education, civil rights and more)  I know that all of four of them also have flaws and have made mistakes, but, in my opinion ANY of them would be better than

Corradini or Reid or a Republican.  I know we can't be certain in advance how

anyone will do as mayor. Since I became a public gay activist and writer/editor in the Utah in 1991, I have made a habit of letting my readers know which candidates I support. Some people appreciate it, some don't. It's understandable that there are people in our community supporting all four of these candidates and I am not upset or angry that there are people in who support Dave Jones or who DO want him to go ahead with a write-in campaign.  I think Dave has earned our appreciation and respect from a lot of tough years in the legislature where he has often stood up and defended the rights of gay Utahns.  He has taken a lot of flack for it and sometimes got truly burned out and tired of it.  Who wouldn't?  And Dave isn't even gay himself, he just did it because he believed it was right.  I personally observed his courage on our issues on numerous occasions and I still admire him for it. I wish Anderson, Bradley, Jones and Zuhl hadn't ended up running against each other for Mayor.  I understand why it happened, but it hasn't been easy on anyone . . . except maybe the Republicans. I hope we can all support whoever we think is best and then move on.  I will accept and send out well-written and concise opposing opinions, by the way. This list isn't heavy on opinion pieces, but I label them clearly so people can just skip them if they are not interested.  Please, let's not let this one race for Mayor spoil friendships or keep us from working together in the future.  If it tears us apart permanently, then we all lose . . . .and our enemies win . . . . no matter who our next Mayor is.  Kathy Worthington *the word gay is used inclusively - to mean homosexual, bisexual and transgender

 

THREE-WAY OR TWO-WAY MAYORAL RACE, BY THE NUMBERS: by David Thometz, Salt Lake City By all reports, on Tuesday (October 12), third-place mayoral candidate Dave Jones may announce a write-in campaign for mayor, endorsed and supported by fourth place candidate Jim Bradley, sixth place candidate Mike Zuhl, eighth place candidate John Renteria, and ninth place candidate Niko Linardakis. In a three-way race with a Dave Jones write-in candidacy, and reading the primary election results by candidate, let's estimate where votes would likely go. It seems apparent that a Dave Jones write-in campaign would pull in his supporters (19.36%), as well as most Jim Bradley supporters (17.67%), Mike Zuhl supporters (3.50%), John Renteria supporters (0.73%), Niko Linardakis supporters (0.53%), and probably several Steve Harmsen supporters (some of 13.90%) besides; for a probable 42% to 46% of the total vote. Stuart Reid will pull his supporters (19.47%) as well as the bulk of the Harmsen supporters (ome of 13.90%), and probably all of the Mark E. Anderson supporters (1.11%) and Lawrence Rey Topham supporters (0.10%); for a probable 31% to 35% of the total vote.  I'd much rather have Dave Jones as mayor, who we know will at least listen to us and support us most of the time while bringing sound policies on other issues as well, than see Stuart Reid win. We know where he'd be on our issues. Further, Dave Jones was also endorsed by the Utah Democratic Gay and Lesbian Caucus (in part, by your own vote, if I recall), and deserves at least some consideration for this. He has also pledged to issue an executive order banning discrimination based on sexual orientation, and opposes Salt Lake City Police Chief Reuben Ortega, who has announced he will be retiring anyway in April 2000.

 

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL AND MARCH TO FOCUS ON HATE CRIMES AND VIOLENCE Utah 'National Coming Out Day' Event to Mark Anniversary of Gay Student's Death A candlelight vigil and march is scheduled for Monday October 11 in Salt Lake City to celebrate National Coming Out day and to mark the one year anniversary of the death of Matthew Shepard, the gay University of Wyoming student who died in October 1998 after a brutal attack that shocked the nation.   The Salt Lake City vigil and march, which will begin at 7 p.m. on the steps of the State Capitol, will coincide with similar events across the country. Ironically, jury selection in the trial of Aaron McKinney, the second of the two men accused in the attack, is scheduled to begin on Monday in Laramie. Russell Henderson pled guilty to murder and kidnapping charges in April and was sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison. Shepard was lured out of a Laramie bar by McKinney and Henderson, who then beat him viciously and left him tied to a fence in freezing temperatures. The image of the 21-year-old college student tied to a fence like a scarecrow galvanized people across the country and resulted in discussion and education about anti-gay hate crimes in a way that no other attack ever has.  Shepard died of head wounds in a hospital on October 12, 1998, after five days in a coma. National Coming Out Day is a national Gay* event to celebrate the liberating act of 'coming out of the closet'.  Shepard was 'out' as a gay person, meaning he didn't try to hide the fact that he was gay.  National Coming Out Day was first held in 1988 to recreate and celebrate the liberating feeling that gay people had enjoyed at a national gay rights march Oct 11, 1987 in Washington, D.C. Organizers say the events in SLC and elsewhere are meant to raise awareness of anti-gay and other hate motivated violence. "This vigil and march is to honor the memories of those who have died because of violence due to hate and to open the eyes of people in our community that hate happens in Utah", said Luke Schtele, (pronounced Shtay-lee) a University of Utah student, activist and one of the organizers of Monday's event. "The only challenge we face as a community is ensuring that our increasing diversity becomes our strength, not our weakness", continued Schtele. "Monday will give people a chance to come together for a while to share our sorrow over the hate and violence," co-organizer Kathy Worthington of Taylorsville said,  "but it's also a chance for gay people to celebrate how liberating it can be to 'come out' to ourselves and to other people in our lives." Schtele and Worthington, the principal organizers of Monday's event, are inviting people of all ages to participate in the vigil and march.  (This will be a family-friendly event) For more information, call the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Utah at 539-8800, Luke Schtele at 519-8670 or Kathy Worthington at 963-7922. The word Gay* is used inclusively here, to mean homosexual, bisexual and transgendered.  Other popular ways of referring inclusively to members of the gay community is with  'GLBT'.   That is, as in 'GLBT community' or 'GLBT publications'.  The 'Q' word that has become commonplace among GLBT activists in some areas is not commonly used in Utah. If you are at all interested in today's National Coming Out Day picnic at Sugarhouse Park, please just join us there even if you didn't RSVP. Hopefully there will be enough food, but if there isn't, that's not the important thing.  The important thing to to get together (in this gorgeous weather) and celebrate being out and free in a gay-positive atmosphere.

 

Kathy Worthington  to Ben Williams : Ben, Are you by any chance available Monday night to speak briefly at the candlelight vigil?  I probably won't be able to make it and we need someone to briefly tell the history and purpose of National Coming Out Day, and then to tell, as concisely as possible, the story of Matthew Shepard's beating death plus tell of a hate crime or two or three in Utah's history.Please call Luke Schtele (pronounced Shtay-lee)  (801) 519-8670 or write to him at lschtele@hotmail.com or write to me or call me at 963-7022. I hope you can do this as I know you know the history and can tell it without having to do a lot of research.  I could do it, maybe not as well as you, but I probably won't be able to get off for the vigil.  (I work evenings)  Maybe Luke or someone else can tell it if I write it up, that would be if YOU can't do it, that is.  My hope is that you will get this note on time and will be available and willing.  The phone number I have for you didn't work. . . .Kathy

 

NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY PICNIC  SUNDAY OCT 10TH SALT LAKE CITY Sunday October 10th 1999 (the weather is expected to be sunny and beautiful!) Sugar House Park Central Terrace FROM 2:00 PM 'til Everyone Leaves!)To Come Out! And to reaffirm that you're OUT! There will be a BBQ with food and drinks provided.  (yes, FREE food, no need to bring any!) There will be guest speakers! Paula Wolfe, Executive Director of the GLCCU and  Russell Hathaway, a SLC attorney who will be representing the ACLU of Utah. Let us know if you are going to be coming out with us!  Go to this website(http://www.tribez.com/ncod) and send us an email to let us know you'll be there, or call Gareth at 263-1503 in SLC.(Please help us know how much food we'll need)

 

Please let me know if they showed the video on same-sex marriage and the Knight Initiative in any of the branches and wards in California.  I have gotten reports that they did NOT show it in some wards and branches, but we want to know if they cancelled it everywhere.   Members of the media are asking . . . . If you know anyone who would have been likely to attend priesthood meeting or relief society ANYWHERE in California today, please see if you can find out for us if the video was shown. THANKS! Kathy Worthington  Salt Lake City

 

11 October 1999 Monday

LATEST ON MORMON CHURCH AND SAME-SEX MARRIAGE IN CALIFORNIA (I am still seeking more reports about what happened across the state today) BACKGROUND In the first few days of October we got reports about plans to hold special joint Priesthood/Relief Society meetings in all Mormon (LDS) wards and branches in California.  The reports came in from multiple areas of the state and gave some details of the plans.

I checked with my best source for what's happening in California, who wrote

to me on Oct 5 with the following (edited somewhat to protect the source's

identity):  _____ (the bishop) is going to make the presentation with the video in Priesthood and Relief Society.  (he will be) meeting with some higher-ups discussing the details about all of this.  (he's) also supposed to get at

least 50 members to go door to door for 2 hours once a week (on Saturdays)

until the end of November.  (when) asked if it was just priesthood holders

that would be doing that,  ------  said no, anyone 16 or older could do it. I

asked exactly what they would be doing; ------- said ---- thought there was a

survey involved. During December, they're going to stop doing that because

it's such a busy month and so many people go on vacation. They will start

"phase 2" in January, but ---- said ---- didn't know what that would be yet." Yesterday and today, a couple of members of the Utah media said they'd gotten confirmation from church headquarters that the video was going to be shown today, Oct 10th, in California wards and branches.  But this afternoon we got a couple of reports that the 15 minute video featuring Elders Maxwell, Scott

and Ballard (of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles) had NOT been shown in

those meetings after all. No details or explanations were available at that

time, so I put out a call for reports on what happened today.  Was the video

shown?  What else happened? FIRST REPORT My thanks to Dan in California for this first report on what happened today in one of the joint Relief Society/Priesthood Meetings that were held today. >>>  the report >>>>>

I made it a point to stay for Priesthood today.  No, they didn't show the

original video in my ward.  They did have combined RS/P meeting and showed

the clip of Pres. Hinckley's talk of Sat. priesthood session of general

conference, about 5 minutes of it.  The bishop then made several remarks.  He

indicated that a member of our ward had been asked (called?) to spearhead the

effort in our area and that she would be coordinating with other like-minded

people in this area.  He indicated that the original video is available to be

shown in our homes and that we should have small gatherings of people in our

neighborhoods  to show the video and to drum up support for this initiative.

Dan >>>>>

 

UTAH  GAYS RALLY IN SUGAR HOUSE FOR NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY (Anti-gay efforts by Mormon leaders a big issue) SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, October 11, 1999 ) Utah Gays Rally in Sugar House For National Coming Out Day BY HILARY GROUTAGE, THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE  It was coming-out day at Sugar House Park on Sunday. Warm weekends are numbered this time of year along the Wasatch Front, so dogs, kids and grown-ups alike consumed countless hot dogs and hamburgers and some of the last summery sun of the season. Things were particularly festive at the pavilion lined with brightly colored flags. It was, after all, National Coming Out Day, the one day of the year gay, lesbian and transgendered people can count on support nationwide if they choose to reveal their sexual preference to family and friends. "I came just to show my face,'' said Lisa St. Armand. "I've been out for a long time, but I just got out of the Army National Guard.''  State Rep. Jackie Biskupski, D-Salt Lake City, showed up, with her little dog Brady, to make certain no one forgets she is openly gay.  "It's an opportunity to break down the horrific stereotypes that have been put upon the gay and lesbian community. Besides, it's a great party,'' she said.  For attorney Russell Hathaway, a guest speaker at the event, it marked 10 years since he first told people that he is homosexual: "I was in Boston watching a rally and it just seemed like a perfect time.'' The free food and dance music might have been part of the attraction for the more than 400 people who ate, mingled, played soccer with a bright pink ball and took turns at the microphone talking about their experiences. However, Kathy Worthington, a longtime gay-rights activist, took the chance to speak out about the role The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has taken, along with other churches, in support of the Defense of Marriage Initiative that will appear on California ballots in March.     San Francisco supervisors have asked the IRS to investigate whether the Mormon Church is breaking federal law. Internal Revenue Service rules prohibit religious organizations from engaging in "substantial" political activity without endangering their tax-exempt status.     Worthington and others expected California Mormons to see a church-produced video about the initiative during church meetings on Sunday.     "What Mormons are being told is that I am a threat to them,'' she said.     But no video was shown in one Southern California congregation, even though it was previewed by the congregation's leaders earlier in the week.     "They said they would show it, but they didn't,'' said one longtime church member.  "I stay out of telling the church how they should run things, I wish the church would stay out of my lifestyle and out of my life,'' said Gareth Atkinson, Utah's National Coming Out Day organizer, who said he is a former Mormon.  A candlelight vigil and march is scheduled tonight to mark the first anniversary of the death of Matthew Shepard, the gay University of Wyoming student who was beaten and left for dead. The march begins at 7 p.m. on the steps of the State Capitol building.     The Associated Press contributed to this report.

 

11 October 1999- 

GAYDAR   STUDY SAYS IT REALLY EXISTS, . . . .SORT OF WASHINGTON POST, (Excerpt) SCIENCE NOTEBOOK

Compiled from reports by Rob Stein and the Associated Press Eyes for Gays     Some gay people swear they have "gay-dar"--an uncanny ability to sense whether someone else is gay. Now, new research gives a bit of credence to

this belief. Nalini Ambady of Harvard University and colleagues conducted a pair of experiments in which they showed gay and straight men and women short silent videotapes and photographs of gay and straight men and women and asked them to pick who was gay.     Overall, gay men and women were slightly better able than straight people at identifying which people were gay, with gay women being the most accurate, though the differences were very slight.     "These data suggest that gay men and lesbians are similarly accurate; if anything, lesbians' advantage over heterosexual women is relatively greater than gay men's advantage over heterosexual men," the researchers write in the September issue of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

 

11 October 1999

UTAH  VIGIL AND MARCH PLANNED FOR MONDAY EVENING IN SLC - OCT 11 Tonight at 7 p.m. Utahns of all ages and persuasions are invited to join GLBT activists on the steps of the State Capitol to remember the violent death of gay University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard.  The rally, vigil and march will also address hate and hate crimes in general and is deliberately being held on National Coming Out Day, which is celebrated each year on October 11.  Shepard was just 21 when he died on Oct 12, 1998 5 days after being viciously beaten and left tied to a fence in freezing temperatures.

 

October 11 1999 

Sen. Hatch Blasts S.F. Supervisors Board urges IRS probe of Mormon Church Carla Marinucci, Ed Epstein, Chronicle Staff Writers Tuesday, October 5, 1999 ©1999 San Francisco Chronicle The battle over the state initiative defining marriage as a one-man, one-woman relationship flared in the presidential campaign yesterday when San Francisco supervisors called for an investigation of the Mormon Church's tax-exempt status -- an action Republican presidential hopeful Orrin Hatch called ``bigoted and prejudiced.'' Hatch, 65, a U.S. senator from Utah and a devout Mormon, spoke in San Francisco as supervisors unanimously passed a resolution calling on the Internal Revenue Service to investigate the tax-exempt status of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some church leaders have urged members to financially support California's Knight Initiative.  Hatch, in an interview with The Chronicle, said he strongly supports the initiative, a measure on the March 2000 ballot that would bar the state from recognizing gay or lesbian marriage. But the senator also said he believes that gays and lesbians deserve respect and may ``need some sort of recognition for a monogamous relationship.'' Hatch said that gays and lesbians ``may need to have a definition for a faithful, monogamous relationship,'' but ``it would be far better for those who advocate recognition of the (gay) relationship to come up with some formal way of doing so without undermining the concept of marriage.''

 

12 October 1999 Tuesday

All that is in the news is about Wilt Chamberlain who died today. One of the greatest basketball players of all time, Wilt Chamberlain created numerous records and won two championships during his fourteen years career. The legendary player, first drafted by Philadelphia Warriors, later played for the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers. After retirement, he ventured into business, played volleyball, appeared in commercials and movie and even published his autobiography.

 

October 12, 1999  "LDS Stand on Gay Marriage Lacks Christian Compassion"         The Sept. 7 Public Forum included a letter from Samuel Harkness who asked: "What is so fundamentally wrong" about the LDS Church position on whether gay people should be able to marry? I hope that this letter will help Mr. Harkness to understand. It will not change his mind and heart.    Certainly, the LDS Church has a right to express its position regarding gay marriages. The LDS Church can always ban gay membership, black membership or gay marriages. What troubles so many people is the LDS Church's lack of both compassion and Christian principles. It is an act of cruel judgment to attack other human beings just because you judge them as sinners. It is an act of persecution to declare a group of people to be aberrations who should not be allowed to marry.     Many people believe that the position of the LDS Church is mean-spirited. They believe there is nothing constructive or helpful in a campaign intended to deprive people of exactly what you and I enjoy. I am a raging heterosexual.     People often fear what they do not understand. These people judge others because they are personally attached to what they think is good or bad. Often it is what they believe God perceives as good or bad. This is not a simple issue. There is no simple answer. Suffering is the result of these judgments. You should not presume to know what is in the mind of God. A collective, organized judgment of condemnation is a unique form of blasphemy.    Samuel, there are many reasons why the LDS Church should not attack gay people or any other people. Among those reasons: (A) Gay people are not harming you. They are not trying to change you. Leave them alone and mind your own business. We do not need more laws, we need more compassion and understanding. Be concerned with your own soul and morality. Do not strive to deprive people of their freedom or their free agency. Get your own house in order. Leave all of those ultimate moral judgments to God. (B) Do not persecute other people. For over 60 years, the sexual practice of polygamy was the defining LDS doctrinal practice. Mormons were scorned, killed, driven away and persecuted for their unusual marriage practice. The persecuted have now become the persecutor.    The very aggressive LDS Church anti-gay marriage campaign is filled with self-righteousness. It lacks humility and it is gilded with arrogance. It is never good for your soul to malign and intentionally hurt other people. Gay people are doing the best they can to live out their lives.    It is as LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley recently expressed on another subject, " . . . It is time to leave the entire matter in the hands of God,who deals justly in all things. His is a wisdom far beyond our own."    STEVEN F. LOWE    Murray

 

 

14 October 1999 Thursday

UNIVERSITY OF UTAH STUDENTS CAUGHT IN MARRIAGE DEBATE THE DAILY UTAH CHRONICLE 240 Union Bldg University of Utah Salt Lake City UT 84112 Tuesday,  October 12, 1999 Students Caught in Marriage Debate by SCOTT LEWIS Chronicle News Writer The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints often avoids getting involved in anything political, but when it stepped into the ring to push bans on homosexual marriages, it met strong resistance and loud protests. Lost in the political debate between pressure groups, church authorities, legal advisers, and government agencies are the members and followers of the church. Those LDS Church members expressed strong support of their church's political activity, and any disagreements or inner conflicts within their ranks appear nonexistent. But, as the director of the University of Utah Hinckley Institute of Politics and former Salt Lake City Mayor Ted Wilson puts it, anytime you get involved in politics you pay a price.  It's just a matter of being willing to take it. "Whenever there is an issue in society that undermines the moral fiber of that society, we believe it is our prerogative as a church, [which] believes in morality, to make a stand and voice an opinion where it is appropriate," said Ryan Thompson, president of the Latter-day Saints Student Association. The LDS Church has voiced its opinion in the past months with its political support of the Knight ballot initiative in California. A "yes" majority vote on the initiative would ban all homosexual marriages in the state, even though existing California laws prohibit any same-sex marriage. An estimated 60 percent of U students are Mormon, and many of them are active in the LDS Church's Salt Lake Institute of Religion and LDSSA. "If we can take a measure to prevent same-sex marriages, then yes, I support the church's moves on that," said Thompson. "It's our role as believers in God, who believe in families being divine, to voice our support against it, to protect the family, and the morality in society." Thompson added, "It should be up to every member; I mean, we're not robots." But Thompson believes LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley is a prophet, and he has faith in Hinckley's decisions. "If he is a true prophet of God, then I believe that what he is doing is correct." During the recent fall LDS General Conference meetings, about 150 gay and lesbian rights activists stood at the south gates of the LDS temple grounds in a silent protest with signs sounding off against the LDS Church's actions in California. Many conference goers ignored the messages as they filed in and out of the events Sunday, Oct. 3, but others read the signs and spoke with the protesters. The Lesbian and Gay Student Union participated in the protest, and many of the demonstrators were students from the U. "I feel sad for them," said Kari Bodell, a U student who is a member of the LDS Church, in reference to the protesters. "I think that they are confused." Bodell, who is the vice-president of LDSSA, was not speaking on behalf of the organization. "It breaks down to this: there are laws based on legal theory and principle, then there are other laws based on doctrine and spiritual principle. This is a law based on doctrine and gospel," Bodell said. She said it would be hard for a person within the church to disagree with its political actions in California and around the nation. "If they choose to disagree with it, there is a fundamental paradox. They would probably need to take a good look at that and become aware of how the law fits into it." According to Bodell, LDS Church members don't always have to agree with the political action of their church because some of the actions may not be basedon spiritual doctrines. But on this issue, it's very difficult to think differently, she claims. "It is kind of hard to ice skate around the spiritual nature of this law," Bodell said. The LDS Church may create some problems as a result of its involvement, according to Wilson. "The church traditionally does not like to get involved in politics because it tends to isolate its members and cause division," said Wilson. "I assume they figured it was worth accepting that risk this time."  According to Wilson, the LDS Church's structure and organization make it unique when it comes to the realm of politics.

 "There is a top-down leadership system which creates a phenomenon where there is a prophet whose speech tremendously affects the way people may act," said Wilson. "It may remove members from a more thinking mode to a follower or more emotional mode, where they follow a movement easier, and with more emotion than say a politician who is not as powerful as a church that dispenses what they call truth," he added. Despite naysayers, LDS students still strongly support their church's actions. "I know it's not viewed as politically correct, but it all comes down to my belief in the family," added Thompson. 1999, The Daily Utah Chronicle.

 

Thursday, October 14, 1999 Wrong Position Letter to the Editor Salt Lake Tribune  I have to agree with Mormon President Gordon B. Hinckley that same-sex marriage is a moral issue (Tribune, Oct. 3). Unfortunately, the Mormon church and its leadership are morally wrong on this issue, as well as on the

advocated bigotry and discrimination behind it. If God had ever truly spoken

on this issue, it would have been exactly the opposite of what Mormons are

claiming -- their idol-worship, propaganda and scapegoating notwithstanding.              STUART MCDONALD  Salt Lake City

 

Thursday, October 14, 1999 As a woman married to man for 47 years, I found the LDS General Conference article on same-sex marriage (Tribune, Oct. 3) to be disturbing. I am just one of the 10 million members of the LDS Church and may speak only for myself, but the compatibility of my enduring, marital affiliation cannot be defined only by the physical aspect of our many years together, but also by a similarity of thought and conduct. I refuse to credit the success of our lengthy alliance solely to the fact that we are biologically opposite. My very traditional marriage is not threatened by the possibility that others may not mimic my choice in selecting a companion of the approved gender. It bothers me to read the words of a powerful leader, with a multitude of obedience-driven followers, as he narrowly assigns a label of immorality and directs a sweeping judgment on a large portion of our human community and poses them all as a threat to traditional society. Is it then workable to love and honor those designated to be evil? The leadership directive designed to discourage hatred, intolerance and abuse of those who make different choices seems weak, indeed, after the devastation of such a harsh indictment.  BONNIE M. HUFFAKER           Heber City

 

 

Thu, 14 Oct 1999 NEARLY 100! I now have copies of resignation letters from 92 people.  Just 8 more to go to have 100 and I've been told several have been mailed.  I've heard about quite a few other people doing it and I know lots of people across the country have asked to have their names removed from the records without having a clue that I'm coordinating an organized campaign.  Those of you who've promised letters but haven't gotten them written, please consider doing it soon and please consider using this new version. 'RESIGNING' FROM THE MORMON (LDS) CHURCH October 1999 If anyone asks you about how to 'resign' from the Mormon church, please refer them to me or send them this new-and-improved sample letter and instructions on how to get their names off the membership rolls of the church.  If the older version of the resignation letter is still posted out there on web sites etc., please take it off and replace it with this new one.  I think this new one will work better, although it hasn't been used enough to be truly tested. Thanks! Kathy Worthington Salt Lake City

 

17 October 1999  Sunday

Your and your friends are cordially invited to the Rocky for Mayor fundraiser Sunday, October 17th at the Zephyr Club, 300 South West Temple. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., show starts at 7:00 p.m. Entertainment sponsored by Peter Christie Live and includes Wendy Bradshaw, Scott Wilson, Becky Elmer, April Cruz, Jeff Kosewski, David Faust, Lee Olsen, Rodney Carter, Anna Wandalowski, Walter Larrabee & the Slipdowns. Cash bar provided. Donations gratefully accepted. Come join us & show your support for Rocky!     We are looking for volunteers to help replace lawn signs every day this week.  We need volunteers to help pass out literature at the U of U, corner of 500 South & Center Campus Drive (1580 East) at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday October 23rd. We also need people willing to commit to helping us walk a precinct to do a literature drop October 28, 29, & 30. We also need forty people to do GOTV (Get Out The Vote) phone calling on the 25, 26, & 27 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.     We have only 16 days left until the General Election and we need your help to get Rocky elected as Mayor of Salt Lake City. Please call Kristen at the campaign office 474-1999 if you can volunteer!

 

STANDARD EXAMINER Letter to Editor

 

I read recently of Sen. Hatch's dismay about people who would not vote for him simply because he is Mormon. He used the words "bigotry" and "intolerance" in describing these people.    I'm glad the shoe is on the other foot, and so soon as well. Reminding Sen. Hatch of his own advice, some discriminated-against people may not be able to do anything about their skin color, but he can change his religious choice. There are even programs run by charitable organizations that will help. There are churches (including Christian ones) that perform and recognize same-sex marriages; this country is not a theocracy and is supposed to respect the practice of any religious belief system, including nonbelief. If a church does not wish to perform or recognize same-sex marriages, fine. However, it should not be trying to force this on non- "like-minded" people or organizations.   The government should get out of marriage, or apply it without discrimination. I have no problem with leaving "marriage" to the churches, as long as government sticks to "domestic partnership" recognition that is applied across the board; this means that even so-called "traditional marriages" (which in world history aren't really all that traditional) will only be recognized as domestic partnerships by government.   This country hasn't fallen apart yet, even though "non-traditional" arrangements have existed since before this country was founded. This state has had quite a few "non-traditional" arrangements, some by practicing Mormons.   The Knight Initiative attempts to bind future lawmakers and voters who maybe more enlightened, and is a slippery slope. How long before the XYZ initiative makes recognized marriages only those performed in the temple?   Alas, this country whose strength comes from its diversity in arts, culture, foods, etc. contains some who seek to quench anything which is different. Enjoy "Gilligan's Island," because someone else decided for you that "ER" is "bad," even though their television has a channel changer and off switch.

Dave E. Martin Ogden

 

17 October 1999 OPINION  PIECE   HE BELIEVES MORMON LEADERS WHEN THEY SAY THEY 'LOVE' AND 'ACCEPT' GAY PEOPLE Favoring Traditional Marriage Does Not Mean an Anti-Gay Philosophy Sunday, October 17, 1999  SALT LAKE TRIBUNE  BY PHILIP de ROCHAMBEAU As I walked among the gay and lesbians protesting at Temple Square during the Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints two weeks ago, I examined each of the signs held by the protestors --- all held up proudly and in good faith. Nonetheless, the distorted picture painted by these young people saddened me. In particular, seeing signs that referred to the LDS Church's "gay hate" left me cold. The implication that the Church spent $1.1 million in Alaska and Hawaii supporting traditional marriage laws was actually gay hate was so far distanced from reality that I could only shudder at how surreal this debate had become.  After all, it was the whole California initiative itself that led Elder Douglas Callister to issue the most pro-gay statement approved by the Church to date: "We are not anti-gay. We have many fine friends that are in the gay community and do not wish to be their adversary." I could not think – at that time -- of a better "olive branch" to the gay community. Indeed, nothing could be further from the notion that the Church supports or practices gay hate. With the floodgates open for an increasingly gay friendly LDS Church, I found it no surprise when President Hinckley trumped Elder Callister's

statement -- the night before the protest -- during the Priesthood Session of LDS General Conference, Hinckley said, " . . . I wish to say that our opposition to attempts to legalize same-sex marriage should never be interpreted as justification for hatred, intolerance, or abuse of those who profess homosexuality, either individually or as a group. We love and honor them [gays and lesbians] as sons and daughters of God. They are welcome in the Church."     I just wondered if maybe the protestors would have better served their cause by listening to President Hinckley on Saturday night rather than protesting on  Sunday afternoon. The protestors might ask how could the Church be against any form of intolerance and yet oppose same-sex marriage? That question is better asked of our society as a whole. Although around 76 percent of Americans support gay tolerance and anti-discrimination, 66 percent oppose same-sex marriage. Is that really a contradiction? I am pro-choice but anti-abortion. One cannot view such issues as same-sex marriage, abortion, etc., in black and white

terms as they are much more a gray fog than lightness versus darkness. I am pro-same-sex marriage; I affirm that I have been writing in support of such legislation for several years now. The key, however, is that I am pro-same-sex marriage without being anti-Church. Therefore, I do not understand why the corollary should be so difficult. The answer becomes obvious to anyone who takes the time to examine this issue beyond the surface. After all, Sweden and Denmark, arguably the most liberal nations on the planet, chose domestic  partnership over same-sex marriage. How could anyone expect the far more conservative United States to go any further? One need not dig very far to understand why domestic partnership is actually more inclusive than same-sex marriage. Wrapped up in their own civil rights campaign, the gay community forgets that thousands of heterosexual couples also live outside the realm of marriage. Do they not also deserve protection on issues ranging from taxes to hospital visitation to inheritance? No, this issue is not one of gay rights. In fact, the LDS Church supports most, if not all, of those rights that come with marriage. The real issue is one of semantics. To redefine "marriage" is to ignore its traditional meaning developed over several millennia and thus infringes too far -- and too fast -- into our Judaic-Christian value system.  The Rev. Philip de Rochambeau, a minister of 18 years, now is an interfaith Bishop called to minister to the gay and lesbian community. He is one of two Protestant Bishops who live in the Salt Lake area.

 

19 October 1999 Tuesday

I agree wholeheartedly with the Mormon leaders that the issue of gay marriage is a moral issue. I should have the ability as they do to solemnize my vows to my husband just as they do. I should have all the tax benefits that they get from marriage. And I should have all the peace and loving that the Mormon church gives to its straight members, as well.

 

The action that the Mormon church is taking to underwrite such an amoral campaign as the Knight Initiative in California, as they did in Hawaii and Alaska, where without their financial support, the initiatives would have failed to be brought before the voters, smacks of carpetbagging.

 

Gordon Hinckley and the Mormon church now are trying to put a godly face on this bigoted and truly uneducated campaign to reinforce with law a right-wing fundamentalist Christian belief that being gay is immoral.

 

I am gay and my God, who I assume is the same one that President Hinckley and the Mormon church claim to represent, has accepted me fully. I have no moral issues with being gay. I have been told repeatedly throughout life that my God is a loving God and that he accepts me the way I am.

 

I believe that the Mormon leaders really need to pray to their God for guidance on this issue of denying a blessing on a truly happy and loving commitment as a gay marriage.   JONATHAN V. TUFTS     Salt Lake City

 

20 October 1999 Wednesday

Utah Democratic Campaign Training Workshop Press and Paid Media 530pm 328-1212

 

FAMILY KIDNAPS LESBIAN DAUGHTER, TRIES TO TAKE HER BACK TO JORDAN Family Allegedly Tried to Kidnap Daughter to Jordan Wednesday, October 20, 1999 BY KELLY KENNEDYTHE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE    Four family members have been charged with aggravated kidnapping for allegedly beating a relative, then trying to force her on a plane headed for Jordan, Sandy police say.    "Apparently the daughter, 23, chose an alternative lifestyle and moved in with her lesbian roommate," Sandy police Sgt. Kevin Thacker said. "Her girlfriend [who lives in Sandy] contacted our office and said the victim’s family had kidnapped her."    Charges filed in 3rd District Court on Tuesday allege the family "lured her to their residence," where they confined her and beat her. The family then threatened to stab her and attempted to take her back to Jordan, charges allege. Thacker said bruises and other injuries backed up the victim’s claims.    "Our officers found [the family] at the airport Friday," Thacker said. "Prosecutors saw the potential for harm in this case and acted quickly."    Thacker said police feared that if the family took the victim back to Jordan, she would be hurt much worse or possibly killed. "We don't have that kind of culture here in America," Thacker said. "Here, safety comes first."    The victim's mother, Wedad Hawatmeh, 53, father, Jamil Hawatmeh, 64, and brothers, Shaher Hawatmeh, 33, and Iehab Hawatmeh, 32, are being held on $100,000 bail.

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21 October 1999 Thursday

UTAHNS OFTEN UNAWARE OF HATE CRIMESTHE DESERET NEWS Thursday, October 21, 1999Utahns often unaware of hate crimes Week Without Violence starts with some statistics By Susan Whitney Deseret News special writer      Utah averages 100 hate crimes a year. And the average Utahn would like to think there are none.      The disparity between reality and myth came to light Monday night at the kickoff event for the YWCA national Week Without Violence, held at the Salt Lake City YWCA. At a panel discussion on hate crimes, Sen. Pete Suazo ,D-Salt Lake City, gave the statistics.      Nationally, there are 8,500 hate crimes every year. Since 1992, when the state Department of Public Safety first started collecting statistics, more than 500 hate crimes have been reported in Utah, Suazo said. Since 19local jurisdictions don't report hate crimes, he's sure the number is even higher.      His fellow panelist, Monica Owen, who directs the Salt Lake Police Department’s Victim Advocacy Program, said she was also sure that number is too low. Gays and lesbians may know they were assaulted because of their sexual orientation but may not mention the fact. Owen says too few police officers are trained to ask the right questions about hate crimes.      Another panelist, Dave Litvack, with the local office of the National Conference for Communities and Justice, says several known hate organizations have chapters in Utah, including the World Church of the Creator. Hate crime watchdogs know of two neo-Nazi groups on the Wasatch Front, Suazo said. Another is in southern Utah, Litvack added.      Suazo said 60 percent of Utah's hate crimes are committed because of the victim's race: 15 percent because of ethnicity and 13 percent because of sexual orientation. The rest, more than 10 percent of the crimes, are committed because of religion. Quite a few of those crimes are against property, specifically LDS ward houses.      Litvack says he defines a hate crime as one in which the defendant intentionally selects the victim or property because of the victim's race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, disability age.      His definition is more broad than either the federal or the state definition, which just take into account race, ethnicity and national origin. There is a move in Congress to expand the definition to include crimes motivated by gender, sexual orientation and disability.      Locally, there is also such a movement. Suazo met with the Utah Sentencing Commission to come up with a bill he hopes will pass during the next Legislature. It would define a hate crime as one in which the defendant selects the victim because he or she is "a member of a group."      "Why have hate groups come to the West?" Suazo asks. "Because they think there is a level of tolerance here." It is the job of every Utahn to show there is no room here for hate, he said.      But first, we have to be willing to admit racism exists, said another panelist, Haruko Moriyasu. Moriyasu directs Asian-Pacific American Studies at the University of Utah. A diversity class is required for students to graduate, she notes. She's found students often resent having to take it.      She says students react in one of several ways when they study about the struggles of minorities. An example: When they learn of how Japanese were sent to relocation camps during WWII, some try to downplay the difficulties. They may refuse to believe the Japanese people did not commit treason. They may say the government would never be guilty of racism.      Or else they ask Moriyasu why they never learned about it before, she says. Students tell her they went all through school without learning about racism or hate.

 

21 October 1999 SANDY WOMAN AND HER PARTNER ARE IN PROTECTIVE Custody Thursday, October 21, 1999THE DESERET NEWS      SANDY — A Murray woman and her roommate are in protective custody after the woman's family allegedly tried to force her to return to her native country in the Middle East last week because they disapproved of her lifestyle.      Police were contacted Oct. 14 by the woman's roommate, who told them her roommate had gone to her family's home in Sandy to talk with them and had never returned, Sandy Police Sgt. Kevin Thacker said. The roommate told police the woman's family, who are natives of the country of Jordan, objected to the fact that the two women are lesbians and was afraid the family would harm her, Thacker said.      The woman and her family have lived in the United States for about four years, Thacker said.      The roommate gave police a cell phone number for one of the woman’s brothers. When detectives called it, they found that the brother had taken the woman to the airport and intended to board a plane for Jordan, Thacker said. Detectives convinced the man to bring his sister to the police station to talk with them before leaving the country, Thacker said.      At the station, the woman told police her family had threatened to stab her with a knife and had beaten and kicked her repeatedly and had taken her to the airport against her will. The woman also had injuries consistent with assault, Thacker said.      On Tuesday, prosecutor charged the woman's parents, Jamil A. Hawatmeh and Wedad J. Hawatmeh, and her brothers, Shaher J. Hawatmeh and Iehab J.Hawatmeh, with aggravated kidnapping, a first-degree felony; aggravated assault, a third-degree felony; and assault, a class A misdemeanor, according to documents filed in 3rd District Court.      All four were arrested by Sandy police and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail. They were scheduled for arraignments Wednesday.      Sandy police have placed the woman, 23, and her roommate in protective custody as a precautionary measure, Thacker said.      "We don't know for sure what was going to happen, as far as if she would be taken back to Jordan, but there was some concern for her safety," Thacker said. "The investigation is far from over."

 

SALT LAKE RACE FOR MAYOR ANDERSON BLASTS NASTY FLYERS, SAYS CAMPAIGN ISGETTING DIRTY Thursday, October 21, 1999 THE DESERET NEWS Deseret News staff writers      Two fliers slamming Salt Lake mayoral candidate Rocky Anderson, one passed out in the Avenues Tuesday and one in neighborhoods on the city's east bench several weeks ago, are untrue, nasty and show how the race to replace Mayor Deedee Corradini has deteriorated, Anderson said Wednesday.      Anderson lay responsibility for the fliers at the feet of his mayoral opponent, city economic development director Stuart Reid, something Reid strongly denies.      Anderson added that the Reid campaign and its "close supporters" have started a whispering campaign that Anderson is gay. While single now after two marriages, Anderson says he is not gay and says such talk is malicious and slanderous.      Reid said: "I categorically deny" that his campaign is responsible for any such incidents. Reid said he believes Anderson is attempting to create a "straw man" on gay rights that would harm Reid. "I am trying to get the(politically) middle vote" and human rights and such claims of negative campaigning is just an attempt to alienate Reid from "the middle ground" of Salt Lake voters.      One flier talks about Anderson's previous marriages and exaggerates Anderson's stands on several issues. Another flier says Anderson owns two gay bars and supports gay rights. Anderson has not been married as many times as the flier claims (he has been married twice, the flier says it was four times), and while he does support human rights for all people, he does not own any bars, gay or otherwise.      Both fliers are anonymous, although one is signed "Real Cops," a group no one questioned knows anything about. Anderson is endorsed by the city's rank-and-file police union. Reid is endorsed by Police Chief Ruben Ortega and some top police managers.      It is not unusual for anonymous fliers to surface before elections. Butin recent years, especially in Salt Lake City mayoral races, they have become commonplace and a frustration to candidates.      Unique in this situation is that the fliers are showing up so early In the contest — weeks from the Nov. 2 general election. Usually the single-paper sheets are laid on doorsteps the weekend before the final election, giving the candidate being attacked little or no time to respond.      Reid said Anderson used much the same arguments at the end of his 1996 2nd District congressional race against GOP opponent Merrill Cook. "I have never even heard these rumors (about Anderson's personal life)," Reid said.  Reid campaign manager Caroline Roemer raised the possibility of Anderson's supporters being behind the fliers in order to damage Reid, though she did not accuse Anderson himself.      "He (Anderson) is getting a lot of free press based on fliers that no one's willing to sign, letters that no one's willing to sign," she said. "At some point you have to question how legitimate this is and where it's coming from."

 

22 October 1999 Friday

Deseret News Archives, Friday, October 22, 1999     Sandy man sentenced on hate-crime charges      A Sandy man originally charged with a felony hate crime has been sentenced to 14 days in jail and 18 months of probation.     Scott Presley, 23, pleaded guilty Aug. 25 to a hate crime, a class A misdemeanor, and two counts of assault, a class B misdemeanor, for beating a man he allegedly believed to be homosexual. In exchange for Presley's plea, prosecutors amended the hate crime charge from a third-degree felony and dropped one count of criminal mischief, a class B misdemeanor.     Presley could have been sentenced to spend up to one year in jail for the hate crime conviction and six months in jail for each assault charge. Instead, the judge ordered the two weeks in jail and probation along with a $3,200 fine and $260 in restitution.     Presley was to report to the Salt Lake County Jail on Friday to begin his jail term.     According to court documents, Brian E. Hitt and Jason Millard, both 25, were with Presley the night of Feb. 7. All three "verbally taunted the victims for allegedly being homosexual," court documents state.     Hitt and Millard both face one count of a hate crime, a third-degree felony; one count of criminal mischief, a class B misdemeanor; and two counts of assault, a class B misdemeanor. Cases against them are still pending.     According to court documents, Hitt, Millard and Presley approached one victim outside the Sun Club at 200 South and 700 West and asked if he was homosexual. The victim did not answer but got into his car and locked the doors.     Hitt, Millard and Presley pounded on the car, and the victim fled his vehicle and ran into the club to call police, charges state.     Thirty minutes later, Hitt, Millard and Presley drove up to a car with two men inside and threatened them, according to charges.     Fifteen minutes later, Hitt, Millard and Presley approached two men as they were leaving the Sun Club, charges state.     "Presley assaulted (one of the victims) by striking (him) several times in the chest and face," charges state.

 

23 October 23, 1999  Saturday

Halloween event Oct 23 in Logan  The Annual Hallowed Weeny Festival – LOGAN Gender Blender Halloween Costume Dance Saturday October 23, 9:00 pm - 2:00 am. The address is 648 W. 200 N. #1  Logan, Utah  (NRL Auto Sales), behind Square One Printing in a warehouse-looking building. Thanks to Neil for the use of his building.  If this works out, we will be able to hold many functions here.  We request that smokers please smoke outside, as ventilation might be a problem. $5.00 at the door.  Proceeds will go toward buying the sound system to use at this and all future dances. This party is open to the whole community.  Men and Womyn, of all ages. A non-alcoholic punch will be provided.  If you desire something else bring your own beverage.  As in the past, we will provide an area for you to check your beverage in and then the attendant will get it for you whenever you desire. No Underage drinking of alcohol will be tolerated. Violators will be escorted out of the dance. Those who desire may perform a drag number.  The performance area will be small so a big production number will probably not be possible. Please bring your own cassette or CD and give it to the door person  when you arrive. Any Questions Call Courtney or Kelly @ (435) 753-3135 or  E-mail me Courtney@housing.usu.edu Hope to see you all there.

 

24 October 1999  Sunday

 Being gay or lesbian may be a gift, minister says in S.L. by Susan Whitney Deseret News special writer      God gives gifts. It's what God does best.     Rev. William Countryman began with that premise, on Saturday, at St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral, where he had been invited to speak about gay and lesbian spirituality. About 90 people came to hear Countryman; some from as far away as Pocatello.     One tradition of Western civilization is to view God as "a giant combination of lawmaker, policeman, prosecutor, jury, judge and executioner," said Countryman. "But God really is none of those. God is a giver of gifts."     No one in his workshop asked to be gay or lesbian, Countryman said. Then he went on to list the ways in which being lesbian or gay may turn out to be a gift.     First, coming out pushes people into finding out who they are. "You are not who you were told you were supposed to be."    Second, being homosexual means knowing erotic attraction. (Equally true about heterosexuals, Countryman adds.) Having sex is only a small part of what that attraction implies, he says. It implies that life takes on vividness and meaning. All people who are sexual are given the gift of discovering their potential for goodness within a relationship.     Third, he said, homosexuals have the gift of conscious difference. "Anyone who belongs to a minority group gets that gift." Which is not to say gays and lesbians are automatically more understanding, he adds. "But they cannot totally repress the awareness of how others who are different must feel."     And finally, he said, homosexuals are given the gift of freedom. In this rapidly changing world, they are free to look for the truth in unexpected situations.     They, themselves, were unexpected. "We are the people our parents warned us against," he says. And yet, "we have discovered our lives are as rich as our parents' lives were . . . and we really are no better or worse than anyone else."     Countryman told his audience that gifts come with obligation. "Human life is priestly." We are to share and take care of each other, he said.     Gays and lesbians have gifts to share with the larger community, Countryman said. They can force Christian churches to address God's gift of sexuality. They also offer a unique perspective on gender roles within relationships because, when they are committed, it is to a person who is their equal in the eyes of society.     Countryman is a professor at The Church Divinity School of the Pacific, in Berkeley, as well as an Episcopal priest. He told Utahns of his own experience of being gay and spiritual.     Growing up during the Eisenhower period in Oklahoma, he did his best to be the "standard-issue" person. "Standard" was a white, heterosexual, English-speaking male who liked sports and wasn't much interested in books.     Unfortunately, Countryman liked books and was attracted to other boys but that was something he figured he'd grow out of. So he got married and had a child, and eventually faced the fact that he was never going to be standard, he says. His found comfort in faith. He says he knows others had different experiences with the Episcopal Church. But for him, when his identity was in question in the rest of his life, his identity as an Episcopalian was something to hold on to. The long tradition of Anglican spirituality, "with its insistence that God never goes away . . . that it is all going to mean something," was an enormous help, he says.

 

31 October  1999 Sunday

The Sun Halloween Party The Trapp Halloween Party

 

NOVEMBER

6 November 1999 Saturday

THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE   A federal judge ruled Friday that there was no evidence the Salt Lake City School District had an "unwritten policy “forbidding gay and lesbian students from expressing their opinions about homosexuality.    "I'm interested in real-life incidents where someone attending a club meeting has been prohibited from expressing a point of view," said U.S. District Judge Bruce Jenkins during a hearing on the lawsuit. "I haven't heard any specific incidents of that having occurred."

 

21 November 1999 Sunday

Pro-family activists cheer the 'Geneva Declaration'    Pact called vital global tool that may sway U.N. By Carrie A. Moore Deseret News religion editor      GENEVA -- As scores of Utahns return home from the World Congress of Families II held here last week, they have plenty of reason for celebration.     After years of finding themselves in the vast minority at international meetings designed to guide U.N. policymaking, the pro-family advocates see their new "Geneva Declaration" -- affirmed by more than 1,500 congress participants here -- as an important new tool they can use in their efforts to defend traditional family values.     The document marks the first time a large number of pro-family, non-governmental organizations -- known as NGOs -- have banded together to formulate a document that defines the traditional family and other family issues in a way they all support, said Allan Carlson, director of the Howard Center for Family, Religion and Society.     Chartered NGOs are basically special interest groups that have lobbying access to the United Nations. They are thus in a position to affect international policymaking by U.N. delegates -- much as lobbyists at the Utah Legislature talk with legislators -- to formulate and affect the wording of bills being considered for passage. Scholars, academics and religious leaders at the World Congress referred repeatedly to the proliferation in the past 25 years of NGOs funded by what they said are powerful anti-family forces -- including feminist, pro-abortion and gay and lesbian groups -- that have made great strides in lobbying the United Nations to insert language favorable to their causes into international treaties and conferences.

 

23 November 1999 Tuesday

Deseret News Mental ills may be caused by germs, scientist says By Brady Snyder Deseret News staff writer It seems almost too much like an "X-Files" episode to be true, but some scientists  hypothesize that mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and Alzheimer's are  caused, not by trauma or chemical imbalances, but by infectious agents like viruses and  bacteria.   The broad scope of infection took center stage at the University of Utah earlier this  month as Dr. Paul Ewald explained how infection could explain many mysteries of modern  medicine.      Even conditions of mind, like being artistic or being homosexual, might eventually be  attributed to infection, Ewald told the some 200 people who gathered at the U. biology  auditorium to hear the prestigious Amherst College graduate speak.      "Often there are numerous non-infection risk factors, which divert attention from hypotheses of infectious causation. . . . Don't throw out a hypothesis unless you have   evidence (to prove it wrong), " he said. Ewald and his colleagues have even entertained the notion that homosexuality is caused  by some type of virus or bacteria. Because the so called "gay gene" theory has been all but  dismissed in scientific circles, infection can now be considered a possible answer, Ewald  said. In the same vein as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, homosexuality could be a brain  infection, not a genetic condition or a lifestyle choice, he said.

 

29 November 1999 Monday

TV and radio host Gene Rayburn gained fame as the host of  Match Game for more than 20 years. He also played the lead in the Broadway musical Bye Bye Birdie and received the ATAS Lifetime Achievement Award. A prominent liberal, he supported Planned Parenthood and was concerned about overpopulation.

 

30 November 1999 Tuesday

Deseret News Gay-issues booklet likely won't go far Utah schools can't teach such alternatives By Jennifer Toomer-Cook Deseret News staff writer      A booklet aimed at helping the nation's superintendents deal with issues involving gay students probably won't make much of a mark on Utah schools.     That's because schools here are prohibited from teaching homosexuality or sexual relations outside marriage as acceptable or healthy lifestyles, Doug Bates, director of school law and legislation for the State Office of Education, said Monday.     "Whether homosexuality is a choice or inborn is not the schools' issue and schools should stay out of that," Bates said. "So far as respect for people in regards to sexual orientation, that's something I hope we teach."     But the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network hopes the booklet will begin a dialogue within legal boundaries, local co-chairman Robert Austin said.     "I don't think people understand you don't necessarily have to be an advocate for gay and lesbian rights to be an advocate for safe schools. I think there's a place for some common ground," Austin said.     The Just The Facts Coalition, 10 national groups including teachers unions, the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of School Administrators and the Interfaith Alliance Foundation last week mailed about 15,000 booklets to superintendents nationwide.     The 12-page "Just the Facts About Sexual Orientation & Youth: A Primer for Principals, Educators & School Personnel" provides information on federal laws and development of sexual orientation to help educators respond to controversies about homosexuality as they arise.     It takes a hard line against using psychotherapy and repentance to "cure" people of homosexuality, saying those methods are rejected by the medical and mental health professions and some faiths. While some people swear by the tactics, the coalition worries they may harm already isolated and fearful gay teens. That's why it decided to distribute the information, the booklet states.     The booklet cautions such tactics, if promoted in school, may infringe on constitutional barriers between church and state. And districts could face lawsuits if they don't protect gay students from harassment in the same way other students are protected, or allow gay-straight alliances equal footing with other student groups.     Gay-straight alliance issues have waxed and waned in the Salt Lake City School District since 1995, when students sought to form such a group. Following a firestorm of support and criticism reaching even the Legislature, the Salt Lake Board of Education banned clubs not related to the curriculum. A federal judge has upheld the clubs policy and dismissed a lawsuit alleging the ban discriminated against free speech rights of gays.     A California judge will rule on a similar lawsuit filed last week.     The pamphlet also includes a list of additional resources on homosexuality issues for school leaders seeking more information.     "My feeling is that we have a legal and moral responsibility to provide a safe environment for kids, no matter if they are disabled, ethnically diverse, of different religions, or gay. That's not a judgment call I think we need to make. It's just safe schools," said Phyllis Sorensen, Utah Education Association president. The coalition includes the National Education Association.     "I think what it will do is raise awareness of the legal and safety issues of these students and serve as a reminder as to what needs to be going on," she said.     But Gayle Ruzicka of the ultra-conservative Utah Eagle Forum says the book has no place in Utah schools. She plans to "follow through to make sure no one forgets" school laws about homosexuality.      "There's no doubt if there are students in the school who claim to be homosexual, (the  school) shouldn't discriminate against them," Ruzicka said. "But the bottom line is any kind of  premarital sex is illegal . . . (and) we should encourage our young people to lead morally  clean and pure lives."

 

Chris R. Luke, born August 10, 1947 in Baskin, Louisiana, raised in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, died August 17, 1999 at St. Marks Hospital of a lingering illness.   Served an LDS mission in Northern California. Worked for U.S. West and Continental Airlines.   Survived by loving friends and family, Kathryne Hughes and family and Dean and Michele Wall and family.   Graveside services December 4, 1999 at Taylorsville Cemetery, 4550 So. Redwood Road. Services done by Father Dave.   In lieu of flowers make donations to the Aids Foundation of Utah.

 

Please Join Laura Gray P.C., Jacki Biskupski and Utah Equality Network for a discussion on the impending anti-single parent adoption amendment at the ACLU of Utah on Tuesday November 30th at 7pm.  Come and find out how this attack on non-traditional families (straight and/or LGBT) will affect you, and what you can do to help i.e., providing information, resources and financial support. We look forward to see you. Utah Equality Network is a statewide organization, that seeks to empower Utah’s LGBT community through advocacy, education and activism at a grass-roots level. We further seek to ensure that Utah embraces its diversity and upholds the values of individual and family rights, while creating an environment of compassion respect, and unity.

 

DECEMBER

4 December 1999 Saturday

Scott Presley, Jason Millard and Brian Hitt  Hate Crime Rejected in Alleged Gay Bashing    Hate Crime Rejected Against Alleged Bashers; Case may be first to address possible defect in state's law BY STEPHEN HUNT   THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE   Because Utah's hate crime law does not protect  gays, a judge was forced to dismiss felony charges against two defendants who allegedly beat two men and terrorized three others in downtown Salt Lake City.    Instead, Brian E. Hitt and Jason Dale Millard face lesser misdemeanor counts of assault and criminal mischief, even though prosecutors contend they yelled "Faggot!" and targeted the victims because they believed they were gay.   A third defendant, Scott Presley, has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor counts.   Attorneys for both sides said 3rd District Judge William Barrett's ruling may mark the first time a judge has addressed a perceived weakness in the 1992 law. None could recall anyone being convicted of a felony hate crime under the statute.   Proponents of a stronger hate-crime law have long claimed the statute was defective. Barrett confirmed that perception on Tuesday when he called the law "incomplete" because it specifies no classes of victims.   Hate crimes in many other states clearly define classes of people who are protected by race, religion, national origin or sexual orientation.   Defense attorney Rebecca Hyde called Utah's law "a paper tiger" that lacks the power to protect any minority or class of people. Recounting the history of the law, Hyde concluded Utah lawmakers deliberately excluded protection for homosexuals.   As former representative John Arrington, D-Ogden, put it during floor discussions: "Why should we pass a law protecting someone who is breaking the law?"   But rather than eliminating sexual orientation, the Legislature deleted all references   to   any   class    of     victims, Hyde said, leaving Utah with an incomplete and unenforceable hate-crime law.   "Born of ignorance, animosity toward gays, and cowardice, Utah's Hate Crimes statute is unworkable," Hyde insisted in arguing for dismissal of the charges.    But prosecutors argued the statute protects everyone -- including gays -- against hate-motivated conduct.   Deputy Salt Lake District Attorney John Johnson claimed he need only prove the defendants intended to intimidate or terrorize, and that the victims feared to exercise or enjoy their constitutional rights.   The alleged Feb. 7 gay-bashing spree began outside The Sun Tavern, 700 S. 200 West, at about 10:30 p.m., when Hitt, Millard and Presley confronted a man leaving the bar.   "You a faggot?'' one of the three allegedly asked the man. Then, according to court documents, someone in the group yelled, "He is a faggot!'' The three men purportedly chased the victim to his car and pounded on the vehicle until the victim ran back into the bar to call police. A half-hour later, the defendants were driving near 400 S. State Street when they yelled and threw a beer bottle at two men in another car, court documents allege. During that incident, Presley's wife, who was driving, joined in by calling the men "queers," prosecutors contend.   At 11:15 p.m., the defendants were back at The Sun where they beat two men, according to court documents.   The defendants allegedly told arresting officers they were "just out for a good time," and had taunted and attacked the victims because they considered them homosexuals.   Hitt, Millard and Presley were each charged with one count of third-degree felony hate crime, as well as two counts of assault and one criminal mischief, all of which are class B misdemeanors.   Presley, 23, pleaded guilty to the assault charges and a reduced class A misdemeanor count of "attempted" hate crime. In October, Judge L.A. Dever ordered him to serve 14 days in jail and fined him $5,000. During an 18-month probation, Presley must complete anger-management and cultural diversity classes. The judge also ordered him to stay away from gay hangouts.   Hitt and Millard are scheduled to appear before Judge Barrett on Dec. 13 for a pre-trial hearing. If convicted of the remaining misdemeanors, the defendants face up to 18 months  in jail. Conviction on the felony charges that were dropped would have carried a penalty of up to 5 years in prison.   Attorneys say only a handful of defendants have been charged with hate crimes since Utah's law was enacted, but most have been allowed to plead to lesser charges because of perceived flaws in the statute.   Salt Lake County District Attorney David Yocom said the prosecution has 30 days to decide whether to appeal Barrett's ruling. He said the state attorney general's office would have the final say. Reflections:

 

"Personal Icons," an exhibit of handcrafted and hand painted mirror frames by Sandra Jensen and Cruser Rowland, will be featured at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Utah, 355 N. 300 West, Salt Lake City, through Jan. 1.   The pieces begin with Rowland's fabrication of each frame from fast-growing pine. After Rowland makes the molding and assembles the frame, Jensen designs and hand paints each mirror.

 

8 December 1999 Wednesday

Attorney General Defends Legality Of Adoption Bans Adoption Policy Defended in New Court Filing BY RAY RIVERA and HILARY GROUTAGE    THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE   Citing research that claims children raised by unmarried couples and single parents are at risk of grave behavioral problems, the Utah Attorney General's office has asked a state judge to uphold a policy that bans gay and unwed heterosexual couples from adopting foster children.   In a motion filed in 3rd District Court, state attorneys claim the policy-making board for the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) was well within the law when it passed the ban last January.   The board passed the rule despite strong opposition from child-advocacy and civil-rights groups, as well as significant dissension within the Department of Human Services, the parent agency of DCFS.   The policy prohibits adoptions by adults who are living together but are not related by either marriage or blood. That encompasses gay and lesbian unions, couples living together in common-law relationships or those practicing bigamy or polygamy. Documents accompanying the attorney general's motion shed new light on just how much opposition was mounted against the policy from within the ranks of DCFS.   In a December 1998 letter requesting  Gov. Mike Leavitt's support of the policy, board chairman Scott Clark wrote: “The board requested the staff of [DCFS] to draft a pro-marriage policy, but the staff declined the request. I ultimately prepared the draft over the clear opposition of some members of the staff . . . It is difficult for me to understand why the[DCFS] would validate a placement with two 'mothers' or with a 'mother' and her live-in boyfriend.''   Clark, the father of 19 adopted children, was appointed by Leavitt to head the board.    Utah Children, a child-advocacy group, filed a lawsuit in October opposing the ban. Judge Glenn Iwasaki also is considering allowing the American Civil Liberties Union, representing a gay couple and a lesbian woman who want to become adoptive parents, to join the suit.    The state filed its first legal defense of the policy in the Dec. 1 motion, citing an abundance of research and public testimony the board evaluated in making its decision.    Among the assertions in the 30-page brief is that children raised by homosexual parents stand a greater risk of becoming homosexual and "mimicking the risky behavior of their adoptive parents.''    "Homosexual behavior among youth is associated with suicidal behavior, substance abuse, prostitution, HIV infection and highly promiscuous sexual contact with multiple partners,'' the motion says, citing research by Brigham Young University law professor Lynn Wardle.   Adoptions by single adults still are permitted under DCFS rules, but the motion outlines those risks as well: "Even after taking into account such factors as low income, the research shows that 'children growing up in single parent households are at a greater risk for experiencing a variety of behavioral and educations [sic] problems, including . . . smoking, drinking, early and frequent sexual experience and in extreme cases, drugs, suicide, vandalism, violence, criminal behavior.' "   "I expect this kind of sloppy and inaccurate hate speak from radical right groups but not from the attorney general's office,'' said Jared Wood, spokesman for the Gay and Lesbian Political Action Committee in Salt Lake City. Assistant Atty. Gen. Dan Larsen said the motion is not meant as an attack on homosexuals.    "It's easy to make this sound like a gay issue and a homophobic case, but that's not what it's about,'' Larsen said. "Our job is to represent the defendants and the position we're taking is that the rule is legal.''   Larsen said he doesn't believe Clark or the board were  expressing anti-gay sentiment in adopting the ban.   "These are not evil, hateful, homophobic people,'' he said. "They're trying to do what's in the best interest of the children.''   In making its decision, the board also received volumes of research and public comments showing that children raised by gay and unmarried parents are at no disadvantage, the motion said.   However, Larsen said that in determining the legality of the rule, the judge is not allowed to weigh which research is correct, but must confine his decision to whether the board evaluated enough evidence to form its opinion.    In its lawsuit against the board, Utah Children claims the board ignored a preponderance of negative response to the policy. The group also claims the rule will deprive children languishing in foster care from being placed in loving homes.    But state Human Services spokesman Randy Ripplinger said there are plenty of married couples in Utah to fill the needs of the 60 children waiting to be adopted.   "This motion holds to our premise that the best place for these kids would be a home with a mom and a dad who are legally married, and we have hundreds of thousands of them in this state,'' Ripplinger said.    Currently, the board is considering similar action that would ban homosexuals and unmarried adults from becoming foster parents. A decision on that proposal will be made next month.

 

20 December 1999 Monday

Contemptible Constituency   Office staffers for Utah Atty. Gen. Jan Graham have written a court brief opposing the equal adoption rights of gay and lesbian Utahns, stating in the brief that "children raised by homosexual parents stand a greater risk of becoming homosexual and 'mimicking the risky behavior of their adoptive parents' " (Tribune, Dec. 8).   This is just the latest in a long seven-year history of how Graham views her gay and lesbian constituents with contempt. She asked state Democratic Gay and Lesbian Caucus members in 1992 for their support of her first campaign, but also said she'd not accept their endorsement -- she got neither. Her office staffers joined Hawaii leaders in 1997 to oppose the equal marriage rights of gay and lesbian people there.   Graham told state Democratic convention-goers in 1998 that she's "not for same-sex marriage" and doubted that "there's anyone in that room who is," despite the fact that her party has adopted gay- and lesbian-inclusive policies in its constitution, by-laws, delegate-selection rules, campaign-practices codes, platforms and resolutions, which are all proposed by Democrats who support equal rights for gay and lesbian people.   The question is now whether possible U.S. senatorial candidate Graham believes what she's said about gay and  lesbian people, and whether state attorney general candidate -- and Graham staffer -- Reed Richards agrees with her. With national polls showing that five to almost nine percent of voters are gay and lesbian, Graham and Richards should want to avoid statements about risky behavior. The risk might be in angering those voters. DAVID THOMETZ   Utah Democratic Gay and Lesbian Caucus   Salt Lake City

 

21 December 1999 Tuesday

 Benefits Due Gay Couples Same as heterosexuals, Vermont court rules;   Vermont Court Hands Victory To Gay CouplesBY CHRISTOPHER GRAFF   THE ASSOCIATED PRESS   MONTPELIER, Vt. -- Tribune Staffer Hilary Groutage contributed to this story.   

Creating what could be a springboard for the legalization of gay marriage, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled Monday that homosexual couples are entitled to the same benefits and protections as wedded couples of the opposite sex.   The high court stopped short of giving homosexuals the right to marry, leaving it instead to the Legislature to decide whether to legalize same-sex marriages or create some kind of "domestic partnership" status to ensure gay couples ‘rights.  

 

Gay organizations hailed the decision as the most far-reaching ruling of its kind in the United States and said it represents their best chance of winning the right to marry for the first time anywhere in this country. 

 

 "This is a glorious day," said Evan Wolfson of the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund. "Vermont's highest court has ordered an end to unequal treatment of lesbian and gay families."  

 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been outspoken in its opposition of same-sex marriage bills in Hawaii, Alaska and California despite protests from civil libertarians and even some Mormons.   

 

After the Vermont decision was announced Monday, the LDS Church issued a brief statement affirming its stand on same-sex relationships: "As the legislative process moves forward, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints urges the citizens of Vermont and their elected representatives to protect the uniqueness and sanctity of traditional marriage and to preserve the family as the basic unit of society."    

 

The statement pointed out that to date, 30 states have enacted measures to protect "traditional marriage" since President Clinton signed the Federal Defense of Marriage Act in 1996.   

 

In 1998, the church anted up $1.1 million to battle gay-marriage proposals in Alaska and Hawaii.   Until recently, Hawaii had been gay couples' best hope. Hawaii's Supreme Court started the debate nationally when it ruled in 1993 that restrictions against gay marriage violated the state constitution. But last year, Hawaii approved a constitutional amendment against gay marriage.   

 

"We hold that the state is constitutionally required to extend to same-sex couples the common benefits and protections that flow from marriage under Vermont law,"  Vermont's high court said. "Whether this ultimately takes the form of inclusion within the marriage laws themselves or a parallel 'domestic partnership' system or some equivalent statutory alternative rests with the Legislature."  

 

The court said the benefits that gay couples should get include access to a spouse's medical, life and disability insurance, hospital visitation and other medical decision-making privileges, spousal support, certain rights of inheritance homestead protections.

 

  Writing for the court, Vermont Chief Justice Jeffrey Amestoy said the Vermont ruling provides greater recognition of and protection for same-sex relationships than any other state's high court except Hawaii's.  

 

Both gay rights advocates and opponents of homosexual marriage went even further, arguing that the Vermont ruling was the strongest in support of gay rights by a state appeals court in the United States.   

 

Democratic Gov. Howard Dean, who had refused to take a position on same-sex marriages until the court ruled ,predicted the Legislature would pass a domestic-partnership law. Same-sex marriage "makes me uncomfortable, the same as anybody else," he said. --

 

22 December 1999 Wednesday

AIDS DEATH Michael Harold Overdorf   ROY--Michael Harold Overdorf returned home to his Heavenly Father December 20, 1999, surrounded by his family and friends.     He was born August 16, 1961 in Honolulu, Hawaii.     Survived by father, Harold Overdorf, Dover, Penn.; Mother Bernadene Overdorf, Sandy, Utah; his companion  Steve Sheffield, whose sacrifice and unconditional love enabled him to maintain a quality of life and fulfillment in his final days, also survives him. Also survived by three siblings, Bruce and Grace, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Rick and Michelle, West Jordan, Utah; Sheila Brown, St. George, Utah; two daughters, Ashley and Amber of Salt Lake City; one grandson; three nieces; five nephews.     He leaves a wonderful legacy of many friends and family, all who have been greatly touched by his presence in their lives.     At his request, services will be private and held in the spring, San Juan Islands. An open house will be held at his residence, 3935 So. 1975 West, Roy, on December 23, at 3-7 p.m.

 

23 December 1999 Thursday

    Ex-Scoutmaster faces hearing on abuse charges      ROOSEVELT -- A Dec. 23 preliminary hearing date has been set for a former Roosevelt Scoutmaster accused of numerous counts of child sexual abuse and lewdness.     Salt Lake attorney Tom Rasmussen asked 8th District Court Judge Lynn Payne to continue the preliminary hearing for Myton resident Richard F. Fisco Sr., 65, which was originally scheduled for Nov. 12, because he hadn't received all the documentation from investigators.     Rasmussen also asked that the court consider a possible bail reduction for his client. Fisco is being held in the Duchesne County jail on $500,000 bail. Uintah County Deputy Attorney Ken Wallentine, who is prosecuting the case at the request of Duchesne County Attorney Herb Gillespie, said he would meet with Rasmussen to discuss bail reduction but noted that he asked for a high bail in view of the seriousness of the charges.     He is charged with seven first-degree felony child sexual abuse counts -- including rape of a child -- and five misdemeanor counts of lewdness with a child.                                            

 

24 December 1999 Friday

SLTribune Editorial Position  Sound Ruling in Vermont  Vermonters have an independent streak.

They have elected and re-elected the only independent  member of Congress, and they live in the only state that doesn't require a permit for carrying a firearm. So it was natural that many Vermonters  expressed pride that their Supreme Court took a  pioneering step Monday in ruling that same-sex couples are entitled to the privileges of marriage.    

 

                Their pride is well-placed. In a case brought by three homosexual couples who were denied marriage licenses by their Vermont municipalities, the state's Supreme Court decided that the couples' rights were indeed abridged by the denial of a marriage license and that same-sex couples were entitled to the same benefits that the state extends to opposite-sex married couples.

 

However, the court left it to the state legislature to decide how to implement the ruling: either by granting marriage licenses to same-sex couples or by creating a new status of domestic partnership for them. 

 

While that debate in the Vermont legislature is certain to attract national attention, Monday's ruling itself may not have far-reaching national resonance because it is so state-specific.

 

Putting primacy on Vermont's 1777 Constitution, which it noted is almost a century older than the U.S. Constitution's 14th Amendment and its Equal Protection Clause, the court based its decision on the state's Common Benefits Clause, specifically that the government is "not for the particular emolument or advantage of any single man, family or set of men . . . " 

 

By this standard, the court ruled, "plaintiffs may not be deprived of the statutory benefits and protections afforded persons of the opposite sex who choose to marry."

 

Those state benefits are many, and the court listed a dozen of them, including the right to receive a portion of the estate of a spouse who dies without a will, the right to a presumption of joint ownership of property, and the right to hospital visitation. 

 

The five justices recognized that there is little justification in denying these privileges to gay and    lesbian couples who want their commitments enshrined in a legal contract that grants them marriage-like privileges. It is not politically feasible at this point to call these relationships marriages; American society is understandably not keen on changing its traditional definition of marriage.

 

But bestowing the benefits of the state of marriage to same-sex couples through an inclusive domestic partnership system, as Vermont legislators seem inclined to do, would create an important model for the rest of the country. 

 

The Vermont court's arguments should also be instructive to future venues on this issue, for they effectively puncture some of the common contentions against same-sex marriage. For instance, the state argued that its interest in protecting opposite-sex marriage was in promoting a "link between procreation and child-rearing."

 

The court rejoined that the large number of opposite-sex, childless couples and the growing number of same-sex couples with children, through reproductive technology, tend to diminish that link.  As the court pointed out, "the exclusion of same-sex couples from the legal protections incident to marriage exposes their children to the precise risks that the State argues the marriage laws are designed to secure against." And, besides, the "link" is already broken by the significant number of heterosexual couples who have resorted to reproductive technology. 

 

On another point, the court noted that, since Vermont already guarantees same-sex couples the right to adopt and raise children, it is illogical for the state to support "a legislative scheme that recognizes the rights of same-sex partners as parents, yet denies them -- and their children --  the same security as spouses."

 

Perhaps that was an unspoken motivation underlying the odious  anti-gay adoption rule made this year by Utah's Division of Child and Family Services: Unlike Vermont, Utah is now on record against gay adoptions, a position that might buttress its case should it ever face a court challenge similar to Vermont's.

 

Surely, in any state, the parameters would be different than they were in Vermont. But the logic and wisdom of the Vermont justices is transferable. Same-sex couples should not be excluded from the privileges that flow to opposite-sex couples in marriage. Their relationship does not have to be called a "marriage," but their access to the same privileges as similarly situated opposite-sex couples should not be denied.

 

28 December 1999 Tuesday

Clayton Moore known as the character the Lone Ranger from 1949 to 1952 and 1953 to 1957 died at the age of 85.

31 December 1999 Friday

Well it’s the end of millennium and the 20^th Century. I did not care much for this year and I didn’t “party like it’s 1999.” It was a strange year and I am in the doldrums. I feel distant from my family although I try to call mom once or twice a month but I don’t have much to say. My sister Charline lives in Stanton and is dealing with her kids and James turned 21 on the 1^st of this month. I guess he’s hanging around a doper crowd. Denise and Michael are still in high school going to Pacifica.  I never hear from my sister Donna and her jerk of a husband won’t let her and the kids have much to do with mom and dad.

            My aunt Minnie Lee died last June 7^th in Riverside. She had been in poor health from her diabetes and was in a convalescent home at the end. Mom said she thinks Minnie just gave up tired of being poked with needles. She would have been 70 on December 24^th. I know it must have been hard living on her own nearly 20 years after Grandma and Grandpa died.

            Mike isn’t speaking to me again so I spend a lot of time in the basement and my bedroom. I am the one who am mainly keeping up everything. His folks are mad at him for the way he treats me and them.

            I go back to work in Monday and its been the longest Winter break I have had in years. Didn’t do anything for Christmas except go out with Rich Butler looking for a place that was open to eat a Christmas dinner. Only found Denny’s opened.  Mike went off to Lyman Wyoming to see some of his old friends from there as he had a three day weekend.

            I really don’t have many friends anymore as they have all kind of moved on and I stopped being active in the community. I tried for a while to do a history lecture series but there wasn’t much interest and was kind of a waste of time.

            I copied articles concerning the Gay community for my files rather than wrote about school or at home. Why bother?

 

 Kathy Worthing shared this on her Kathy’s List  “Wanted to share this with all of you:  (The Sun's building at 700 West and 200 South was destroyed in the tornado that hit SLC in August)  Hey Kathy, I understand the Sun purchased the building just South of Bricks and right behind the train depot.  This is a great location and in a cool developing area.  It will take until May to get it open. James G. (Kat