Summer 3rd Quarter Journal 1999 July September

 

July 1999

1 July 1999 Thursday

The Pillar Utah Gay Community: "It's Time to Fight Back!" By Randolph Prawitt The Pillar, July 1999 On July 4 the San Francisco Examiner broke the story. On July 5 the Salt Lake Tribune reported the story. Immediately and spontaneously, shock-waves of horror and dread started to ripple through the Salt Lake gay community. A flood of e-mail crisscrossed cyberspace and telephones started ringing. It was happening again.   The Examiner story, "Mormons Now Target California," exposed a letter sent by the North America West Area Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to LDS leaders in California. The letter instructs church members in the state to donate their "time and means" to a March, 2000 ballot initiative (the Knight Initiative) which would strengthen California's law defining marriage as exclusive to heterosexual couples. Church leaders were informed to have the letter read in priesthood and Relief Society meetings of each ward and branch by a member of the stake presidency or high council on the last two Sundays of May. Just last year the LDS Church sent $500,000 to Alaska and $600,000 to Hawaii to help fund ballot initiatives in those states preemptively banning gay marriages. What makes this latest act so egregious is the manner in which it was done. Sending a letter from the highest levels of the church giving its members instructions is akin to evoking the word of God to fulfill his wishes. The Examiner quoted church spokesman Dan Rascon as saying, "[A] statement from the first presidency we believe is inspired and comes from the Lord." Such an action is highly unusual, and might indicate shift in tactics for the church. If the 740,000 Mormons in California donate directly to the coalition pushing the initiative, LDS money would be all but invisible, since donors are not required to cite their religion on disclosure forms. Any money sent from church headquarters won't be known until late July, when backers of the initiative are required to report contributions. Mormon money sent to Alaska and Hawaii supported television ads depicting gay couples holding hands and images of Rome falling under the force of decadence. Opponents of the ballot initiatives in those states fought hard against the media blitz, but they simply could not raise enough money to counter that from LDS coffers in Utah. Meanwhile, back in Utah, the gay community watched as those states outlawed same-sex marriage. Perhaps upset -- certainly discouraged -- gay and lesbian Utahns nonetheless raised no organized voice against the church and its national political agenda.

 

2 July 1999 Friday

Mario Puzo died who wrote The Godfather, which everyone one read back in the day before it was made into a movie. He also wrote the screenplay for Christoper Reeves’ Superman.

4 July 1999 Sunday

This article was in the San Francisco Examiner on Sunday July 4.  An abbreviated version of it was on page A1 of the Salt Lake Tribune on Monday July 5.   (1999) Mormons now target California By Robert Salladay EXAMINER CAPITOL BUREAU Sunday, July 4, 1999 ©1999 San Francisco Examiner After defeating gay marriage in Hawaii, Alaska, church asks members to back state ballot initiative The Mormon Church has quietly instructed its California followers to offer financial and political support for a ballot initiative banning gay marriages -- a move that mirrors the church's $1.1 million effort in Alaska and Hawaii. A "Dear Brethren and Sisters" letter sent several weeks ago asks 740,000 California Mormons "to do all you can by donating your means and time to assure a successful vote" on the March 2000 ballot measure, which is expected to be one of the most divisive of the next election season. The letter was authorized by the highest reaches of the Mormon Church and should be considered as "inspired and coming from the Lord," said church spokesman Dan Rascon in Utah. Individual members, however, aren't absolutely required to support the ballot measure or give money to the campaign, the spokesman said. California family law already defines marriage as between "a man and a woman." But the ballot initiative takes the law further by deeming heterosexual marriages as "valid and recognized." The measure's backers fear the courts may soon validate gay marriages as constitutional, and they believe the ballot initiative would short-circuit those potential rulings. The church's letter is a portent of what could be a religious, political and financial war in California over gay marriage. While the church says its support of the measure is based on moral grounds, the existence of the letter also raises questions about how far a church can go to support political causes and still keep its tax-exempt status. The letter was written by three church presidents who govern California and who report to Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints President Gordon B. Hinkley, who is considered a prophet. Church leaders were instructed to read the letter in services May 23 or May 30 throughout California. “Yes, a statement from the first presidency we believe is inspired and comes from the Lord," said Rascon. "But it's up to the members as to how to proceed. This is the direction that is coming from the church, but they still have the option. Nobody is going to be disciplined." For some gay Mormons and ex-Mormons, however, a letter from high-level church leaders is akin to marshaling armies in support of the initiative. Some found it significant that the letter instructed "a member of the stake presidency or high council" to read the letter instead of other lower-level church leaders. "There really is an attitude of the hierarchy as really being able to direct your lives and telling you how to live," said Kathy Worthington, a gay activist and former church going Mormon who lives in Salt Lake City. "They'll see this as a serious request from the man representing God." Gay rights groups opposing the initiative believe the letter is the first sign that the church will have considerable influence in California, whether through members here or large contributions to the campaign from Utah headquarters. The church donated $500,000 to a successful ballot initiative last year banning gay marriages in Alaska, and $600,000 to another winning effort in Hawaii. Backers of the California initiative have until the end of July to report contributions. They declined to say if the Mormon Church had yet contributed any money here, although they welcomed the support of the church in general. "We're very pleased with their part of the coalition," said Defense of Marriage Act campaign manager Rob Stutzman. The initiative is sponsored by state Sen. Pete Knight, R-Palmdale. "They're a significant piece of this coalition, but this is certainly not a "Mormon campaign.'  In fact, the Mormons had nothing to do with getting this initiative qualified for the ballot." Stutzman said the campaign hopes to enlist other religious groups, including Muslims and conservative Catholics and Jews. But he said support for the initiative goes beyond religious organizations. A recent Examiner poll of 810 registered voters, for example, found 54 percent of those surveyed supported the initiative. One fear of the gay rights community is the church's instruction to donate "means" to the campaign. That would essentially hide the source of financing for the initiative, since individual Mormon donors would not be required to cite their religion on disclosure forms.  In Alaska, however, the church had many fewer members to donate individually.  When its $500,000 check landed in Anchorage, it sent a shudder through the gay rights community, already struggling with a conservative legislature. That kind of money in Alaska allowed the measure's supporters to dominate the airwaves early with TV ads showing gay couples walking on the beach and scenes of ancient Rome crumbling under the crush of immorality. About 68 percent of Alaska voters supported the constitutional amendment. "It was just incalculable," Allison Mendel, manager of the No on 2 Alaska campaign, said of the influence of the Mormon money. "It put the campaign so far out of our reach, it really wasn't possible for us to duplicate. We were frantically raising money, but we didn't have that kind of money at a time when we could actually buy media." In Hawaii, Mormon money accounted for about 40 percent of the contributions to the anti-gay-marriage initiative, which garnered 69 percent of the vote. "It produced an intense media campaign, which is unusual for Hawaii for an initiative campaign," Martin Rice, a coordinator for the Hawaii campaign, said of the Mormon Church contributions. The fledgling California campaign to oppose the ballot measure hopes to raise at least $5 million and mobilize the state's large gay and lesbian population, estimated to be about 6 percent of the electorate, according to Mike Marshall, campaign manager for the opposition group, Californians for Fairness. "Foes also are counting on help from gay-friendly churches." Nevertheless, they fear the influence of the Mormon Church. "Obviously in light of how much money the Mormon Church spent in Alaska and Hawaii, we are very concerned," said Marshall. "Most of that money came from outside Alaska and Hawaii, and we expect most of that money to come from Utah for this campaign as well."  Marshall also questioned the legal appropriateness of the Mormon Church's active involvement in the campaign. Two weeks ago, the Internal Revenue Service rescinded the tax-exempt status of the conservative Christian Coalition because of its aggressive involvement in political causes ."I think there will be heightened scrutiny of the Mormon Church and other religious organizations," Marshall said.  But Rascon, with the Mormon Church in Salt Lake City, said its tax-exempt status is solid.  "This is a moral issue, not a political issue," he said. "It really all comes back to the family and the relationship between a man and woman. ..... That is the whole focus of the church, the family unit."  The Mormon letter begins by telling church members the initiative provides "a clear and significant moral choice. The Church's position on this issue is unequivocal."  It cited a 1994 edict from church President Hinkley saying sacred responsibilities "require" that gay marriages be opposed.   "Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God, and is essential to His eternal plan," wrote church Presidents John B. Dickson, John M. Madsen and Cecil O. Samuelson. "It is imperative for us to give our best effort to preserve what our Father in Heaven has put in place." The May 11 letter concludes: "A broad-based coalition is being formed to work for passage of the traditional marriage initiative. As details become available, we will provide you with information and how you might become involved." The letter has been circulating on the Internet, thanks in part to a networkof gay Mormons. A Sacramento group called Project Tocsin, which analyzes the influence of religion in politics, also distributed the letter.  In Alaska, opponents of the initiative started an Internet site called Mormon AID, where gay Mormons and others could donate to the campaign. So far in California, opposition from gay Mormons has been limited to e-mail chain letters. "There has been such little activity out of the gay community about any kind of a plan," said Jerry Sloan, who runs Project Tocsin. "I sent out the letter primarily to say to a few people in the gay community, 'Hey, guys, it's time to wake up. These guys are serious about this thing.'"©1999 San Francisco Examiner 

 

5 July 1999 Monday

A church member in Central California reports on 5 July that members in his area received  letters in the mail, with previously addressed and stamped envelopes enclosed, over the signature of a member of the Stake Presidency. He was asked to donate $150.00, and one other friend who he specifically asked, also received the identical letter with a request to donate $150.00.

The Salt Lake Tribune Church Weighs In Calif. Mormons Urged to Donate To Anti-Gay Vote SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Mormon Church has quietly instructed its California followers to offer financial and political support for a ballot initiative banning gay marriages in a move that mirrors the church's $1.1 million effort in Alaska and Hawaii.  A "Dear Brethren and Sisters" letter sent several weeks ago asks 740,000 California Mormons "to do all you can by donating your means and time to assure a successful vote" on the March 2000 ballot measure. The letter was authorized by the highest reaches of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and should be considered as "inspired and coming from the Lord," said church spokesman Dan Rascon. Individual members, however, aren't absolutely required to support the ballot measure or give money to the campaign, he said.  California family law already defines marriage as between "a man and a woman." But the ballot initiative takes the law further by deeming heterosexual marriages as "valid and recognized." The measure's backers fear the courts may soon validate gay marriages as constitutional, and they believe the ballot initiative would short-circuit those potential rulings. The church's letter is a portent of what could be a religious, political and financial war in California over gay marriage. While the church says its support of the measure is based on moral grounds, the existence of the letter also raises questions about how far a church can go to support political causes and still keep its tax-exempt status. The letter was written by three area presidents who govern California and who report to Mormon President Gordon B. Hinckley. Church leaders were instructed to read the letter in services May 23 or May 30 throughout California. The church donated $500,000 to a successful ballot initiative last year banning gay marriages in Alaska, and $600,000 to another winning effort in Hawaii. Backers of the California initiative have until the end of July to report contributions. They declined to say if the Mormon Church had yet contributed any money here. One fear of the gay-rights community is the LDS Church's instruction to donate "means" to the campaign. That would essentially hide the source of financing for the initiative, since individual Mormon donors would not be required to cite their religion on disclosure forms. In Alaska, however, the church had many fewer members to donate individually. When its $500,000 check landed in Anchorage, it allowed the measure's supporters to dominate the airwaves early with TV ads showing gay couples walking on the beach and scenes of ancient Rome crumbling under the crush of immorality. About 68 percent of Alaska voters supported the constitutional amendment. In Hawaii, Mormon money accounted for about 40 percent of the contributions to the anti-gay-marriage initiative, which garnered 69 percent of the vote. The fledgling California campaign to oppose the ballot measure hopes to raise at least $5 million and mobilize the state's large gay and lesbian population, estimated to be about 6 percent of the electorate. Two weeks ago, the Internal Revenue Service rescinded the tax-exempt status of the conservative Christian Coalition because of its aggressive involvement in political causes. But Rascon said the church's tax-exempt status is solid.  "This is a moral issue, not a political issue," he said. "It really all comes back to the family and the relationship between a man and woman. . . .  That is the whole focus of the church, the family unit."

 

6 July 1999 Tuesday

GAY MARRIAGE TOWN MEETING SCHEDULED TO DISCUSS LDS CHURCH INVOLVEMENT IN EFFORTS PROHIBIT SAME-SEX MARRIAGE By now most or all of the people on "Kathy's List" should have heard about the decision by the LDS (Mormon) church to get actively involved in efforts to pass an initiative that would prohibit same-sex marriages in California. The latest effort became common knowledge in Utah and California this week with the publication of a San Francisco Examiner article entitled "Mormons now target California".  A shorter version of the article was reprinted on the front page of the Salt Lake Tribune yesterday, Monday July 5.   (see thetext of the original article below) Now that the church's latest efforts are common knowledge, many people in Utah's GLBT community feel that some sort of concrete response and effort by our community is appropriate. To discuss the situation and ways that our community can respond to the "Church's" anti same-sex marriage efforts, a meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 8 at 6 p.m. at 355 N 300 West.  The meeting is being organized by The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Utah and by GALPAC, the Gay and Lesbian Political Action Committee. As all the meeting space at the Center is already reserved for Thursday evening, the meeting will be held next door in the building that houses the ACLU of Utah. Men and women of all ages are invited to attend the meeting. Community organizations, especially those directly involved with Mormon or former Mormon GLBT people, are strongly encouraged to send one or more people to the meeting.  If you or your organization is unable to attend, you are invited to send comments and ideas via email to the Center c/o Darin Hobbs at TheCenter@glccu.com For more information about the meeting or about the Center, call 539-8800.

 

7 July 1999 Wednesday

 MORMON ANTI GAY MARRIAGE Supervisor Hits Mormons For Politicking Leno says anti-gay letter violates tax-exempt status Edward Epstein, Chronicle Staff Writer San Francisco Supervisor Mark Leno called on local and state legal officials yesterday to investigate ending the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' tax-exempt status because of a letter it sent its members telling them to support a California initiative banning gay marriages. Leno, a gay man who is a leading critic of the so-called Knight Initiative on the state's March 2000 ballot, said the Mormon hierarchy's letter was ``a gross abuse of their tax-exempt status.'' The letter was sent out several weeks ago to about 740,000 California Mormons by three high-ranking church officials in the state, with the approval of church headquarters in Salt Lake City.The letter told members to contribute their time and money to helping pass the measure proposed by state Sen. Pete Knight, R-Palmdale. The Protection of Marriage Initiative states simply that ``only a marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.'' Gay or lesbian marriages are not legally recognized in the state now, but passage of the proposed initiative would mean that it would take action by voters in the future to make such marriages legal. `It's pretty outrageous,'' Leno said of the church's letter. ``TheInternal Revenue Service might weigh in on this.'' The Mormons have helped pass anti-gay marriage initiatives in Alaska and Hawaii, donating $1.1 million in the process. In California, the church is repeating that action. ``This is an out-of-state religious organization weighing in on a political issue here, and it should be investigated,'' said Leno.  He asked City Attorney Louise Renne and state Attorney General Bill Lockyer to look into the issue. Leno compared the situation to the recent IRS decision not to grant tax-exempt status to the Christian Coalition, a group that printed and distributed millions of voter guides supporting candidates who back its conservative agenda.        Repeated calls to Mormon headquarters in Salt Lake City were not returned yesterday. But Rob Stutzman, campaign manager for the Knight Initiative, said his campaign already has enlisted the support of many religious organizations besides the Mormons, including Muslims, Christians and the California Conference of Catholic Bishops. He said he was hoping for Orthodox Jewish support as well. He also said that the Mormons' position is not comparable to that of the Christian Coalition. ``It sounds like (Leno) is trying to make hay out of an issue he doesn't understand,'' Stutzman said. The IRS has traditionally ruled that tax-exempt organizations cannot engage in substantial levels of political activity without endangering their status. In general, the federal agency has ruled this means organizations cannot support political parties or candidates. The Christian Coalition backed mainly Republicans and gave its supporters positions on a variety of candidates for different offices. What is more, Stutzman said, the giant Mormon Church's donations to the Knight Initiative campaign would involve only a tiny bit of its revenues, and thus would not pass the threshold of another test --that a substantial part of a group's revenue go for politics before its status is in doubt. Mike Marshall, campaign manager of Californians for Fairness, the group working against the Knight Initiative, supported Leno's call. ``The Mormon elders want to be major players in the campaign. Doesn't that question whether you should have everything tax-deductible?'' said Marshall. (SAN FRANCISCO SUPERVISOR CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION OF MORMON CHURCH FOR ITS INVOLVEMENT SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE, July 7, 1999)

 

MORMON ANTI GAY MARRIAGE SALT LAKE CITY ACTIVISTS RESPOND TO ANTI-GAY EFFORTS OF THE LDS CHURCH Mormons urged to express their displeasure with church efforts by "resigning" as members Utah activists today initiated a campaign to get gay and gay-friendly Mormons to renounce their membership in the LDS Church in response to blatant anti-gay efforts by the church hierarchy. The Utahns who got the plan rolling say they going to be sending word out across the nation and around the world to urge unhappy members to send in letters stating their wish to have their names removed from church membership records. A handful of Utah Mormons have already pledged to be among those formally renouncing the church and they will be distributing information on the easiest way for a member to get their name taken off church roles. Unlike most religious organizations in the U.S., the LDS church never removes a person's name from church membership lists just because a person stops attending or participating in the church. Only direct action by either the individual member or by church leaders can get a person's name removed from the roles.  In late May members of the LDS (Mormon) church in California were urged by church leaders to actively support a ballot initiative to prohibit  same-sex marriage in California.  A letter from church headquarters in Salt Lake City that was read in California congregations on May 23 and 30, asked members to "do all you can by donating your means and time to assure a successful vote" on the measure that will be voted on on March 7, 2000.The initiative, if passed, would affirm that "marriages between one man and one woman" are the only kind that will be legally recognized in California.  It is a pre-emptive effort by conservatives who claim the measure is important in order to protect "traditional marriage" and "the family". Gay activists respond to that argument by saying that anti-gay forces have never adequately explained how it is that allowing same-sex couples to marry - or how letting them have the rights and benefits that married people enjoy  - would supposedly hurt other couples or families. This is the third time that the Mormon church has gotten directly involved in efforts to prohibit same-sex marriage.  The church directly donated $500,000 to a similar effort in Alaska, and $600,000 to the same-sex marriage fight in Hawaii.   In both of those campaigns, the church basically bankrolled the efforts to prohibit same-sex marriage, and in both cases the anti-gay initiatives passed. The letter that was read to California Mormons in May made it clear that the directive came directly from church headquarters.  It said: "This traditional marriage initiative provides a clear and significant moral choice. The Church's position on this issue is unequivocal. On February 1,1994, the First Presidency wrote to all priesthood leaders:' The principles of the gospel and the sacred responsibilities given us require that The Church of  Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints oppose any efforts to give legal authorization to marriages between persons of the same gender.' " Mormons who would like more information about getting their names removed from the records of the LDS Church are welcome to write to Kathy Worthington of Salt Lake at KathyWUT@aol.com or call her at 801-963-7922.  Letters to LDS Church headquarters should be addressed to LDS CHURCH, 50 E North Temple, SLCUT 84150

 

MORMON ANTI GAY MARRIAGE ON MORMON CHURCH INVOLVEMENT IN SAME-SEX MARRIAGE BATTLES Help spread the word across the country and around the world, especially to Mormon GLBT people and to our families and friends.  Also help get the word to as many people in California as possible. CALL TO ACTION This is an action alert for people who are unhappy or angry about the Mormon church taking such strong anti-gay stands time after time: in Hawaii and Alaska and now in California.   Are you UNHAPPY (&%$#@)  about it?  Was the letter the church hierarchy sent to California members the proverbial  'last straw' for you? If so, you are not alone.  Here's the plan.  I won't call it MY idea, because a lot of people have been thinking along the same lines. It's OUR idea. Three options:) If your name is still on the records of the church and you're willing to ask them to remove it, this is the PERFECT time for it.  If you have friends or relatives who fit this description, please talk to them and tell them THIS is the time.  2) If you're a member of the church and want to keep being a member, please write a letter to church headquarters in Salt Lake telling them that you're VERY unhappy about their blatant anti-gay efforts. 3) Even if you're NOT a Mormon and never have been, or if you once were, please consider writing them a letter telling them how angry or unhappy you are and what a negative image of "the church" you have gotten thanks to their anti-gay efforts.  Even a very short letter will help with this effort.  A) Please help with this effort any way you can.  If you have an idea, just go for it!  Send info to GLBT publications, call people, whatever.  If you'd like to help me with it in Utah, write to me and let me know. B) LAST BUT NOT LEAST Please consider sending either the original letter or a copy of it to me here in Salt Lake.  With other local activists, I will hold a press conference to tell the media and the public what we're doing and why, or I will make a point to go to church headquarters - again, hopefully, with other local activists - and hand them the letters in person.   I will, of course, let the media know what our plans are.   A pile of letters, especially from a lot of people asking to have their names removed from church records, would be a great show of our opinion of church actions.  I will NOT let the media show or use your name or address on the air unless you've specified that you want me to.  If you're in Utah and would like to be part of the public side of this effort, just let me know.  If you're thinking this won't happen, that hardly anyone will go for it, you're wrong!  In just one evening I've talked to three people at work who were already actually drafting their letter or were at least in the process of deciding to write it.   By the end of the evening I had commitments from four people to get their names removed from church records.   And each of those people said they could think of other people who will probably be interested, too. I can think of quite a few myself.   I firmly believe that we're going to get a TREMENDOUS response on this. I'm actually excited about the plan and hope some of you will get excited about it, too.   PLEASE help spread the word. I'm going to attach my address and the address of church headquarters and then I'm going to give some general guidelines for the best format for letters requesting they remove your name from church membership.   Sorry, but email letters won't do the trick, they need to be signed.  Thanks for your help and for participating in this action. Kathy Worthington Salt Lake City  If you're in the Salt Lake City area, a town meeting is scheduled for tomorrow night, July 8, to discuss ways to respond to the church's efforts. It will be at 355 N 300 West at 6 p.m. Attend the meeting, if you can. Church headquarters: LDS CHURCH 50 E NORTH TEMPLESLC UT 84150  My address: (please send copies of your letters to me) Kathy Worthington 3262 Oakeson Circle Taylorsville UT 84118-3040

 

8 July 1999 Thursday

MORMON ANTI GAY MARRIAGE DOMA, California and the Mormon Church (Updated 8 July 1999) On March 2000 the state of California will be holding its primary election as part of the national process to select the next president of the United States. Among the items on the ballot will be an initiative to amend California law to define marriage as being between one man and one woman. The initiative, number 819, is titled "Definition of Marriage" on the webpage of the California Secretary of State. The listed proponent is State Senator William J. "Pete" Knight. The legal summary on the third page of the web document reads as follows:  Adds a provision to the Family Code providing that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.   Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: This measure would    likely have no direct fiscal impact on state and local governments. The Family Code definition of marriage currently reads:   300. Marriage is a personal relation arising out of a civil contract between a man and a woman, to which the consent of the parties capable of making that contract is necessary. Consent alone does not constitute marriage. Consent must be followed by the issuance of a  license and solemnization as authorized by this division, except as provided by Section 425 and Part 4 (commencing with Section 500).The Family Code also presently provides:   308. A marriage contracted outside this state that would be valid by  the laws of the jurisdiction in which the marriage was contracted is valid in this state. The California Secretary of State provided me with the text of the initiative, which would add a new section to the Family Code, by FAX: INITIATIVE MEASURE TO BE SUBMITTED DIRECTLY TO THE VOTERS   SECTION 1. This act may be cited as the "California Defense of Marriage   Act."   SECTION 2. Section 308.5 is added to the Family Code, to read:   308.5 Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California. Just prior to the 1996 presidential election, President Clinton signed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which allows states to decide whether to recognize a marriage that was not between one man and one woman. The constitutionality of DOMA is in question as a court might find that this is a violation of Article IV, Section One of the US Constitution, which states that "...full faith and credit shall be given in each State to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state...."For a court to consider the constitutionality of DOMA, a state would have to recognize some other form of marriage (two men, two women, or polygamy, as three examples), and then some test case would be arranged. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Mormons, have been at the forefront among organized groups opposing  same-sex marriage…..The church's "Church Handbook of Instructions", which details church procedure to priesthood leaders, and was revised and issued in January1999 has several paragraphs that seem significant. The Church normally is exempt from paying sales, property, income and other taxes because it is a religious organization. Church buildings   and other property are to be used for the purposes of worship, religious instruction, and other Church-related activities. Facilities are not to be used for political, business or investment purposes...If one stake or ward misuses the Church's tax-exempt status, other church units could be affected.  [Page 139]   The Church is politically neutral. It does not endorse political parties, platforms, or candidates....Church leaders and members should avoid any statements or conduct that might be interpreted as Church endorsement of political parties or candidates...Church facilities may not be used for political purposes except for voter registration or polling where there is no reasonable alternative...Members should do their civic duty by supporting measures that strengthen society   morally, economically and culturally. Members are urged to be actively  engaged in worthy causes to improve their communities and make them wholesome places in which to live and rear families. However, members should not give the impression that the represent the Church as they work for solutions to city or community problems. [Page 151] ….On 9 June 1999 an internet posting from a priesthood leader detailing a meeting began circulating on Mormon e-mail lists.  He described a priesthood leadership meeting in which a member of a stake presidency told the assembled group that the stake would be receiving an assessment to raise money to support the initiative, and that members would be asked to support this by contributing directly (the money would not go through church accounts) to an unidentified organization, which is not a PAC, and that the contributions are not tax deductible.-- On 11 June 1999, a person living in the San Francisco Bay area reported on a public Mormon e-mail list that a friend told her by e-mail that "stakes and wards have been assessed rather large amounts to raise for the anti-gay initiative in California. Members are being called in by their bishops and asked to donate substantial sums above tithing and send it directly to the PAC that is sponsoring the legislation ...."-- On Sunday, 13 June, a friend of mine called his Stake President and point blank asked him if the reports on the internet were true. The Stake President flatly denied it.-- On 14 June 1999, a second confirmation from the San Francisco Bay area was sent to a public internet list. A bishop reported: "The stake presidents have been asked to raise specific dollar amounts. It is not supposed to done 'officially'. It is to be done by contacting individuals directly. The stake president is doing it himself."  The stake president specifically told the bishops that a person not contributing was still eligible for a temple recommend.-- Later on the same day, 14 June, a person reported on an e-mail list that while the letter read in meetings came from the Area Presidency, the directive about money came to her stake president through the Area Authority Seventy, and not directly from the Area Presidency. Area Authority Seventies, according to the "Church Handbook of Instructions"[ January 1999] "serve under the direction of the Quorum of the Twelve, the Presidents of the Seventy, and the Area Presidency where they are assigned. Like other Seventies, they may be assigned to preside at stake conferences, create and reorganize stakes, set apart stake presidencies, an ordain and set apart bishops. They may also serve on area councils, and as counselors in Area Presidencies. In addition, they may be assigned to tour missions, and assist with training in stakes, missions and districts. They may be given other responsibilities as needed."-- On Wednesday, 16 June, my friend who inquired of his stake president, as noted in the listing for 13 June above, was called on the phone by the Stake President. He told my friend that he had had a meeting that evening, and that he had been given an assessment, and was calling to correct the information he had given my friend on Sunday.- On Friday, 18 June 1999, a friend called Cecil Samuelson, a counselor in the Area Presidency of the North America West Area, and one of the men over whose names the letter of May 11 was sent.  Elder Samuelson said that my friend could feel comfortable understanding the letter as official church policy. The letter's purpose was to urge church members to support a coalition that drew together many different religious and non-religious groups. The coalition could be reached in Sacramento by calling Rob Stutzman at (916) 444-8080. Elder Samuelson stated that no specific contribution amounts were being sought at any level of the church organization, but the people were being encouraged and things were being done locally so he could not speak for specific local actions. He said that the church looked at this as a moral issue, and that "the doctrine of the church was very clear."  A call to the phone number listed above shows that it belongs to  The Protection of Marriage Committee   1121 L Street, Suite 810   Sacramento, CA 95814 [An article in the San Francisco Examiner dated 5 May 1999, reported that a Mike Marshall is the campaign manager for Californians for Fairness, which opposes the initiative.   Californians for Fairness   505 Howard Street   San Francisco, CA  94105The phone number is (415) 227-1020.  The web page is www.NoOnKnight.organd e-mail can be sent to campaign@NoOnKnight.org ]

 

MORMON ANTI GAY MARRIAGE Utah's Stonewall? On July 8, concerned community members filled a conference room at the Utah ACLU building to discuss the church's actions in California and consider local strategy in response to this latest maneuver. Organized by the Gay and Lesbian Political Action Committee, at least 12 gay and gay-friendly organizations were represented at the "town meeting," including the ACLU, PFLAG, Affirmation, Upnet, The Center, Gamofites, KRCL Radio, and The Pillar. Individuals in the crowd asked themselves and each other how many times this will happen -- how many states have to fall to the pressure of the church before someone, somewhere, puts a check on the church's influence? They affirmed that this is the place where moves to fund anti-gay legislation nation-wide are originating, and this is where it has to stop.  A definitive line was drawn at the meeting -- the group determined that the  Utah gay community has been silent for too long. We have known oppression --but we've learned, we've matured, we've come of age. Now it's our turn to stand up and take action. Within less than two hours of discussion, a new organization was formed: Utahns for Fairness. The name was borrowed from Californians for Fairness, a coalition fighting against the ballot initiative to ban same-sex marriage. Jared Wood accepted the crowd's nomination as chairperson. Five committees were proposed: a demonstration committee, a letter-writing committee, a message committee, a general organizing committee, and a media committee. One of the key goals of UFF is to draw media attention to Utah and the Mormon Church so that people across the country can see how the church is exerting political influence outside Utah and alert them before it starts in yet another state. To that end, demonstrations will be organized to coincide with events such as the Days of '47 Parade and General Conference. Fliers will be printed and distributed state-wide. A media campaign will be launched. There's a lot of work to do between now and March.

 

Salt Lake City Lamb's Canyon National Park. "Three sheriffs with a video camera were investigating the gloryhole campsite (the fourth campsite up the canyon) on July 6. They were paying special attention to the outhouse with the gloryhole, which has been extensively vandalized by cruisers. Now may be the last chance to get a look at the artful anatomical drawings there, since we can expect a big crackdown starting soon, and at the very least they will most likely tear down the outhouse. People have been throwing garbage, cigarette butts, and used condoms all over the place -- litter and vandalism seem to be what get crackdowns started more often than not."

 

9 July 1999 Friday

Salt Lake City University of Utah, Orson Spencer Hall. "This toilet is being busted by undercover cops. They enter and hide behind the urinal wall and waiting in silence for the action to resume."

 

MORMON ANTI GAY MARRIAGE GALPAC held a press conference to kick-off the local movement. GALPAC will not run UFF -- UFF will be an independent grassroots organization-- but it will be actively involved. The Utah ACLU has also promised its support, and gay rights organizations from coast to coast have either pledged or are expected to lend their aid. Until UFF has an information line and an Internet presence, the Gay and Lesbian Community Center will provide information. The Center can be reached at (801) 539-8800 or on-line at www.glccu.com. Call to Arms Every member of the Utah gay community and its allies are called upon to join and/or support Utahns for Fairness. In order to make an impact, time, talents and resources are sorely needed; committees cannot have too many members. As UFF gears up, here are some things every member of the Utah gay community can do to help get the ball rolling... * Send letters to the editors of Utah and California newspapers expressing your opposition to the Mormon Church's political activities. (Some activists think that you should) be sure any outrage is directed at the actions of the church leadership and not the church itself or its members in general (and that) Mormons who are sympathetic to gay issues should not be alienated or put on the defensive. * Talk to, write, e-mail and call you friends, family and colleagues. Let them know what's happening and how you feel about it. Ask for their support. Encourage them to write letters to newspapers and the LDS Church. * If you are a member of the church, write a letter asking to have your name removed from the church rolls. Be sure to indicate your full name, birth date and place of birth. State clearly that you want your name removed from church records and feel free to explain why. Consider having the letter notarized or sent certified mail so the church will know it's from you. * If you are a member of the church and do not want your name removed, write a letter to the church expressing your anger and disapproval of the church's actions. * If you are not a member of the church, write a letter to the church asking that you never be baptized by proxy (that is, after you are dead). * Stay informed of protests being organized and plan to participate. Log-onto the Community Center's webpage at www.glccu.com to get up-to-the-minute information about UFF.

 

 

10 July 1999 Saturday

MORMON ANTI GAY MARRIAGE KathyWUT@aol.com RENOUNCING MEMBERSHIPS As of this evening, there are nineteen people who've made a commitment to write letters asking to have their names removed from the membership roles of the Mormon church.   One person in Tulsa, one in Washington (state) and one in Boise.  The rest are in Utah. I think the latest information about what church leaders are doing in California (fundraising by bishops and stake presidents) will spur even more people to take that step and write a letter.

 

MORMON ANTI GAY MARRIAGE UTAH GALPAC URGES CHURCH TO STOP SUPPORTING CALIFORNIA MEASURE GALPAC Says Church Exports Hate The Gay and Lesbian Political Action Committee of Utah on Friday urged the LDS Church to halt its backing for an initiative that would ban same-sex marriage in California.  "The LDS Church should not export the politics of division and hatred to California," said Jared Wood, a GALPAC board member during a news conference in Salt Lake. "No church should pressure its members to devalue the relationships of consenting, committed individuals." In a recent letter from top California church leaders, 740,000 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in that state were encouraged to "do all you can by donating your means and time to assure a successful vote" on a ballot initiative that would deem only heterosexual marriages as "valid and recognized." The Knight Initiative, named for its chief sponsor, Republican state Sen. William "Pete" Knight, is "a divisive, anti-gay ballot measure," GALPAC said in a printed statement.  "It is an unnecessary, divisive and mean-spirited attack on gay and lesbian families that will threaten hospital visitation rights and other rights and responsibilities . . . that all people in committed relationships should take for granted."     The GALPAC statement said that the LDS Church's actions in California, as well as similar moves in Hawaii and Alaska, "show a disturbing trend in an aggressive political agenda." ……. San Francisco Supervisor Mark Leno, who is gay, is a leading critic of the initiative. This week he asked City Attorney Louise Renne and state Atty. Gen. Bill Lockyer to look into the LDS Church's tax-exempt status.  "This is an out-of-state religious organization weighing in on a political issue here, and it should be investigated," Leno said. The LDS Church, however, argues that same-sex marriage is "a moral issue, not a political issue," church spokesman Dan Rascon said. "It really all comes back to the family and the relationship between a man and woman . . . that is the whole focus of the church, the family unit." Several gay couples at Friday's press conference gave personal testimonials about the need for recognition of same-sex relationships. Blair Lewis described himself as Mormon, gay and in a committed relationship for nine years. Lewis said during those years, he and his partner have attempted to live traditional family values of love, freedom and acceptance. "The church has in this and other states helped pass laws to limit my agency, demean my love, and compromise my acceptance in society," Lewis said.  Amy Alleman and Kerrie Thometz also said they were LDS and have been together for four years. "Kerrie and I were very fortunate to come from loving Mormon homes. In our families, we learned the meaning of charity, morality and unconditional love," Alleman said. "Our parents' dedication to these fundamental values has given us a strong framework for creating our own loving and productive relationship." Alleman and Thometz said Friday they intended to have their names removed from Mormon membership rolls.  The GALPAC representatives acknowledged they were unlikely to sway the church's position. "We may not change the church, but maybe we can change the minds of some members," Lewis said.

 

MORMON ANTI GAY MARRIAGE  BYU LAW PROFESSORS SAY ATTACK ON CHURCH'S TAX STATUS IS AN ASSAULT ON RELIGION DESERET NEWS, Tax threat against church assailed Activists' plan called an attack on religion By Carrie A. Moore, Deseret News religion editor Two Brigham Young University law professors say a move earlier this week to challenge the LDS Church's tax-exempt status for supporting a ballot measure to ban same-sex marriage in California is just the latest in a series of attempts to block the influence of religion in public life.  "Regrettably some gay and lesbian activists are very vindictive and play a very mean brand of hardball. If anyone opposes their political agenda, they go out to punish them," said Lynn Wardle, a legal scholar who has written and participated in panel discussions nationwide about the societal pitfalls of legalizing same-sex marriage. Earlier this week, San Francisco Board of Supervisors member Mark Leno, who is also a gay activist, told the San Francisco Chronicle he has asked the city attorney and the state attorney general to examine the LDS Church's tax-exempt status after a letter was sent to church leaders throughout the state…… Also, Friday afternoon in Salt Lake City, the Gay and Lesbian Political Action Committee held a press conference to decry the LDS Church's political involvement in California.  "This action transgresses the autonomy of church and state," said Jared Wood, spokesman for the Salt Lake group, in calling for the church to end such political action.  "Today I call upon the church to get out of the political arena, which is eroding our family values," said Blair Lewis, a gay church member from Salt Lake City. Sponsored by California Sen. Pete Knight, a Republican, the Protection of Marriage Initiative states that "only a marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized" in that state. While same-sex marriage is not legally sanctioned there or in any state, initiative sponsors hope the ballot measure will rebuff any future legislative attempts to legalize it.  LDS Church spokesman Dale Bills referred questions regarding the church's letter to Elder Douglas Callister, Area Authority Seventy for the North America West Area, who issued the following statement: "We firmly believe that this is a moral issue. The church in California is simply adding its voice to a broad-based coalition of many who feel strongly about preserving the traditional family."  Bills said the church had no comment on the question about its tax-exempt status. Wardle said Leno's public call for examination of the church's standing with the IRS is "typical" of some activists, who have a two-fold agenda by using such tactics. "They hope to dilute the influence of those who have spoken against their agenda, but they also send a message to rest of the community about the price people will have to pay who oppose them.  "That has a very chilling effect on free speech and the political process. I consider it to be very anti-democratic and irresponsible. People can certainly disagree about political proposals and still be civil and show respect to those they disagree with. Punitive responses to coerce and intimidate people because of their political positions are simply inappropriate in a democracy," he said. The newspaper quoted Leno as saying the church's letter to members is "pretty outrageous" and that "the Internal Revenue Service might weigh in on this. This is an out-of-state religious organization weighing in on a political issue here, and it should be investigated," the report said. The controversy is the latest in a series of statements directed toward the church by gay and lesbian activists fearful of the Mormons' monetary and potential volunteer clout….Also last year, the church filed a joint legal brief with the Catholic Church in a Vermont civil suit opposing the legalization of same-sex marriage there. ….."Sending out a letter to leaders of the church in California would hardly constitute much of an expense. Certainly churches are not prohibited from literally taking a position on an issue,".  Stutzman said as far as any threat to the church's tax-exempt status, "with any nonprofit organization, as long as they do not expend what's generally believed to be more than 5 percent of their total resources on an issue, it does not approach any type of red line (with the IRS) for that organization." While his organization normally does not release information about contributions other than what is required by law, Stutzman said "given the accusations that have been widely made, the LDS Church has not contributed any money whatsoever" to the California initiative campaign. Stutzman said he hasn't seen anything like Leno's challenge to the church regarding a public stance before. "This seems to be an accusation specific against the LDS Church. The Conference of Catholic Bishops endorsed the initiative with a statement about two weeks ago and that wasn't challenged, nor has the church's support for any issue in the past been challenged to my knowledge." Leno's statements challenging the church illustrate how "religion has become the new pornography," said Richard Wilkins, also a professor of law at BYU. "You can be religious only as long as your doors are shut, your windows are drawn and you don't do any of it in the public square. Now we enshrine people's right to consume real pornography, and we've made religion the new pornography" that can't be seen or heard except in private. Wilkins said it is ironic that a gay activist who seeks public support or his own ideas about what is morally right would try to squelch religious dialogue and participation on a public issue. "The effort to silence churches is deeply disturbing," agreed Wardle. "It was those kinds of efforts that led directly to the First Amendment. We seem to have forgotten what that was all about. It was intended to secure the rights of religious expression and belief for people of all faiths. It seems very fashionable in some quarters today to attempt to exclude religious institutions and voices from the public place." Deseret News staff writer Lynn Arave contributed to this story.

 

Deseret News Homosexual tendencies aren't genetic traits, researchers say in book   By Carrie A. Moore Deseret News religion editor   Despite characterizations made by politicians, several mental health organizations and  even some church leaders, homosexuality is not a genetic predisposition, the authors of a  new book on the subject say.     

The question is a highly divisive issue within many Judeo-Christian denominations, some  of whose members have long debated internal policy statements on whether homosexuality is  genetic and how they should deal with those who live a lifestyle many believe is sinful.      Just last year, a major philosophical battle ensued nationwide over placement of  full-page ads in the nation's leading newspapers, placed by conservative Christian groups,  advocating that a change from homosexuality to heterosexuality is possible.      Despite the rancor that attends such debates, those who characterize homosexuality as inborn are "either grossly misled or have an agenda" to push, according to Dr. Neil  Whitehead and his wife, Briar, authors of "My Genes Made Me Do It: A Scientific Look At  Sexual Orientation."      The two are in Salt Lake City this weekend to address a meeting of LDS therapists and  to present a daylong workshop on Saturday for Evergreen International, a local organization  that "offers help to people working to diminish homosexual attractions."      In fact, they say, changing such attractions is possible -- though not easy.  "There is plenty of scientific data that backs up the fact that you can change sexual  orientation," Whitehead said. After eight years of research into all the available scientific data on the subject, the couple has concluded that being "born that way" is a myth unsupported by the facts. The two agree that, from a religious standpoint, the argument for genetic predisposition presents a huge barrier for homosexuals "who really want to change, because it says God  has created them that way and they can't. Well that's just not true." To illustrate, they cite a variety of scientific studies carried out worldwide, including  several involving identical twins.      "You take many documented cases of identical twins with identical genes. Now if the genes inescapably force you into homosexuality, if one is gay the other would be gay 100 percent of the time. We find it's 50 percent and downward. Different papers have different figures, but the percentage is relatively low. That presents a very clear conclusion: genes don't force you inescapably into being gay."     Whitehead worked for 30 years as a biochemist for the government of New Zealand. Briar Whitehead is a print journalist who started investigating a characterization made by a gay associate several years ago that he believed change was possible. She didn't believe it until she started looking at scientific studies.     What she found shocked her, she said. She looked at the positions taken by professional organizations, including the American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association, who declassified homosexuality as a mental illness several years ago.     "You have these gay and lesbian activists pushing for that type of action and the organizations are capitulating, and then mandating pro-homosexual values for the whole of the associations. They play them off each other. The vast memberships of these organizations don't know what to think, they're not scientifically trained. They simply leave it to the governing bodies and specialist committees who are under enormous pressure from gay caucuses, so you get these statements being made that people accept as fact about homosexuality being genetic. That's just not the case."     From a religious standpoint, "what the book is really saying is that what you do with your life depends on you. We say you can go with any slight genetic tendency you might have for anything. You can dwell on it and make it a major factor in your life.     "We like to use the example of someone who might have the genes for good muscles and quick reflexes, giving them the potential to be an Olympic champion. Yes, they have the potential, but what do you do with it? If you train and take full advantage of that heritage, you may become an Olympic champion. But another very possible scenario is that they just become a couch potato in front of TV and watch someone else getting the gold medal.     "The point here is, it's up to you what you do. It's a very religious conclusion in many ways. Frequently in the Bible there are statements talking about choosing who you will serve. In the biblical phrase, you can dwell on the flesh or cultivate the flesh, or you can put  your direction, mind, your whole direction of life on the things of the spirit."    For information on the seminar, call 801-363-3837 or 1-800-391-1000.

 

July 11 1999 Sunday

Alternative Gardening Club Annual pool party

 

MORMON ANTI GAY MARRIAGE Debates Over Gay Marriage Miss Basic Civil Rights Point BY PHILIP DE ROCHAMBEAU      The recent appeal to California Mormons by their Church leaders to contribute monies to a political cause against same-sex marriages has again brought this divisive issue to the table.  In a letter authorized by the highest leaders of the LDS Church, the California Area Presidency asked Church leaders to read a letter during church services asking all members to "do all you can by donating your means and time to assure a successful vote" in support of a California ballot proposition scheduled for the March 2000 elections. This proposition would allow the state not to recognize same-sex marriages and thus work to prevent future same-sex marriage initiatives from getting off the ground.  The tremendous support for the initiative by the LDS Church – along with the California Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Assemblies of God area churches – is a grim reminder that many important issues do not neatly fit into a "church and state" separation. Although the LDS Church sees this as a moral rather than political issue, the matter of the LDS Church using its considerable resources to influence decisions is an issue that merits separate examination, although – unlike the Christian Coalition – the Church never endorses specific candidates or political parties.  Much more pertinent is the issue of whether or not marriage, including same-sex marriage, is still a matter for debate by churches or whether it belongs in the realm of the constitutional interpretations of the courts. At one time, marriage was in the hands of churches, however, as churches ceased to control governments, marriage became one of the most important provinces of the state.  It is no longer the local parishes that contain wedding certificates, but rather the county governments.  No church has the legal authority to marry people in our society.  That right exists solely with the state.  Thus, while churches may facilitate at weddings, and religion may play an important role in that wedding, all of it is meaningless without the sanction of the state. By allowing the state to control marriage (and divorce), the churches no longer have the authority to make decisions regarding basic marital rights such as insurance benefits, tax benefits, name changes, inheritances, property rights, etc.  Although a majority of Americans (and many employers) believes that same-sex couples should not be discriminated against, the same majority does not exist for taking the final step of condoning same-sex marriages – and maybe never will.  Nevertheless, public opinion should not be a factor in any matter of justice or injustice.  For almost 100 years after African-Americans won their freedom, they still were denied many rights – including the right to marry the person of their choosing.  Miscegenation laws (laws against interracial marriage) existed in many states and offenders were still being prosecuted through the1960s. In its landmark decision, the Supreme Court ruled miscegenation laws unconstitutional in 1967 in the case of Loving vs. Virginia.  Justice Earl Warren, writing for the majority, made frequent reference to the 14th Amendment and its guarantee that "the freedom to marry has long been recognized as one of the vital personal rights essential to the orderly pursuit of happiness ... "  When interracial marriages finally become legal in 1968, a Gallup poll indicated that over 70 percent of Americans did not approve of interracial marriage.  To this day, a significant number of people still disapprove of interracial marriage, but justice must not be based upon polls and public opinion – even if politics is.  The true function of our democracy is not to impose the will of the majority, but rather to protect the rights of the minorities. Unfortunately, feeling so threatened by such a radical change to present society, many people view same-sex marriage as granting a "special privilege"t o homosexuals.  The reality is quite the opposite:  this debate is not about special rights for homosexuals, but rather about not taking away the basic constitutional rights all Americans should enjoy.  The right to marry is a right granted by the state to all individuals – and it is the state that has determined the legalities concerning age of consent, incestuous marriages, and polygamy.  (Utah history demonstrates vividly how impossible it is for a church to promote marriages that go against the laws of the state.) The foundation for this point of view was solidified when the Supreme Court struck down Colorado's Amendment No. 25, which sought to ban anti-discrimination laws against homosexuals.  First quoting Justice John Marshall Harlan's dissent in the 1896 case of Plessy vs. Ferguson, Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote that the Constitution "neither knows nor tolerates classes among citizens."  Although a foreign concept a century ago, no one can deny that today's gay and lesbian population make up a very large class –larger than either Mormons or Jews in this country.  We all should remember that Nazi Germany very effectively removed marriage and other frights from Jews, homosexuals, and other classes.     Much more relevant to the present debate, however, the Supreme Court decision on the Colorado case (Romer vs. Evans, May 1996) deals with the specific concerns of whether laws protecting homosexuals are giving them "special rights" or not.  In the majority opinion, Justice Kennedy wrote, "To the contrary, the amendment imposes a special disability upon those persons alone.  Homosexuals are forbidden the safeguards that others enjoy or may seek without constraint." Let us not be confused. The debate over propositions such as the present California initiative and the congressional 1996 Defense of Marriage Act are not concerned with giving "special rights" to gays and lesbians. Rather, they specifically target gays and lesbians for special discrimination from the rights that virtually all other Americans enjoy.  It is ironic that I, a minister who has the authority of the state to perform marriage ceremonies, do not have the right to have one of my own. The Rev. Philip de Rochambeau is a columnist for Whosoever, an on-line magazine for gay and lesbian Christians.

 

12 July 1999  Monday

The Phantom of the Opera  Company will perform a special benefit concert July12 at 7 p.m. at the University of Utah's Hayes/Christensen Theater at the Marriot Center for Dance.  The concert, Phantom Voices, includes performances from various musicals and other selected works by the cast.  Following the concert there will be a silent auction of Phantom items.  All proceeds will benefit the Utah AIDS Foundation and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the performance or at the Utah AIDS Foundation. For more information call (801) 487-2323, 800-865-5004, or e-mailPhantom@utahahids.org.

 

13 July 1999 Tuesday

GAY ADOPTION  An effort by the board of trustees of the state Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) to prohibit gay and cohabitating heterosexual couples from becoming foster parents has stalled at the state office that licenses foster homes, primarily because that agency has decided against getting involved in the politically charged issue.     The action is a setback for the DCFS board and its chairman, Scott Clark, a Salt Lake attorney and adoptive father of 18 children who has headed the board's fight against gay adoptions. Clark has led the charge even though DCFS leadership opposes it and fewer than 7 percent of state-sponsored adoptions are to unmarried couples. In January, the trustees approved the change in adoption policy on a 7-2 vote. The board reasoned a similar change in foster-care criteria was next, given that foster parents are frequently given preference to adopt when the children they have cared for become legally free.     But state licensing officials have no desire, apparently, to wade into the issue.     "Our licensing board, which sets policy for our department, is going along with the mandate we have received from the Legislature, which is to limit ourselves to very basic health and safety standards," said Reta Oram, director of the Office of Licensing for the state Department of Human Services (DHS). Oram's office conducts background checks of potential foster and adoptive parents and licenses all state foster homes, which number about 1,000. The move to narrow the pool of potential foster parents in any way -- particularly when the state continues to suffer a chronic shortage of homes -- is opposed by foster-care organizations and children's advocates.  Though Oram declined to discuss the political ramifications of the decision, it is clear the licensing board's decision thwarts an ongoing attempt by DCFS trustees to prevent unmarried couples -- which includes same-sex pairs -- from fostering or adopting children in state custody.  The board's decision to ban unmarried couples from adopting came in January after contentious public debate. The change does not apply to single parents, nor does it affect private adoptions.  On a Jan. 25 letter written to DHS Director Robin Arnold-Williams on letterhead of Clark's law firm, Clark constructed his argument for changing foster-care criteria. Oram also received a copy, and the licensing board addressed the issue in April. "There is a substantial risk that if the foster-care placement [to an unmarried couple] were to be of long duration, the unmarried couple would use the preference for foster parents in adoptive placements to attack the policy barring such adoptive placements," Clark wrote. Such "irregular" placements might leave DCFS vulnerable to litigation, he wrote.  Clark also cited his concern about an adoptive couple, two gay men, who took the 28-hour course required by DCFS for foster and adoptive parents, even though the men were adopting privately. One of the men, Bradley Weischedel, told the DCFS board in January that the agency was aware of his gay relationship at the time.  Contacted Friday for comment, Clark said only that the issue "is up to licensing, and that is where it sits." He did not elaborate. Several advisory panels to the DCFS trustees and independent boards have officially opposed the changes in adoptive and foster policies, including the Child Abuse and Neglect (CAN) Advisory Council and the independent Foster Care Citizen Review Board. Marital status has never been a litmus test for foster parents in Utah. Applicants are interviewed and screened for criminal history, but not specifically asked to provide proof of marriage, said DCFS Director Ken Patterson. The division has no official numbers on foster parents who may be cohabitating heterosexuals or gay, "but I'm sure it is a very small number," Patterson said. In January, Clark accused gay parents of exposing their children to "gender confusion" by not modeling proper gender roles. That logic troubles some children's advocates, who say policy based on marital status or sexual orientation may lead DCFS down a difficult path. .

 

14 July 1999 Wednesday

Utah Democratic Campaign Training Workshops Targeting and Polling 530pm 328-1212  SLAC Saturday's Voyeur - A Jim Bradley for Mayor Campaign  Fund-Raiser - Buffet and Refreshments at 6pm, Performance at 730pm $100 each suggested contribution. 168 W 500 N SLC

 

MORMON ANTI GAY MARRIAGE UTAH TWO LETTERS TO THE EDITOR IN THE PROVO DAILY HERALD Provo Daily Herald, July 14, 1999 Letter:  Church stance hurts family In asking their California members to donate their "means and time" to see that the Knight initiative – which would outlaw same-sex marriages – passes, the LDS Church is unwittingly creating a dilemma for all its families with gay and lesbian members.  LDS family members of gays and lesbians are being placed in the uncomfortable position of having to choose between support for the civil rights of their gay family members or a church policy bent on denying those rights. The church justifies its opposition to same-sex marriage as necessary to protect the sanctity of the family.  We, too, are interested in maintaining the sanctity of our family but current church policy makes it more and more difficult. Are our gay children's "straight" siblings really supposed to oppose civil rights for their own brothers and sisters?  Church efforts to deny civil rights to gays and lesbians add significantly to the struggle for the family solidarity, mutual love and support that we all cherish. Does the integrity of our family and other non-traditional families have to be sacrificed or demeaned in an effort to support the traditional nuclear family?  In our view, society would be best served by encouraging gays and lesbians to pursue committed monogamous relationships.  It seems ironic to us that an institution supporting "the family" would take a public policy position that tears at the very fabric of every family with a gay member and denies the right of this small minority to form their own families. – Gary and Millie Watts, Provo

 

15 July 1999 Thursday

GAY COMMUNITY CENTER Join UTAHNS FOR FAIRNESS UFF. Its next meeting will be Thursday, July 15 at 7:00 p.m.—bring your friends If you can't make the meeting, call The Center at (801) 539-8800to find out who to contact and how to get involved.

 

Deseret News Police seek rapist in attack on a man  By Amy Joi Bryson Deseret News staff writer      You are outside in front of your home in the afternoon on a hot July day.     You'd think you'd be safe.  One homeowner wasn't last week. A man walked by around 1:30, struck up a conversation and walked into the home. He demanded money, assaulted the resident with a beer bottle, inflicted as many as four stab wounds, then raped his victim.     Most people assume this sort of crime happens only to women.     Only this time, it was a man who was victimized.     Last year, as best Salt Lake police can tell, 12 men came forward in the city to make a complaint of sexual assault.  In all cases, the suspect was a man. Many were homosexual encounters gone awry or date-rape situations that escalated. In a scattered few, the victim was preyed upon because of a mental handicap. The attack Friday, near 200 South and 800 East, has police puzzled at the brutality and anxious to catch the culprit.     "We're not sure if the intent was a home-invasion robbery that happened to include a rape or if the sexual assault was the intent and it happened to turn into a robbery," said Salt Lake police detective Dave Timmerman.     Fortunately, the attacker had made a purchase at a nearby convenience store and he was caught on video tape.     Timmerman has a pretty good idea of what the man looks like but no definitive information linking him to a name.     "This was a very opportunistic criminal who was able to take advantage of the situation," Timmerman said.     The attack with the beer bottle made reconstructive surgery on the victim's eye necessary. The repeated stab wounds also nearly killed the man.     Timmerman said a neighbor heard the attack and called for help.     "The guy is very lucky he wasn't killed. If the neighbor hadn't called, it would have been a homicide."     The man left "very close" to the time officers arrived, Timmerman said.     To have a rape in conjunction with a robbery is rare, the detective said. It is even more rare for that crime to be committed against a male victim.     As reluctant as female victims have been to come forward after they've been sexually assaulted, rape specialists estimate that hesitancy more than doubles when the victim is a man.     "It is underreported by a tremendous percentage," said Dave Debner.     Although the assault is forced sex, it is more than anything else an issue of power and control for the attacker, Debner said. That doesn't change regardless of the gender of the victim, he said.     Timmerman said the victim recovered from Friday's attack enough to be discharged from the hospital Wednesday for in-home recuperation.     Police hope anyone with information on the attacker will either call Timmerman during daytime hours at 799-3749, or dispatch at 799-3000.     The man is described as dark-skinned, about 25, 5 feet, 6 inches tall, with a muscular build, shaved head, goatee beard, brown hair, wearing a black sleeveless shirt and baggy black shorts.                                             

 

UTAHNS FOR FAIRNESS TO MEET ON THURSDAY JULY 15 The next meeting of Utahns for Fairness is scheduled for Thursday July 15 at 7 p.m. at the ACLU building (355 N 300 W) in Salt Lake.  Anyone interested is invited and urged to attend the meeting and to get involved in this new organization formed to combat the anti-gay efforts of the LDS (Mormon) church. WHAT IS UTAHNS FOR FAIRNESS? On Thursday July 8 a meeting was held in Salt Lake City to discuss ways that people in Utah can act to respond to the anti-gay efforts of the LDS (Mormon Church) in California.  A California ballot measure aimed at prohibiting same-sex marriage will be voted on March 7, 2000 and the church has been urging and pressuring members of the church in California to support the initiative.  Reports have come in indicating that bishops and stake residents are directly contacting members to pressure them to donate money to the initiative effort.  Those same reports indicated that leaders of California wards, branches and stakes have even been given quota amounts they are expected to raise for the anti-gay side of the ballot measure fight. At the July 8 meeting in Salt Lake, it was decided to form a new organization called Utahns for Fairness, a name that imitates 'Californians for Fairness', the organization that is fighting the California measure.  Jared Wood was elected the new organization's chairperson and then five committees were formed: a letter-writing committee, a 'message' committee, a general organizing committee and a media committee. One of the key goals is to draw media attention to what the church is doing in California.  A lot of people who would disapprove of what the church is doing are very likely unaware of what is going on and the media can help get the word out. Among ways that were discussed to let the church know how many of us disapprove of their actions and how angry we are: writing letters to the editor; holding public demonstrations or actions about the issue;  and writing letters to the church. DEMONSTRATIONS BEING PLANNED Demonstrations are being planned for Pioneer Day (July 24), at the Days of 47 Parade, and for the October General Conference of the church in Salt Lake. More details on those actions will be sent out via email as they become available. PHONE TREE Utahns for Fairness will also be using a phone tree to get the word out about things that are happening in California and about actions and efforts in Utah.  If you would like to be on the phone tree (you may not check your email in time to hear about something), send your name and phone number to Kathy at KathyWUT@aol.com or call it in to her at 801-963-7922 or call THE CENTER with it at 539-8800.   Be sure to give your name and number and say you want to be on the Utahns for Fairness phone tree. 'RESIGN FROM THE CHURCH' CAMPAIGN One of the campaigns to send the church a message had begun even before the July 8 meeting.  People who are members of the church but who want to have their names removed from church records are urged to do that now, especially as part of a campaign to send a message to church headquarters. (the easiest way to get your name removed from the church is with a notarized letter) Kathy Worthington of Salt Lake is coordinating a letter writing campaign, collecting letters or copies of letters from people who are asking to have their names removed from church records. As of July 13, THIRTY NINE people had pledged to write those letters, and Worthington says she's hoping to get 60 to 100 letters before she goes public with them. Sometime in late July Worthington and other activists will go public with the letters, to let the media and public know how many people are so unhappy with the church that they no longer want to be connected to the church in any way.  Most of the people writing letters to have their names removed from church membership rolls live in Utah, but there are also people from California - San Jose, Richmond, San Francisco and Oakland - and from other areas: Boise, Tulsa, and Possom Trot, Kentucky!

 

David Nelson wrote press release To the Pillar (Salt Lake City) BRADLEY JOIN PRIDE AND AIDS EVENTS SALT LAKE CITY - Mayoral candidate Jim Bradley joined on June 13 thousands of Utahns at the annual gay and lesbian Pride Celebration at city hall where he discussed his ideas for the city and met hundreds of enthusiastic supporters and voters. Several biking and inline-skating campaign staffers and supporters joined the Pride Parade earlier that day, and answered questions and registered voters throughout the day at the celebration campaign exhibit. “Jim Bradley remains committed to continuing his support of matters which are important to us,” gay campaign Director of Communications David Nelson said. “His choice to cut short his attendance at an out-of-town family event and join the celebration is evidence of his strong support of gay and lesbian Salt Lakers.” Bradley and campaign staffers also attended on June 11 a reception for parade Grand Marshall and television actor Dan Butler, and met on June 19 with hundreds of Utah AIDS Foundation “Walk For Life” participants at a popular campaign-sponsored event water station. Members of the campaign Gay and Lesbian Focus Group hosted on June 27 a well-attended meet-the-candidate coffee reception with Bradley at A Cup of Joe cafe where he discussed his ideas for the city and met with supporters and voters. Thom Lundstrom, Todd Mangum M.D., Becky Moss and Kelli Peterson agreed in June to serve as additional focus-group members. “As our campaign progresses, we hope to show that Jim Bradley has an unsurpassed record on gay and lesbian issues,” campaign Manager Deeda Seed said. “He’s the only mayoral candidate who has made equal rights for gay and lesbian people a reality, not just a promise.” Bradley served in 1992 as a Salt Lake County commissioner when he cast the deciding and historic vote to ban discrimination against gay and lesbian people among others in county-government employment and services.

 

16 July 1999 Friday

John F Kennedy Jr, son of President John F Kennedy was killed in an airplane crash off of Martha’s Vineyard .He was only 38. His wife Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and her older sister were also killed. On July 18 in 1969 his uncle Teddy Kennedy crashed his car at Chappaquiddick and killed Mary Jo Kopechne. 

 

Letter:  God's law not a dilemma When LDS or other Christian parents learn that one of their children has determined to act upon their same sex desires, they have a very difficult decision.  Do they support their child in their actions or do they support their child in spite of their actions? The Watts in a recent letter to the editor state, "the LDS Church is unwittingly creating a dilemma for all its families with gay and lesbian members."  The LDS Church did not create the dilemma; the child did when they first disclosed their sexual preference and their decision to act upon their same sex attractions. Family members are not placed in the uncomfortable position of having to choose between the civil rights of their gay family member or the church policy, as stated by the Watts.  This is a matter of spiritual rights, which are not determined by the courts, but by God as revealed through scripture and prophets. Acting upon one's same sex desires is not a God-given right, but may ultimately become a civil right.  But the dilemma will still be there:  When faced with a situation where behavior is in opposition to belief, we will either change our actions to comply with our beliefs or change our beliefs to conform to our actions.  In my view, society would not be best served by encouraging "gays and lesbians to pursue committed monogamous relationships" with each other.  The integrity of the family and of society is maintained by adherence to God's laws. – Gary L. Leavitt, Orem

 

Mark Angus wrote To those of you interested in Utahns for Fairness: I think the best way to approach the Mormons on this issue is through educating them on the benefits it has for society and of the misconceptions they might have about it. Here is a sample of my thoughts. Please send me your ideas, additional benefits, misconceptions and statistics.

 

To all those who would oppose same-sex marriage: Same-sex marriage offers many benefits to society: It provides children who would otherwise be raised by a single parent with two loving parents who have a double income to help provide for them. It provides homosexual individuals with a loving, monogamous sexual relationship that is recognized and supported by the society.

It reduces promiscuity and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases  (STDs). It sends a positive message to the society that homosexuals are the same as everyone else except for their sexual orientation. This establishes dignity and respect for homosexual relationships which can then provide positive role models for gay children and teenagers. When homosexuals are treated equally with dignity and respect in the society, then gay children and teenagers will not become victims of peer abuse. This will have the effect of abolishing the high rate of suicide among gay teenagers. Currently one third of all teenagers who commit suicide are gay. The society benefits from treating everyone equally and ensuring that everyone has access to the same rights and privileges. When a minority group feels persecuted, is denied basic rights and privileges that everyone else enjoys, is treated as second class, immoral and even subhuman it will act out with fierce defiance and violence. Same-sex marriage offers homosexual adults and their children their greatest developmental potential and stability thus creating greater social order. Misunderstandings about same-sex marriage: It is not a special right it is an equal right. Homosexual parents do not produce homosexual children. All homosexuals come from heterosexual unions. Child abuse occurs almost exclusively by heterosexual adults. Same-sex marriage does not damage heterosexual marriage, create confusion or wreak social distress. Many progressive countries have legalized same-sex marriage and they are reaping the benefits it brings to their social order. Same-sex marriage is not allowed between blood relatives. It follows the same rules as does heterosexual marriage. Same-sex marriage does not automatically allow for a couple to adopt children. Adoption is controlled by separate laws. I hope this information will be used to enlighten those  who speak against same-sex marriage in fear and ignorance. Sincerely Mark N. Angus

 

19 July 1999 Monday

CALIFORNIA BATTLE OVER SAME-SEX MARRIAGE  -  THE MORMON CHURCH California Battle: Same Sex Marriage A heated political battle is underway in California over the issue of same-sex marriage. Part of that battle pits gay activists against members of the LDS Church. For one side of this debate, it's a case of a church going too far. For the other, it's a matter of free speech. News Specialist Nadine Wimmer went to California and has the first in a series of in-depth reports. LDS Church leaders call this a moral fight for the family. But one San Francisco city leader and gay activists say it's a political fight, where the church has overstepped its bounds. The city by the bay...known for its sights, seafood and stronghold of liberal politics. It's here where gay and lesbian activists oppose a statewide initiative to recognize only marriage between a man and a woman. Mike Marshall, of "Californians for Fairness" says, "Its sole purpose is to denigrate a category of California citizens, gays and lesbians." Rob Stutzman, the initiative campaign manager says, "The reason it's on the ballot is the moral imperative to have marriage remain as it has since about the beginning of time. “Both sides are preparing campaign letters and signs. Supporters, backed by a heavy hitting campaign firm, have collected more than 700,000 signatures, and support from dozens of churches, including the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with its 740,000 California members. In fact, California church leaders were instructed to read a letter from the First Presidency at the pulpit asking members to "do all you can by donating your means and time to assure a successful vote." "It doesn't try to tell anyone how they should live their life. It merely is forward looking and trying to keep things as they are." "It's really intruding into politics of California in an inappropriate manner, given the Church doesn't really have a presence in this state. "The issue has now come all the way to California's state capitol, where the Attorney General has been asked to investigate whether LDS leaders crossed the line separating church and state. One San Francisco lawmaker points out that the LDS Church enjoys tax exempt status as a so-called "501-C-3" organization. He wants to know if the church violated that status by the way leaders got involved on this issue. Supervisor Mark Leno, of San Francisco, says, "That they would be able to weigh in on a particular vote and ask for money in the same letter as a501C-3 organization, it got my curiosity. “But to initiative supporters, his actions look like a deliberate attack on a church's right of free speech. "If he's suggesting that people of faith do not have a place of discussing public policy in the public square, then that's alarming. “To this point, LDS Church leaders have responded in a statement that, the church is simply adding its voice to a broad-based coalition of many who fee lstrongly about preserving the traditional family .Is the LDS Church on firm ground in this moral and political fight? We'll have arguments from both sides in our next report.

 

20 July 1999 Tuesday

It’s been 30 years since I sat in Mom and Dad’s living room and watched on television the first landing on the moon by Astronaut Armstrong.

 

 KSL STORY, PART TWO  (what a waste of time, nothing new!)California Battle Over Same Sex Marriage Te LDS Church is under attack in California for its involvement in a fight over same sex marriage. Because of that involvement, the church could face a challenge to itstax-exempt status. Is this a religious or political battle? News Specialist Nadine Wimmer just returned from San Francisco, California, where the sides have squared off. It’s both political and religious. But in this case, the fight seems to center on one religious group, the LDS Church. San Francisco's gay and lesbian activists are ready to campaign against a California initiative that would recognize marriage only between a woman and man. Several churches openly support the measure including, Catholics, Baptists and Muslims in California. But criticism has been aimed almost exclusively on the LDS church. What drew the ire of some city leaders was a letter that went out to California ward houses, urging members to give their time and means to support the marriage initiative. Initiative organizer Rob Stutzman says churches have the right to have a voice." This isn't like endorsing a candidate, this is weighing in on a public policy of moral gravity here in California," he says. But a San Francisco city leader disagrees. Supervisor Mark Leno has asked California's attorney general and the IRS to investigate whether the LDS church's efforts violate its tax-exempt status. "Whatever the IRS has established as the playing field, we all need to be on the same page," he says. Opponents say what sets the LDS Church apart from other religious groups is its past record of aggressive support in other states. The LDS Church donated more than $1-million to defeat same-sex marriage campaigns in Alaska and Hawaii .Mike Marshall, of "Californians for Fairness" says, "They're not a big part of the electorate, so that doesn't concern me, but the money does." But initiative supporters see action against the LDS Church as a thinly veiled threat. "Frankly, that's chilling. That an elected official of government would try to turn the power of investigative government on people of faith because they, in their own houses of worship, care to discuss an issue of moral relevance." Both sides believe the vote, scheduled during a presidential primary next March, will cost millions of dollars and spark heated debate. Activists say, "First of all, we're right, they're wrong, that helps to star tout with." A campaign firm says, "We'll be busy trying to match them dollar for dollar. We think that will be necessary." LDS Church leaders issued a statement saying the church is simply adding its voice to a broad-based coalition of many who feel strongly about preserving the traditional family. But opponents argue a repeat of its past involvement would defeat the purpose of a statewide initiative. "It's not a reflection of the will of the people of California, it's  a reflection of the will of the Elders of the Mormon Church." Financial disclosure forms are due this month. Supporters say they'll show the LDS Church has donated no money to the initiative. The only effort thus far, has been the letter sent out by the Area Presidency, which was read in California ward houses.

 

A California church member reported on a Mormon internet list on Monday, 21 June 1999, that the day before, Sunday the 20th, that at the beginning of Sunday School he and several ward members were invited by a counselor in the bishopric to visit during Sunday School with the bishop in his office. The Bishop talked with them about the fundraising campaign. The bishop told them that gay activists were prepared to spend 10 million dollars to defeat the initiative and that it needed to pass to protect the world that their children would live in. He mentioned gay activism in the San Francisco area as a problem. The bishop told them, the author of the-mail post reported, that the fundraising effort was being done under the authority of the Area Presidency, and that the First Presidency was supportive. The bishopric would provide later the information as to where to send the money  and told the group that the money would not be tax deductible. He also told them that there would be no pressure to donate, nor any ecclesiastical repercussions for not donating. The post further reported the specific dollar amount that was being assessed the Stake, as well as the specific amount that had been assigned to his ward, but, to protect his identity, I have declined to state those dollar figures. The bishop also told them that he could not say anything about this over the pulpit. The bishop stated that Salt Lake [presumably Church headquarters]wants to make sure this proposition passes since California sets patterns for the nation and if California supported same sex marriage, the rest of the country would follow. The bishop told the group in his office that thiswas the right thing to do since it was in accordance with the Proclamation on the Family.-- A woman reported in an e-mail post about a phone conversation with a friend on Monday, 21 June 1999, about what happened in her friend's ward. The bishop made a presentation on the initiative in Relief Society. After the bishop left, two women in the group made public comments expressing concern about the church interfering with their right to decide the issue and vote freely.  A third woman, a visitor in the ward, also described the private meetings the leaders were having with church members to request donations. At the close of the meeting, the Relief Society president defended the initiative as a moral cause, as well as the methods the church is using to support it financially.--  A priesthood quorum leader reported in a post dated 22 June 1999 that the request for financial contributions to support the passage of the initiative was on the agenda for "next Sunday's" meeting of the bishop and the other leaders of organizations for adults in his local ward.--  One person in an e-mail post on 22 June 1999 reported that his Stake President had discussed the letter of May 11th with Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who reportedly confirmed to the Stake President that the letter was to be read. Elder Maxwell said these things were done with his approval.-- On 24 June 1999, a priesthood leader in the greater Los Angeles Area reports that his ward had been given an assessment of $10,000.  He also reported that the Stake President told the bishops that the direction to become involved had come directly from Gordon B. Hinckley, the President of the Mormon Church.-- A poster on the internet writes on 27 June 1999 that the priesthood meeting he attended in San Diego County that day was used to explain that the church had "authorized members" to support the Knight initiative.-- In a post to an online group, one writer on 28 June 1999 described a a conversation with a relative who is a bishop in California. He reported that the bishop said that the goal for funds to be raised from the stake required an average donation of $250.00 from each family, with the better off being asked to donate more, the less well-off less.-- The Saturday, 3 July 1999 issue of the Los Angeles Times features an article by Larry Stammer, a LA Times religion writer. Titled "No End to Dissent", the article describes the battle over rights for gays and lesbians in several religious denominations. Stammer identifies as backers of the Knight initiative "the California Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes called the Mormons) and the Assemblies of God and the Assemblies of God Northern California/Nevada District." Elder Douglas L. Callister [who is not otherwise identified in the article, but is an Area Authority Seventy of the Mormon Church] was interviewed.  Stammer writes, "Asked about the Mormon church's support of the March ballot measure against recognizing same-sex marriages, Elder Douglas L. Callister said that traditional marriage between a man and a woman is at stake. 'It's whether or not marriage means anything at all,' Callister said. 'This is very painful for us. We do not get involved in these [issues] unless we think it is a moral issue, not a political issue. We are not anti-gay. WE have many finefriends that are in the gay community and do not wish to be their adversaries...but our concern is the thing we believe we are defending --traditional marriage. This is a moral issue and we wish we did not live ina society in which we felt it was being attacked.'"

 

22 July 1999 Thursday

Utahns for Fairness meeting 7pm upstairs at the ACLU Building. Become a part of the organization that is working to counteract the anti-gay efforts of the LDS (Mormon) church.

 

SUBSTITUTE HATE CRIMES LEGISLATION INTRODUCED BY SENATOR HATCH EXCLUDES SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER, AND DISABILITY Hatch's Proposal Fails to Address the Crisis of Hate Violence in this Country, HRC Says WASHINGTON - Senator Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, introduced substitute hate crimes legislation yesterday, that does not adequately address the problem of hate violence in this country, according to HRC. Hatch's new legislation, which could be offered as an amendment onto the Commerce, State, Justice Appropriation Bill as early as today, does not expand current law to cover sexual orientation, gender, and disability. Hatch's introduction of the legislation appears to be an effort to undermine support for the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which does expand categories covered under current law. HCPA could also be offered as an amendment to the appropriations bill today.    "In light of recent brutal anti-gay murders and statistics that show an increase in violent assaults against gay Americans, it is highly irresponsible to exclude sexual orientation from a proposal to combat hate violence,"  said HRC Political Director Winnie Stachelberg.  "I do not understand how Senator Hatch could sit through a hearing and listen to Judy Shepard speak of her murdered gay son, and then offer legislation that does not address the problem of hate violence against gay people."

    The Hatch amendment offers four measures that fail to address the growing trend of hate crimes, according to HRC.  The proposal allows increased financial assistance to state and local law enforcement agencies, to help them investigate and prosecute hate crimes, but only for hate crimes based on race,  religion, and national origin, and does not recognize the federal government's responsibility to address this problem.    "Sexual orientation represents the third highest category of reported hate crimes behind race and religion," said Stachelberg. "Any legislation that fails to include sexual orientation, gender and disability is totally unacceptable. Under the Hatch proposal, a hate crimes victim will have nowhere to turn if local officials are unwilling or unable to prosecute his or her case."    The new Hatch legislation directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to perform an analysis of the record of prosecutions in hate crime jurisdictions versus non-hate crime jurisdictions.  Data from the 1990 Hate Crime Statistics Act will be used to draw conclusions.  The problem is, the Hate Crime Statistics Act is voluntary and inconsistent, leaving an incomplete picture of hate crimes in America, says HRC. For instance, in 1997, the latest reporting period, two states - Hawaii and New Hampshire -- did not participate in reporting. Three states -- Alabama, Mississippi and Arkansas-- each reported zero hate crimes.    "We already know hate crimes are a national problem," said Stachelberg. "How many more people will have to lose their lives or be violently assaulted while we further study this issue?"     Hatch has questioned the constitutionality of HCPA. However, HCPA is fully consistent with established constitutional law, including First Amendment precedent (R.A.V. v. City of St. Paul and Wisconsin v. Mitchell) and the Supreme Court's decision in United States v. Lopez. The existing statute, which HCPA amends, has been upheld under the Commerce Clause, section 5 of the Fourteenth Amendment and the Thirteenth Amendment. Furthermore, several experts testified on the constitutionality of HCPA including: Eric Holder, deputy attorney general; Jeanine Ferris Pirro, Republican district attorney of Westchester County, N.Y.; and Burt Neuborne, constitutional law professor at New York University Law School.    The Senate has previously supported federal hate crime legislation similar to HCPA.  In 1996, the Senate, including Sen. Hatch, voted 98-0 to pass the Church Arson Prevention Act.  The Church Arson Prevention Act clarified and expanded the federal role in the investigation and prosecution of bias crimes based on ethnic or racial animus targeted at religious property.  While the  HCPA does not cover property - only crimes against persons resulting in death or bodily injury - both amendments contain identical language regarding federal authority.    A July 20 "Dear Colleague" letter signed by Sens. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., Gordon Smith, R-Ore.; Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.; Ron Wyden, D-Ore.; James Jeffords, D-Vt.; Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.; Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.; and Minority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D.; urged support for passage of the HCPA ."Hate crimes are uniquely destructive and divisive," the Senators wrote in their letter.  "They injure not only the victim, but the entire community and sometimes the entire country.  We are writing to urge you to support the Hate Crimes Prevention Act Amendment."    The Hate Crimes Prevention Act has strong support from President Clinton and the administration has made passage a priority. The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian and gay political organization, with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that lesbian and gay Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.

 

23 July 1999 Friday

ABOUT THE MORMON CHURCH AND THE KNIGHT INITIATIVE IN CALIFORNIA Proof needed about fundraising efforts Does ANYONE have any concrete proof of the fundraising that is reportedly being done by bishops and stake presidents of the LDS (Mormon) church in California?  Anyone have any documents?  Anyone who personally was asked to donate by a bishop or stake president?  Anyone get a letter?  Attend a meeting where it was discussed?  Know which wards or stakes did what?  Can give us the names of the wards or stakes where said fundraising reportedly took place? Several reporters are ready to do the story, if we can help them get some statements or evidence.  It would make the national news if we can get statements or a letter or something.  (a bishop or other person who would be willing to talk, even if "off the record"?)Please respond quicky or call me at 801-963-7922.Kathy Worthington Salt Lake City

 

On Friday night the 23rd of July, the Wasatch Mountain Bears along with other members of the newly formed organization 'Utahns For Fairness', will be gathering in front of the IRS building on Social Hall Avenue to watch the Days of 47 (pioneer day) parade.  If you would like to help us reserve this space, please show up with blankets in hand for a fun night on the streets of SLC.  The next morning (early) we will need help blowing up balloons etc. If you can help with that, please come EARLY @ 7 a.m.   The parade starts at 9 a.m. In order to make our presence known, we will have our "family" stand with multi-colored balloons, arranged like a rainbow flag.  This is a fun gathering only, no shouting or signs, please.  However, if you have a rainbow flag please bring it (only the flag, not the pole). PLEASE, NO SHOUTING--- REMEMBER,  SILENCE  IS POWERFUL. Besides, do we want disruption at next year’s gay pride? What: a "family" gathering GAYS of 47 style (no booze etc) Coolers are welcome especially if you have some Hawaiian Punch ;-) Where:  2nd east between 1st south and south temple (Social Hall Ave),please come and bring all your friends When: Saturday,  early Why: to tell the Church that carpetbagging is unacceptable... that they must, stay out of politics... and back off from supporting the Knight Initiativein California.If you need/require more info, please call the center at 539-8800 after 3 pm See ya there Thanks Kellie Chair, Demonstration Committee Utahns For Fairness

 

24 July 1999 Saturday

INTERWEAVE TO SPONSOR A COMMUNITY DANCE COMMUNITY DANCE JULY 24TH Inspired by the recent national conference for Unitarian-Universalists and their many wonderful dances, members of Salt Lake City's Interweave are sponsoring a Community Dance at the First Unitarian church (569 South 1300 East) on July 24 th from 7pm to 10pm. Gay, straight, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered men and women of all ages are invited. This dance is free, Folks must bring their own drinks and snacks.  We will have a sound system and karaoke set up. Kathy Olsen will be teaching line dancing, two step, and waltz the first hour and a half. Smoking will be allowed outdoors only, and, of course, no under-age drinking will be allowed.   There will be no cover charge, but we'll be collecting donations for Kathy Olsen's time and service. Would you like to help out?   They will be setting up for the dance at 6 p.m. and will need some clean up help at 10:30 p.m.  It would be divine to find someone who wants to put the CD's on for us.  We'll have the music all arranged..... People who want more information can certainly call Tracy at 485-2658 in Salt Lake City. Dress for the dance is casual!

 

UTAH PIONEER DAY TO INCLUDE 'ACTION' TO SEND A MESSAGE TO 'THE CHURCH' If you haven't yet made plans for July 24th, pioneer day, you can consider participating in a rally or protest or other action that will be scheduled for that day.  I will send details later.  Not everyone, of course, will want to participate in whatever it is we do.  We know that not everyone is that out and not everyone is in favor of that type of action.  That's cool. Some people don't want to say or do anything about what the Mormon church is doing.  Some people probably even dislike all the emails about it.  And some people really like hearing about what's going on and they want to take some action to let the church know how heartily they disapprove of religious groups that work hard to limit other people's civil rights.  It is important that people in the GLBT community strive to understand and accept that we don't all agree on tactics, methods and goals.  Some GLBT people don't even think we should want to have legal recognition of our relationships.

 

PIONEER DAY9 a.m. til  ??? Protest/action regarding the Mormon church and same-sex marriage at the Days of 47 parade in downtown SLC.  For more information, call The Center at539-8800 or write to Kellie at ghashang@netscape.net

 

GAY GROUP URGES GAYS TO LEAVE LDS CHURCH IN PROTEST By Alan Edwards Deseret News staff writer      A Utah homosexual advocacy group is encouraging members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to leave the church as a way to protest its support of a California ballot initiative outlawing gay marriage. "It's a liberating step for people to leave behind a church that has become a source of pain and grief and sorrow," said Kathy Worthington, a lesbian and former church member who is directing the effort. Worthington said that in two weeks of word-of-mouth advertising she has received about 40 letters of "resignation," as she puts it, which she forwards on to church headquarters. She said she anticipates hundreds more as the effort gets coverage in the gay and lesbian press.      Most of those requesting that their names be removed from membership records are gay or lesbian.      An official statement from the LDS Church issued Friday said, "We regret that any member would asked to have his or her name removed from our records because the church has joined a coalition . . .  to oppose same gender marriage.      "In the face of organized efforts to redefine marriage, the church has no doctrinal choice but to defend the traditional family," the statement said.      "President Gordon B. Hinckley has observed, 'Our hearts reach out to those who struggle with feelings of affinity for the same gender. We remember you before the Lord, we sympathize with you, we regard you as brothers and sisters. However, we cannot condone immoral practices on your part any more than we can condone immoral practices on the part of others.' "      David Ensign drove from Boulder, Colo., to personally deliver his letter requesting removal of his name from church records.      "It was well worth traveling all that way," he said. "It is an outrage that the Mormons have been working to control state policy. . .  . The Mormon Church has been abusing its power." Ensign, Worthington and others held a press conference Friday to publicize what they're doing.      The group takes issue with the church's support of the Protection of Marriage Initiative, sponsored by California state Republican Sen. Pete Knight, which states that "only a marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized" in that state.      Same-sex marriage is not legally sanctioned in California or any other state. Defeat of the initiative would not legalize homosexual marriage, but proponents hope to rebuff any future attempts to do so.      Californians will vote on the measure on March 7, 2000.

 

WASATCH AFFIRMATION Annual Pioneer Daze Party at Duane's 630 pm RSVP  486-6977 by July 22. BYOM (meat for the barbecue) and potluck dish Community Bardick Circle 7-10 pm coffee shop at the Center

 

The Trapp presents hot go go boys at 10:15pm

 

JULY 24 PARADE ACTION  WILL NOT BE A DEMONSTATIONI just got a note from a list reader who has been involved with Utahns for Fairness, the organization that is planning the 'action' at the Days of 47parade in Salt Lake City on July 24.  Apparently there is just going to be a 'peaceable' presence at the parade, not a demonstration.  Personally, I was glad to hear that as I was feeling a bit uncomfortable about the plans for a demonstration. I hadn't gotten recent stuff from the organizers, though. I would sure hate to have anti-gay folks show up for our Pride Parade or celebration every year, wouldn't you?   When I pictured a demonstration at the parade, I just didn't feel very good about it.  I'm glad to hear it is just going to be a "peaceable presence."  Wish I didn't work nights so I could go the Utahns for Fairness meetings and keep up on this stuff . . .  have not been getting regular updates from anyone in this new organization. I recommend you call the Community Center at 539-8800 for more information. Kathy Worthington

 

 UTAH   ACTIVISTS QUIT LDS CHURCH OVER CALIFORNIA LETTER BY HANNAH WOLFSON THE ASSOCIATED PRESS    Several dozen people have requested their names be removed from the Mormon church's membership rolls to protest the organization's support for a California initiative that would ban same-sex marriages, gay activists announced Friday.    "It is an outrage that the church has been working to control state policy on secular marriage," said Dave Ensign, who came to Salt Lake City from Boulder, Colo., to present his request to church officials in person. He was joined by a handful of other church members at a press conference at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Utah.    Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently sent a letter to 740,000 California members asking them "to do all you can by donating your means and time to assure a successful vote" on the March 2000 measure that would forbid gay marriages.    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.    "This was like the last straw for people," said Kathy J. Worthington, who is coordinating the dropout campaign. She said people were saying, "I am so tired of this, I don't want to be apologizing for being a Mormon anymore, I don't want to be connected with that anymore."    Worthington said 30 to 40 letters requesting release from the rolls had been sent since the campaign started two weeks ago, and that she had promises from three dozen more. She also said she expects hundreds more as the campaign grows.    Mormon leaders were unavailable for comment Friday due to a state and church holiday to celebrate the founding of Utah.    Worthington dropped her own Mormon affiliation in the 1970s to protest the church's exclusion of blacks from church leadership -- a policy since reversed. She said she hopes a drop in membership will also force the organization to question its stand on the issue.    "But of course, if it sends any kind of a message, then that achieves something," she said.    Many who made the decision to withdraw have already been inactive in the church for many years, and said their formal notice is mostly symbolic. But for others, the choice was harder.    Kathleen Griffith McGuire was raised and married in the Mormon church and remained active through the beginning of this year, though she came out as a lesbian many years ago. Two of her three children are still members; the youngest is to be baptized next year.    "My family is LDS, I was raised LDS, so it's really hard to leave that behind," she said. But she and her husband, who is bisexual and also Mormon (they have pledged to stay together despite their orientations) have asked that their names be removed from the rolls.    "We believe God loves his children, regardless of their sexual orientation," McGuire said. "But the LDS church insists on negating that love by furthering a gospel of alienation against gays, lesbians and bisexuals."    She added that church leaders should "open an honest dialogue within its ranks and within this community."    Others weren't so optimistic about a change.    "I don't care what other people do with their lives, why do you care somuch what I do?" said Royal Thackrell of Salt Lake City. "You go back to your temples and pray and do whatever you want to do. Just leave me out of it.    "Has the church forgotten how persecuted they were at one time?    California law already says marriage must be between a man and a woman. The initiative sponsored by state Sen. Pete Knight would reaffirm that only heterosexual marriages are legally binding. Defeat of the initiative would not legalize gay marriage in California.

 

UTAH   STATE'S SUICIDE RATE IS ALARMING OFFICIALS Utah's suicide rate alarming officials Researchers find its leading cause of death for males By Dennis Romboy Deseret News staff writer      Utah's suicide rate is 10th highest in the nation and the leading cause of death for males ages 15 to 44, findings that continue to alarm public health workers collecting data for a fall report.      The state's suicide rate exceeds the national rate by 30 percent, according to the Utah Department of Health.      "We're losing a lot of our youth, a lot of young males to suicide," said Trish Keller, manager of the health department's injury prevention program. She added, It's a "major public health problem."      Public health workers have spent the past three years getting into victims' heads through remaining family, friends and associates as part of a youth suicide study. A final report is expected in September.     

Officials are particularly concerned about the 13-to-21 age group, in which 162 young people took their own lives between April 1996 and May 1999.      One thing officials do know is that men are more likely to commit suicide than women, even though women contemplate it more.      Slightly less than 30 percent of females seriously considered suicide during the past 12 months compared to 16.4 percent of males, according to a1997 U.S. Centers for Disease Control survey of students.      The disparity has the health department perplexed.    

 "We don't know what accounts for it, quite frankly," Keller told the Health and Human Services Interim Committee this week.      She noted that men tend to use deadlier means (handguns), mask their emotional struggles and ignore crisis centers. "But I couldn't give an exact reason that that's the case."      National studies found that preventative programs such as school education seminars and teen suicide hotlines are ineffective. Efforts should center on finding and treating at-risk teenagers, the studies said.      "Most of those (education programs) don't appear to be very successful," agreed Richard Melton, state deputy health director, adding they’re not typically ongoing but last a day or a week.      In Utah, the health department has attempted to do "psychological autopsies" on suicide victims ages 13 to 21 since 1996. Researchers are delving into their lives through relatives, friends, teachers, co-workers, clergy and anyone else who had close contact with the person in the six months before the death.      The idea is to come up with a profile of suicide victims, understand their relationships with the community and uncover barriers to intervention. A task force intends to use the information to develop a prevention program that works.      While the health department has few answers, it has plenty of statistics. Preliminary results of the study show 65 percent of victims had trouble with the law; 41 percent needed social services and 40 percent were expelled or suspended from school.      But "we can't just say all of these kids are problem or at-risk youth because they're not," Keller said. The 1999 Legislature recognized Utah's escalating problem and encouraged efforts to find effective prevention and treatment. Whether that translates into increased funding next year remains to be seen.      Melton said it's too early to tell whether the health department will ask the Legislature next year to commit more money.      The department could shift some of its funds to suicide prevention, though it doesn't have much to work with. "Clearly, we haven't put a lot of dollars into that so there won't be big dollars for us to redirect," he said.

 

25 July 1999 Sunday

MORMON CHURCH LEADERS SAY THEY REGRET PROTEST THE DAILY HERALD  LDS Church 'regrets' exodus over gay issue By PAUL FOY Associated press Writer SALT LAKE CITY - LDS Church leaders say they regret a protest by dozens of dissident members trying to quit the church because of its campaign in California against gay marriages. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement Saturday saying it was defending the "traditional family" by pushing for a California ballot initiative that seeks to preempt legalized same-gender marriages. Church spokesman Dale Bills said written demands by gay members and others to be removed from church membership roles will be referred to local bishops and stake leaders for a decision. The dissidents say the church crossed a line by asking its 740,000 California members to "do all you can" to assure passage of the initiative. “We regret that any member would ask to have his or her name removed from our records because the church has joined a coalition in California to oppose same-gender marriage," the church said Saturday from its headquarters in Salt Lake City. “In the face of organized efforts to redefine marriage, the church has no doctrinal choice but defend the traditional family," the statement said. Also Saturday, Bills sought to clarify how the church contacted California members for their support. Bishops and stake leaders read a church letter to the 740,000 California members in congregations, but the church did not mail letters to each members some news reports have suggested, Bills said. The appeal asks members "to do all you can by donating your means and time to assure a successful vote" on California's March 2000 ballot measure. Saturday’s church statement also quoted President Gordon B. Hinckley saying, “Our hearts reach out to those who struggle with feelings of affinity for the same gender. We remember you before the Lord, we sympathize with you, we regard you as our brothers and sisters. However, we cannot condone immoral practices on your part anymore than we can condone immoral practices on the part of others. “Gay activists say several dozen dissidents have requested their names be removed from the Mormon church's membership rolls and that dozens more are likely to follow.

 

WARDLES THINK PARENTS SHOULD NOT BE SUPPORTIVE OF GAYCHILDREN - unless the gay children hate being gay and try not to be  By Lynn and Marian Wardle the letter of Gary and Millie Watts published on Wednesday caused us to ponder with compassion the plight of parents whose children (and children whose parents or siblings) have chosen to pursue a homosexual lifestyle. We live in very difficult times for families, and the painful consequences of some of the stresses and enticements hurt many people in many families. If there is an answer to those tragic situations, it is to be found in love -in loving the family member who is caught in the snare of the sexual evils that beset our society. We must love them enough to reach out and try to help them turn their lives around despite the anguish and disappointment that their choices may have caused. We must love them enough to not endorse or excuse their mistakes, but to help them overcome them. As well-intentioned as parents may be, however, to justify a child’s homosexual or other extramarital sexual behavior would not help the child in either the short- or long-term. A proud parent or sibling would make a serious mistake in excusing a family member's adultery, or in arguing that laws condemning adultery should be repealed, that adultery should be given legal endorsement or in demanding that their church alter its old-fashioned teachings against adultery which cause their family member to feel uncomfortable. Likewise, well-meaning statements by families of gays and lesbians that homosexual behavior is justifiable, that laws should allow same-sex marriage or domestic partnership, that society should endorse gay couples or that their churches should change their old-fashioned teachings against homosexual behavior that cause discomfort to gays and lesbians are also clearly misguided. Such criticisms of marriage laws and of church statements in defense of marriage are mistaken and come at a very dangerous time in our nation's history. Our society faces a very critical moral issue: The preservation of marriage - a moral institution that is the foundation of our beleaguered families and the basic unit of our stressed social structure. Marriage is a unique relationship. The union of a man and a woman is the essence of marriage. Men and women are different, and unions of a man and a woman fundamentally differ from same-gender unions. Same-sex unions are not marriages and labeling them as "marriages" would be consumer fraud. Same-sex marriage is not and has never been a civil right. Proposals to legalize same-sex marriage suggest a radical social experiment that would seriously damage the institution of marriage, sow confusion, and wreak social distress. The primary victims of that dangerous experiment would be the most vulnerable in our society. Marriage is also more than an ordinary private contract. It is a highly preferred, carefully regulated public status; the oldest, most important special preference in the law. Claims for same-sex marriage are not claims for tolerance or equality, but demands for a special, highly preferred legal status - because marriage is just that. It is not always easy to love someone who has made wrong choices. The easy way - justifying and excusing the loved one's inappropriate behavior - is not the right way. The higher and harder road of love requires an effort to reach out to reclaim, rather than to rationalize. Lynn Wardle, a BYU law professor, and his wife, Marian, are Provo residents.

 

26 July  1999 Monday

GAY COMMUNITY CENTER Coming Out Support Group 7pm upstairs at the Center

 

KATHY WORTHINGTON TO SPEAK AND SHOW SHORT VIDEOAT THE WEEKLY MEETING OF LGSU AT THE U OF U Men and women of all ages are invited to hear Kathy Worthington of Salt Lake speak tonight at the weekly meeting of the Lesbian and Gay Student Union(LGSU) at the University of Utah.  Worthington will be speaking about the Millennium March on Washington that is scheduled for April 30, 2000 and about a letter writing campaign that she has been coordinating about the Mormon church and same-sex marriage.  She will be showing a ten minute video. LGSU is a social club for University staff and students that meets every Monday in room 1945 of the Language and Communications Building on the U of U campus at 7:30 p.m.  People who are not affiliated with the University are always welcome at LGSU.   For more information, call 461-5059.  (the Language and Communications Building is a short distance south of the Olpin Union Building and right by Orson Spencer Hall.  Public parking is available right by those three buildings.)

 

NEW COMING OUT GROUP AT THE CENTER The Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Utah is excited to announce the formation of a Coming Out Support Group to meet the 4th Monday each month.  This very informal, non-denominational support group will have it’s first meeting Monday July 26, 1999 at 7:00 pm in the Center (361 N300 W in Salt Lake).Coming out is not a single event, but a process and a journey.  It is a road that we are all traveling.  Some are just beginning, others have walked several miles and have come a long way.  Each of us, regardless of our location on this journey, has stories to tell and wisdom to share. Please come share your story, your trials and successes.  Coming out is not an easy process.  The coming out support group is designed to help make it a little easier. There is always someone who can benefit from hearing your story.  You are not alone. Please come to help others realize they are not alone.

 

UTAHNS FOR FAIRNESS The next meeting will be Thursday August 5th at 730pm upstairs at the ACLU Building at 355 North 300 West in SLC.  For more information call The Center at 539-8800.  Everyone welcome. Utahns for Fairness is the new organization that was formed to organize responses to the anti-gay actions of the Mormon (LDS) church. Utahns for Fairness:1)   We believe the Knight Initiative in California must fail because it threatens families and validates bigotry.2)   We welcome all voices to the table, including people of faith, to openly discuss the place and role of sexual minorities in American society.3)   We regret the decision of the LDS hierarchy to circumvent an open discussion and hide behind their members to fund their political agenda in California for the Knight Initiative.4)   We believe families are key to a healthy society.  Families in America include married couples, unmarried couples, gay and lesbian couples, single parents, stepparents, grandparents and many other types of family groupings.  We support laws that protect and strengthen all families.

 

27 July 1999 Tuesday

FROM GARY AND MILLIE WATTS, PROVOSALT LAKE TRIBUNE, Letter: Hurtful Position In asking their California members to donate their "means and time" to see that the Knight initiative, which would outlaw same-sex marriage, passes, the LDS Church is unwittingly creating a dilemma for all its families with gay and lesbian members.  These families are being placed in the uncomfortable position of having to choose between support for the civil rights of their gay members or a church policy bent on destroying those rights.     The church justifies its opposition to same-sex marriage as necessary to protect the sanctity of the family.  We, too, are interested in maintaining the sanctity of our family but current church policy makes it more and more difficult.  Are our gay children's "straight" siblings really supposed to oppose civil rights for their own brothers and sisters?  What are our three sons-in-law supposed to do?  How are our own brothers and sisters and other extended family members to respond?  What about our neighbors and friends? Church efforts to deny civil rights to gays and lesbians add significantly to the struggle for the family solidarity, mutual love and support that we all cherish.     Sometimes, the defense of the traditional family comes at the expense of those of us with non-traditional families.  Does the integrity of our family and other non-traditional families have to be sacrificed or demeaned in an effort to support the traditional nuclear family?     In our view, society would be best served by encouraging gays and lesbians to pursue committed monogamous relationships.  Creating legal obstacles to such relationships will continue to make it difficult for them to form their own family units.  It will also continue to negatively impact every family with a loved gay or lesbian member.  It seems ironic to us that an institution supporting "the family" would take a public policy position that tears at the very fabric of every family with a gay member and denies the right of this small minority to form their own families.– GARY AND MILLIE WATTS, Provo

 

29 July 1999 Thursday

Una Voce Summer Arts in the Park potluck picnic at 6pm bring a blanket. The Utah Opera Chorus will perform at 730pm at Valley           Regional Park 5100 S. 2700 W. for more info call Charles Black 322-2671

 

30 July 1999 Friday

Salt Lake Tribune  July 30, 1999 Letter: Hate Crimes    Mike Frodsham misunderstands the purpose for strengthening national hate-crime laws (Forum, May 7). It's not about punishing violent crimes against minorities more severely. The current debate in Congress on broadening hate-crime laws addresses the problems that might sometime arise in local law enforcement. Most authorities don't even have an adequate understanding of what hate crime is, and they don't collect information for local and national data purposes.    When someone commits a violent act (not "thought") then their motive becomes a factor. This is the case for many crimes, not just hate crimes.    For the sake of civil rights, it must be made easier for the federal government to intervene in cases that are not handled fairly with minorities, such as a few cases brought to light by vigilant organizations where judges proudly admit to giving lesser sentences when the victim is gay, or when apathetic police and prosecutors don't pursue a case.-- FRANKLIN CAHOON, Salt Lake City

 

Letter: Wrong Policy    It was wrong 100 years ago when the LDS Church segregated their Polynesian brothers and sisters to a community west of Salt Lake City, in the desert.    It is wrong today for the LDS Church to spend tithing money to ban same-sex marriage. The fact is, there are millions of gay and lesbian couples living in the U.S.A. Most of them are good people. Why, when they are in committed relationships, should we devalue it? The LDS Church believes being gay is a choice. If that was true, flip the coin and see if as a heterosexual you could become gay. I don't think so. You are who you are.    All I am asking is to love and have tolerance of our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters. They are good people too. They should have the right to be happy and also the right to a loving, committed relationship.-- STEVE DRABNER, Salt Lake City

 

AUGUST

2 August 1999 Monday

TRANSGENDER EDGING INTO 'NORMAL' SOCIETY -  BECOMING A WOMAN Hartford Courant,

When he was 6 years old, Gerard Liesegang began dreaming of becoming a girl. As a teenager, he would sneak off and slip into women's clothing.  As an adult, he continued to struggle with his identity, despite marrying a woman and becoming the father of two adopted children.    

Then, about two years ago, the Woodbury resident stopped dressing as a man, began taking female hormones and changed his name to Jeri Marie.  The journey will be complete in February, when Liesegang's genitals are surgically altered.    

"I feel much more at ease with myself,'' said Liesegang, 49, who has a doctorate in chemistry from the University of Utah.  "I may have been anatomically a male, but that wasn't my gender.''    

Just a few years ago, "gender variant'' people such as Liesegang were consigned to secluded lives on society's margins.  But increasingly they are summoning the strength to demand rights and respect, despite the risk of ridicule, harassment and even violence. 

"We're not some strange group,'' said transgender activist Riki Anne Wilchins, executive director of GenderPAC, a Washington-based advocacy group. "We're the people next door.'' The transgender-rights movement encompasses the broad spectrum of people who live in the space between male and female:  transsexuals, cross-dressers, intersexuals, even men who are scorned as "effeminate'' and women who are derided as "mannish.'' 

Like gays and lesbians, transgender people say they don't choose their identity – they're born with it. 

 The size of the transgender community is impossible to discern.  Tens of thousands of Americans have undergone sex-reassignment surgery over the past four decades, and countless more have chosen to live as members of the opposite sex without entering the operating room. 

The Gender Identity Clinic of New England, based in Manchester, counsels about 35 people each year, most of whom undergo surgery.  But those numbers do not include an incalculable number of people who bend gender rules in private.    

Wilchins believes the discussion should focus on civil rights, "not what we wear or what's between our legs.''   

 Borrowing tactics from feminists and gay rights advocates, transgender activists are demanding action. 

Dozens of the movement's leaders trekked to Washington in May.  They lobbied Congress on a host of issues, including a measure that would include them in the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which now covers only gay and lesbian workers.     Transgender activists also are making their presence known on the state level, going beyond the longtime underground web of groups that offer help as varied as support and makeup tips. 

Liesegang, for instance, recently formed "It's Time, Connecticut!,'' a political advocacy organization.    T

The nascent movement also has notched a number of victories throughout the nation.  Dozens of cities, including Lexington, Ky.; Toledo, Ohio; and Ann Arbor, Mich., prohibit discrimination on the basis of "gender identity.'' Companies such as Lucent Technologies and Apple Computer, and institutions such as Rutgers University all have non-bias policies for their transgender employees. The blurring of traditional gender roles is reflected in popular culture, as well:  Dennis Rodman cavorting in a dress, flamboyant cross-dresser Ru Paul selling lipstick and singer k.d. lang crooning to an audience in a man's suit.    

The Last Minority     Despite the recent strides, members of the movement say much more needs to be done.  Celebrities can cross gender boundaries, but for others, such action is risky.   

 "Gender is the last frontier that no one really wants to deal with,'' Wilchins said.  "We need to get people talking about what it means to express one's gender without paying the price with your job, your family or your life.''    

Gender variant people are perhaps the last minority, one of the few groups that still elicit stares and snickers from a confused public. religious conservatives view them as deviants. 

Tabloid television programs treat them like freaks. And, activists say, politicians such as Gov. John G. Rowland reinforce negative stereotypes.  Rowland has repeatedly refused to sign a gay pride proclamation because it included a reference to transgender people.  The governor said he would have trouble reading such a proclamation to a second-grade class. 

"People have this image of Ru Paul,'' said Kara Russell, 38, an engineer and executive director of the Connecticut Outreach Society, a transgender support group.  "We're much more mainstream than that.  Some of the most conservative people I know are cross-dressers.''   

 Even transgender activists' natural allies within the gay and lesbian community have sometimes shunned them. "The gay movement was started by drag queens and butchy lesbians,''Wilchins said.  "But now, mainstream gay rights groups are turning away. They've adopted an assimilationist strategy that says, 'We're just like straight people, except we sleep with [members of] the same sex.'''    

Publicly, gay rights groups say they support the transgender political agenda.  But some gay and lesbian activists quietly concede that they are not willing to risk their hard-won gains for the much smaller transgender community. 

Never mind cross-dressers and transsexuals:  America, they assert, is still struggling to accept gays and lesbians.  U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., who is gay, put it bluntly last month when he explained why there is no support in Congress for including transgender people in the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.    

"I've talked with transgender activists,'' Frank told Bay Windows, a newspaper for Boston's gay community, "and what they want . . . is for people with penises who identify as women to be able to shower with other women. There are no votes for that.''

  The Restroom Quandary     Transgender activists say they hope their quest for civil rights will give the public a better understanding of who they are.     "If people never meet a transgender person, the whole idea becomes kind of scary,'' Russell said.  "We just want to it to be a little less alien, a little more comfortable.''

 But those who choose to go public face daily struggles – from job discrimination to hassles over using a public restroom.  They are frequent targets of harassment, violence and even murder, advocates say. 

GenderPAC'sWeb site (www.gpac.org) contains a list of dozens of people killed because of their gender identity. In a sense, Liesegang is lucky.  She's a self-employed consultant, so she doesn't have to worry about job discrimination.  And she has never been physically attacked.    

But that doesn't mean life in transition is easy.  At 6 feet 1, with shoulder-length brown hair, perfectly manicured, shell-pink nails and a sweet smile, Liesegang cuts a distinctive figure.  She acknowledges that she doesn't quite "pass'' as a woman:  Her voice gives her away.  "I hear the snickers when I go grocery shopping at Shaw's in Waterbury,'' she said.  "There are other places I just don't go.''    

Liesegang and another transsexual recently stopped for a late meal at a Bristol diner.  A group of seven or eight people walked in and immediately began to hassle Liesegang and her dining partner.  "I hate fags,'' they jeered. Liesegang and her friend ignored the hateful words and finished thei rmeal in silence.  They waited more than an hour after the angry crowd left because they feared the mob might be waiting in the parking lot.    

Calling the police wasn't an option.  "A lot of officers are sensitive ,but you just don't know,'' Liesegang said.  Besides, she added, "In Connecticut, my legal protection is pretty minimal.''    

Even using a public restroom can be an ordeal.  Tired of being hassled ,Liesegang now carries a thick dossier containing her medical records, which she shows when people question her right to use the women's room.  She also brings her driver's license, which identifies her as a female.    

But the most painful struggles have unfolded in private.  Her mother and her sister don't understand her.  And during the transition from male to female, Liesegang agreed to step out of her children's lives. 

She made the difficult decision to spare them embarrassment after her 11- year-old son was pestered and provoked by his baseball teammates.  The boy eventually quit the team.     "I love those kids more than anything,'' said Liesegang, who speaks with her sons every day.  "But I have to do this.''

 

4 August 1999 Wednesday

Victor Mature died today. He was the first male movie star to be labeled a hunk. My favorite movie of his was 1 million B.C from 1940 which also had Carole Landis andLon Chaney Jr.  He’s mentioned in a quip by Michael in Boys in the band.

 

BIG BUCKS FROM A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE GOT KNIGHT INITIATIVE ROLLINGSAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER,

Supporters of ban on gay marriages raising big bucks Zachary Coile, OF THE EXAMINER STAFF Conservative group gears up for 2000 vote in California   

The wallets of a small clique of multimillionaire conservative businessmen from Orange County helped push backers of an initiative to ban gay marriage to a big, early fund-raising advantage.   

As of Monday, the campaign for the Knight initiative had racked up $840,000 in donations in six months, four times as much as the opposition.    The money was raised from about 650 contributors in California. But the largest chunk of cash - $200,000 - came from four donors, all major backers of right-wing Christian causes who together form one of the state's most powerful and conservative political action committees, the California Independent Business PAC.   

The group has rallied behind state Sen. William J. "Pete" Knight, a conservative Republican from Palmdale, who is the leading proponent of the measure, which would affirm that only heterosexual marriages are recognized in California.   

The same group, under a different PAC name, was instrumental in helping elect two dozen conservatives to the Legislature in 1994. Last year, its members spearheaded the drive to get the Knight initiative on the March 7, 2000, ballot. "If it weren't for these three or four guys and Sen. Pete Knight, Californians never would have even thought about an initiative" on gay marriage, said Mike Marshall, the San Francisco-based consultant who is managing the campaign against the Knight initiative. "It wasn't a big issue."   

But by injecting hundreds of thousands of dollars into the campaign, the four men, along with Knight, will force Californians to answer a divisive question: Should gay couples have the legal right to marry?   

The group is led by Howard Ahmanson, heir to the Home Savings & Loan fortune, who now dispenses millions in charitable and political donations through his Irvine-based Fieldstead & Co.   

Ahmanson is also a benefactor of the Christian reconstructionist movement, whose followers wish to turn certain tenets of the Bible into national law, according to Jerry Sloan, a former minister who heads ProjectTocsin, a nonprofit group that tracks the religious right.   

The group also includes Edward Atsinger, owner of dozens of Christian radio stations; Roland Hinz, publisher of magazines including "Dirt Bike" and "Motorcross;" and Richard Riddle, an import-export businessman.   

In 1991, the four men formed the Allied Business PAC, which contributed $4 million to conservative candidates for state Assembly and Senate between1992 and 1998, according to an Examiner analysis. The group also backed anti-abortion and Christian programs, as well as a school-voucher initiative.   

The fifth co-founder of the PAC was Rob Hurtt, owner of a Garden Grove container manufacturing company. Hurtt has taken firm stands against against abortion and homosexuality, and has been a generous donor to the Christian Coalition, the Traditional Values Coalition and Focus on Family, a conservative ministry in Colorado.

   In 1994, 24 of the 34 Republican legislative candidates backed by the group won. Hurtt, who won a special election to the Senate in 1993, staged a coup a year later, ousting moderate Sen. Ken Maddy, R-Fresno, to become Senate Republican minority leader.   

But in 1995 Hurtt also drew gay rights protesters to his Sacramento office when he told the Los Angeles Times that gays were to blame for AIDS.   

"We now have a plague on this earth that they're responsible for," he said. Since then the group's power has waned somewhat. Hurtt resigned his leadership post in 1997 and was defeated for re-election last year.

 Ahmanson, Atsinger, Hinz and Riddle renamed their political action committee CaliforniaIndependent Business PAC and pumped hundreds of thousands of dollars each into it. According to filings with the secretary of state's office, Ahmanson gave $210,000 last year to the campaign and Atsinger gave at least $162,500. The money paid for an expensive signature-gathering drive which helped the measure qualify for the March 7 ballot.

In reports filed Monday, Ahmanson, Atsinger, Hinz and Riddle each gave $50,000 in contributions or no-interest loans, to the campaign in the first six months of this year. The group's contributions equal a little less than one-fourth of the campaign's total haul.  

 Rob Stutzman, spokesman for the pro-initiative campaign, said Tuesday the few large donations shouldn't overshadow the smaller donations made by hundreds of the measure's backers.  "If you look at the report, you'll see that there's well beyond a handful of people" who have made contributions, Stutzman said.   

John Pitney, a political scientist at Claremont McKenna College, said he can envision the opposition campaign using the Allied Business PAC and its ties to conservative politicians and the religious right to energize liberals to oppose the measure.   

"I could see attack ads, where opponents could show a rogue gallery of unpopular figures they have supported in the past that say, "Look at who they supported in the past, and look at what they're bringing us now,' " Pitney said.

 

MORMON CHURCH FUNDRAISING AND COVERUP-  GETTING THE WORD OUT Subject: The church lies and gets caught Yesterday in Newsweek (Aug 9 issue, page 6) the church stated that if donations were being asked for, it was "unfortunate" and against church policy.I am now (two minutes ago) in possession of a copy of a letter, signed by Elder Douglas Callister, an Area Authority 70, addressed to Stake Presidents ,telling them to ask for funds, and how to do it.  It is on the letterhead of the Area Presidency, North America West. He specifically states that he has been asked to do this. I have a fax copy of said letter,   The church spokesman earlier denied to NPR, as well as the SLC Tribune that the church was doing this. This was revealed this morning at 7:30, on NPR, on the program, Morning Edition.  I have ordered a faxed copy of the transcript and a tape copy ofthe broadcast on my credit card. As I speak, copies are being faxed to the networks, CNN and major newspapers around the country.  A small group of folks have been working like dogs to get this out. Kathy Worthington

 

ELIZABETH ARNOLD, host: This is NPR's MORNING EDITION.  I'm Elizabeth Arnold.An initiative to ban gay marriages is due to go on the ballot in California in March of 2000.  But it's already stirring up controversy there and in Utah, largely due to the participation of the Mormon Church in the campaign. The church pumped $11 million into similar campaigns in 1998 in Alaska and in Hawaii.  In both states, the anti-gay marriage initiatives were successful. This time, in California, the Mormon Church, with nearly three-quarters of a million adherents statewide, is taking a different and little less public tack.

From member station KUER in Salt Lake City, Jenny Brundin reports.

JENNY BRUNDIN reporting: At Brigham Young University campus in Provo, Utah, students heading towards the campus library are stopped at the door by 19-year-old Christian Scobi.

Mr.  CHRISTIAN SCOBI: We need all the signatures we can get to show that people still care about families and...

BRUNDIN: He's asking them to sign a petition supporting the natural family, defined as a marriage between a man and a woman.  Scobi and others have been motivated by moves to legalize gay marriages in some states.

Mr.  SCOBI: Same-sex marriages will actually ruin our country just because our country is built on values and those...

BRUNDIN: Virtually everyone who's asked signs.  It's not a tough sell in a state where 70 percent of residents are Mormon and most support the traditional family.  High-ranking church official Lance Wickman says the church has joined a broad-based coalition, including Muslims, evangelical Christians and Catholic bishops, backing California's initiative to ban gay marriages.

Mr.  LANCE WICKMAN (Church Official): The church's involvement in this traditional marriage is one of the rare instances in which the church does speak out on a political issue.  And it does so simply because it sees traditional marriage, that is marriage between a man and a woman, as one of the cornerstones, if not the cornerstone, of our society and civilization.

BRUNDIN: In 1998, the Mormon Church contributed more than half of the funds raised in similar campaigns in Alaska and Hawaii.  In this California campaign, church officials sent out letters asking California Mormons to donate their time and means to support the initiative.  Another letter sent to some California members asks them to contribute a specific amount of money, ranging from 30 to $250.  Church leader Wickman said these letters asking for specific dollar amounts go against church policy.

Mr.  WICKMAN: Anything like that that has occurred has been rare and exceptional.  Members were invited to make contributions themselves directly to the coalition in any amounts that they feel is appropriate.

BRUNDIN: Wickman claimed the church had no other involvement in fund-raising, yet a letter obtained by NPR and signed by a California church official outlines a fund-raising strategy, including a recommendation that churches target more affluent Mormons and suggests an appropriate contribution. Church leader Wickman.

Mr.  WICKMAN: The church is trying to be a good member of the coalition to pull its share of the responsibility there, but ultimately, it comes down the feelings and goodwill of the individual members of the church and what contributions they want to make.

BRUNDIN: The level of fund-raising going on in Mormon churches throughout California is troubling to San Francisco supervisor Mark Leno.  He's asked city and state officials in California to investigate ending the church's tax-exempt status.  But the church doesn't appear to be violating any tax law.  Still, the more the church gets involved in California's campaign, the greater the public spotlight and the higher its discomfort tlevel, says University of Utah political scientist Ted Wilson.

TED WILSON (Political Scientist, University of Utah): Particularly a missionary-style church like the Mormon Church becomes very fearful of becoming too involved in politics because missionary work means inclusion not exclusion. And every time you take a position on an issue, you tend to exclude someone who you might talk to to become a member of a church.

BRUNDIN: Wilson says churches also risk alienating some of their own members, especially gay Mormons.

DAVID ENSIGN: OK.  Good morning.  My name is David Ensign.  I traveled over 500 miles from my home in Boulder, Colorado, to personally deliver my request to be removed from the membership records of the Mormon Church.

BRUNDIN: At a recent press conference in Salt Lake City, a handful of gay and straight Mormons declared their intentions to leave the church.  They hope their actions will spur the institution to be more accepting of gays and lesbians.  But many other Mormons question whether with all this criticism, their church is being held to a higher standard than, say the Catholic Church, which publicly advocates for labor reform and against abortion rights.  The First Amendment guarantees the church's right to speak out, they say, inside the church and in the public arena. For NPR News, I'm Jenny Brundin in Salt Lake City. NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIOSHOW:  Morning EditionDATE:  August 4, 1999

5 August 1999 Thursday

UTAH  OPINION   EDITORIAL ABOUT GAYS AND THE BOY SCOUTS SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, he ruling of New Jersey Supreme Court striking down the Boy Scouts' ban on homosexuals reverberated throughout the Scouting and gay-rights communities on Wednesday, eliciting reactions ranging from outrage to elation.   

Some Scouting officials in North Jersey predicted the decision would diminish the ranks of participants in the youth leadership organization, founded in 1910.   

"We don't want to expose our children to that sort of a lifestyle," said Paul Pasichnyk, training chairman for the Boy Scouts' Ramapo Mountains District and assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 34 in Franklin Lakes, N.J.   

But gay-rights activists rejoiced at the ruling, and predicted it would set a precedent in discrimination cases involving employees and volunteers.  

 "People should be put into positions based on their ability to carry out that position, not their sexual orientation," said Andrew Dick, president of the Gay Activist Alliance in Morris County, the state's oldest and largest gay organization.   

Dick said that by precluding homosexuals from becoming troop leaders, the Boy Scouts were presenting a harmful and narrow-minded view of the world. "The lesson they're teaching is that throughout life, there's something you should be inherently fearful of when you encounter a gay person, and that's ridiculous," he said.

 

Axis re-launch of Club Revolution presents Erin Hamilton  performing live her smash Billboard dance hits Dream Weaver, Satisfied and The Flame with MASTER beat DJ Brett Henrichsen $3 Cover, $1 members now featuring hot body platform dancers and the  liquid jungle Patio

 

7 August 1999 Saturday

Mormons raise cash to stop gay marriage Church leaders ask the faithful to fund ballot campaign By Zachary Coile OF THE EXAMINER STAFF Putting aside concerns about its tax-exempt status, the Mormon Church is putting check-writing muscle behind an initiative to ban gay marriage. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in California are answering the calls of church leaders to back the measure financially. “It’s not going as fast as I hoped it would, but it's happening," said Merrill Higham, a Mormon from Belmont who serves as spokesman for the church in the Bay Area. The measure, which voters will decide in March 2000, would affirm that only heterosexual marriages are recognized in California. To many gay couples, the initiative is seen as a direct attack. But to Higham, an accountant who contributed $2,000 to the campaign, it's an issue of biblical law. "When we talk about traditional marriage — that is, marriage between a man and a woman — we are talking about one of the core beliefs of our faith, our religion," Higham said. "So we're talking about something we consider sacred. Not just important, but sacred."

The Mormon Church signaled its interest in the campaign in a May 11 letter, signed by three church presidents, to be read to the state's 740,000 Mormons by local church leaders. The letter urged members "to do all you can by donating your means and time to assure a successful vote" on the measure. This week, a former church member released a second letter, dated May 20, from a top church official detailing how the leaders of California's Mormon congregations can solicit donations to the campaign. The letter gives detailed instructions on a fund-raising operation, including urging leaders not to raise funds on church property, through use of church letterhead or at church meetings. Donation level unclear In the past three months, however, it's unclear how much money Mormons in California have contributed because campaign disclosure reports do not require donors to state their religion. The most recent reports, filed this past week, show the campaign for the Definition of Marriage Initiative had raised about $840,000 through June 30. But anecdotally, church members say they have been urged to give and have responded. Paul Edwards, 62, a Napa resident and member of the Mormon Church, said he had given $200 to the campaign after reading about the measure in the newspaper and on the Internet, and hearing about it from members of his church. "I just believe that's the proper way to go," Edwards said. "If you're a member of the Mormon Church, your thinking is that the relationship of marriage needs to be between a man and a woman. That's the belief we have in the church." Contributions have been spurred on by a well-orchestrated effort by church elders in Utah and California to solicit money from members. The effort has drawn sharp criticism from opponents of the initiative, including San Francisco Supervisor Mark Leno. He drafted a resolution, passed by the Board of Supervisors in July, calling on the Internal Revenue Service to investigate whether the Mormon Church violated its tax-exempt status by getting directly involved in raising money for the initiative campaign. This past week, Kathy Worthington, a gay activist and former Mormon in Utah, released the May 20 letter from elder Douglas L. Callister to 159 stake presidents in California, who represent the roughly 1,000 Mormon "wards" or congregations in the state. "No undue pressure of any type should be applied," to gain donations, Callister wrote, but church leaders should explain to members that "this is a moral issue, not a political issue, fully justifying the support of LDS families." Where to find the rich    The letter, which gives the name and address where checks can be sent, even advises church leaders to contact wealthy Mormons first. "Experience shows that it is generally more successful to begin with the more affluent members, suggesting an appropriate contribution and thereafter extend the invitation to those of lesser means," Callister wrote. Leno said he was shocked by the letter, which he has forwarded to City Attorney Louise Renne to pass to the IRS. He cited it as more evidence that the church was abusing its tax-exempt status. "All Americans get to take part in the political process," Leno said. "Churches and other... charitable organizations get to speak their minds and advocate a position. “But to take an active role in raising money, that means that these individuals are collecting salaries from an organization which exists off of tax-deductible contributions, and on church time and letterhead (they) are raising money to weigh in on a political ballot measure. ... I think that crosses the line." Callister, reached on vacation near Mammoth Lake, said he had written the letter to tell local church leaders how to avoid even the appearance of wrongdoing. And though he is a high-ranking Mormon leader, with authority over wards in California and Hawaii, he says he is not paid in any way by the church.

Asked why he directed church leaders not to raise money on church property, Callister explained, "I felt our church meetings had been dedicated for worship and prayer, and in large part we should use them solely for that, and this could be more comfortably discussed in homes and other settings." Tax accusation denied Callister, a tax lawyer in Glendale, reacted sharply to Leno's accusation that the letter violated the church's tax-exempt status. He said IRS rules allowed churches and other tax-exempt groups to get involved in political issues on two conditions: Their involvement is not a significant part of their overall activities, and they do not back any particular political candidate."(The church's) involvement with political issues is rare and does not involve a significant fraction of its total activities and assets when one considers the substantial resources committed by the church to missionary work, temple and meeting-house construction and maintenance, family history, education and so forth," he said.

 "Further, the church maintains strict neutrality regarding political candidates. “It is not unusual for religious groups to get involved in politics. The Catholic Church has weighed in heavily on issues from abortion to San Francisco's domestic partners ordinance. But the IRS in June revoked the Christian Coalition's tax-exempt status after ruling the group's support of Republican candidates and causes was too overtly political.

Callister, whose firm gave $4,000 to support the initiative, called Leno's attack "a distraction away from the true issue, which is: What should the definition of recognized marriage in California be?" Contributions from Mormons have helped power the initiative campaign, known by the name of its author, state Sen. Pete Knight, R-Palmdale, to an almost 4-to-1 early fund-raising advantage. The No on the Knight effort opposing that campaign, released a memo Thursday charging that the initiative campaign and the Mormon Church had conspired to hide the church's support. Church's role cited The memo cited several examples of the church's role, including: The campaign paid $32,400, its single largest expenditure, to Wirthlin Worldwide of Maclean, Va.

The company is a Republican polling firm headed by Richard B. Wirthlin, an elder in the Mormon Church who advises the church on public relations. The concentration of contributions to the campaign — $69,150 — from four nearby towns in Southern California: Temecula, Murrieta, Vista and Fallbrook, which have large Mormon communities. One donor, Roger Connors, a stake president for the church in Murrieta, gave $10,000.

"What are they afraid of?" said Mike Marshall, manager of the campaign against the initiative. "Why aren't they disclosing that the Mormon Church is actively raising money?"

Rob Stutzman, spokesman for the initiative campaign, said the campaign had acknowledged the role of the Mormon Church, which joined the effort after the initiative qualified for the ballot in November. Last year, the Mormon Church gave $500,000 to a successful ballot initiative banning gay marriages in Alaska, and $600,000 to another winning effort in Hawaii. But to date, the church has not reported spending any money on the California measure."

At this point, we don't have any expectation that the church will directly contribute," Stutzman said. "We don't know what they may be planning." One Bay Area Mormon leader said he had talked to church members about donating, but denied they would be "assessed" or harassed if they did not give. "I may get a list at some point as to who has contributed, but I have no idea, nor do I really care, who has been contributing and who has not," said the longtime church leader, who asked not to be identified.  "It doesn't affect how the church feels about them or how I feel about them in any shape or form."

While most Mormons strongly support the measure, Higham said it has been hard on members who have gay or lesbian friends and relatives. "Even within the LDS community, there are families that have members of their family who are involved in a lifestyle that is contrary to the church," said Higham. "I know that has been agonizing for them."

The church's support of the initiative has driven some Mormons away from the church. Worthington, the Utah activist, has collected 50 letters from Mormons around the country asking their names be removed from the church's membership. Carolyn Bell, 36, and Genelle Cate, 34, of San Jose are two Mormons who have asked to remove their names. Bell, an architectural consultant, and her partner, Cate, a software engineer, met in relief society, the Sunday meeting for Mormon women. After three years of trying to help each other get over their same-sex attraction, they decided to leave the church, but never took their names off church lists. "We had never really felt a strong need to have our names removed from the church rolls until they started basically denying us rights," Bell said.

"We didn't want to be numbered among the people of the Mormon Church when they started saying they don't believe in equal rights."

 

Letter:  Allowing gay marriages would harm no one   When the issue of gay marriage came before the Supreme Court of Hawaii the judges asked the state one simple question: "What compelling reason Is there for the government to deny marriage to gays and lesbians?"  The state couldn't come up with one compelling reason, not even one, and so the court ruled that gays cannot be denied the right to marry.   

Despite this carefully considered judgment that gays must be accorded equal rights, the LDS Church has embarked on an aggressive campaign to try to deny the right to marry to gays.  The church has spent more than $1 million ballot initiatives in Alaska and Hawaii, and now has urged all church members in California to use their time and means to prevent the legalization of gay marriages.   

I ask the church leaders the same question that faced the Hawaiian Supreme Court:  "What compelling reason is there for the government to deny marriage to gays and lesbians?"   

Please, before you turn brother against brother, sister against sister and parents against children, what compelling reason do you have to deny, by force of law, my gay friends and family members from receiving the same rights you expect for yourselves?  How does giving gays and lesbians the right to marry harm anyone in any way?   

Oh, how I wish for the day when we could all truly believe and act upon the greatest advice of all, "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you."  This great maxim for moral living puts the emphasis where it should be, on our own conduct, not on the conduct of others.– Joe Watts, Salt Lake City (Ogden Standard-Examiner,

 

8 Aug 1999 Sunday

SLTribune LDS Tactics 'Out of Line'    In response to the latest news of the LDS Church pushing for an initiative to ban same-sex marriages in California, I don't see how an institution that teaches understanding, love and acceptance can push for an initiative that creates hatred, disdain and judgment among people.    I was raised LDS and was very proud to consider it my religion because of the beliefs it taught. The No. 1 belief that I follow to this day is "love one another." Obviously, the church has now changed its teachings to say, “love one another, only if they follow the moral teachings of our church."    Sending out letters to its congregation in California and asking them to donate money to support the initiative is out of line. That's asking 740,000 LDS members, who should be caring and loving people, to treat others with hatred and basically spit in the face of other people's way of life.    And it is outright denial that the church is not getting involved in political matters. LDS Church spokesman Dan Rascon said, "[This is] a moral issue, not a political issue." Any matter that is put before the people of the country for a vote of ratification and will change many laws in the state or country, is a political issue. The church is just trying to gain control of other state governments like it controls the state government of Utah.    Another teaching that the church passes on to its members is "treat others as you would like to have them treat you." Well, if this is how you treat those who are not members of your organization, why do you think there are so many attacks on LDS Church buildings, offices, members and missionaries around the world? This political action will only spark angerand hatred in people. God knew this, and that is why he gave the commandment to "love one another as I have loved you."    SHANE SANDERS    Taylorsville

 

SLTribune Wrong Role for LDS Church   The Articles of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches its members how to live their lives according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. One of the Articles instructs its members to obey the law of the land. But even as a practicing member and convert to the church, I find it difficult to ignore the fact that the LDS Church is attempting to be the law of the land, rather than just following it. The example that strikes me the most is the church's role in the same-sex marriage laws that are currently being circulated in the California legislature.    The church discourages certain practices, such as drinking alcohol, coffee, soda and smoking cigarettes. This is done to prevent the members from falling ill in mortal health, and preparing them for their temporal lives. Now, if the church is so concerned with their members' health, why aren't they going to the federal legislature and making strong attempts with financial ties to do away with the consumption of hot beverages, caffeine-enhanced liquids and cancer sticks?    In my opinion, major religious organizations need to keep the role as advisers and apply their financial resources towards things that will benefit their membership as a whole. The church has requested to stay neutral on so many political grounds that this whole event boils down to being very hypocritical.    The LDS Church needs to realize that it can't continue to impact state legislatures by throwing dollar signs into the works. It must concentrate on teaching its members what is right from wrong, and letting them, in turn ,teach the world.  BRIAN JAMES MURRAY    Salt Lake City

 

 

UTAH COUNTY "Utah Valley Family Reunion", at Canyon Glen Park in Provo Canyon.  August 8th is the day.  4:00pm is the time. Canyon Glen Park is the Place. About 2 miles up Provo Canyon. Refreshments will be provided. Bring your own drink. (State Parks don't allow any alcohol) We will be playing Volleyball if not interested in Volleyball please come just to make new friends and find out about September’s "Family Reunion".

 

Wasatch Affirmation OGDEN   Sunday, Aug 8, 5:00pmMeeting at Tracy {Faulkner] and Marilyn [Johnson]'s, 1592 (East) Capital St (2450 South) in Ogden. It's just a few blocks east of the Dee Memorial Park on 24th St and Harrison Blvd. We will start with a barbecue/pot luck so everyone can bring something to grill, and something else that is eatable. (As usual, drinks and utensils will be provided.) Tracy and Marilyn are also inviting everyone to bring a swim suit to check out their new hot tub. After eating, we will have a brief brainstorming session to help plan future Ogden meetings. Bring some food ifyou can--however, bringing yourself and your ideas for the brainstorming session -is- required.  :o)

 

Wasatch Bears Bearthday Brunch  11 am Fiddlers Elbow 1061 E 2100 S

 

11 August 1999 Wednesday

Deseret News Letter:  LDS need to deal with gays In your editorial, "A church's right to opine," you assert the right of churches to speak on moral issues.  This is obviously valid.  The role of religion is to provide guidance to people seeking to find their most righteous path through life. The current debate in California is not about morality.  It is not even about gay marriage.  It is about legal recognition of existing relationships. Defeat of the proposed Definition of Marriage Act would not legalize gay marriage, and marriage in the state of California is already defined as between a man and a woman.  The purpose of this legislation is to try to deny gay couplings any legal rights at all.  You note correctly that, "Notions of marriage and morality strike at the very heart of religion."  I, too, believe that marriage has social and religious meanings that gay people are wrong to challenge.  But our secular laws have been built around this term.  As with other relationship issues, like divorce or polygamy or children out of wedlock, the LDS Church must find a way to deal with human realities, even as it expresses moral disapproval.     

There are gay people in the world.  They do pair up.  I wish the LDS Church could make constructive contributions to the discussion about the legal standing of gay couples, instead of just trying to will us out of existence.    

 Finally, it is not the church's expressions of moral guidance that has riled Californians, it is the action of church leaders here. 

As any member of the church knows, it is a dramatic moment when you are pulled aside by your bishop for a private conference where you are informed that the word of the Lord is that you should, if at all possible, do a particular thing.  As this snowballs into organized pressure on leaders and members to act and give money a particular way within their civic roles, this passes well beyond "a church's right to opine."– Preston Grant, San Francisco, Calif.

 

UTAH ACTIVIST REVEALS ORGANIZED CAMPAIGN BY MORMON HIERARCHY San Francisco Frontiers Newsmagazine Salt Lake City activist and former Mormon Kathy Worthington is blowing the whistle on the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints' (LDS) fundraising campaign for state Sen. Pete Knight's Definition of Marriage Act(DOMA). If passed in the 2000 election, the initiative will ban California recognition of same-sex marriages performed in other states. State law already limits marriage to a man and a woman. According to documents released by Worthington to SF Frontiers on Aug. 4, and a National Public Radio (NPR) news report the same day, LDS church officials in California are engaging in a systematic DOMA fundraising effort, while denying there is any such campaign underway. SF Frontiers columnist Jerry Sloan had previously revealed a May 11 letter urging Mormons to support the Knight initiative in any way they could. A May 20 letter sent to SF Frontiers Worthington and reported on by NPR reveals evidence of "explicit instruction to state presidents on church fund-raising plans" to support the initiative, Worthington said. “To me it seems that the church is going way overboard on this issue. It is an obsession for them," said Worthington. "No other church is involved or impassioned about this issue the way the Mormon church is. When I saw furtive they were being about their efforts I felt it was important to expose their organized plans for fund-raising." Worthington said the May 20 letter "outlines a fund-raising strategy, including a recommendation that churches target affluent Mormons and suggests appropriate contribution."

The letter is on official church stationery from Elder Douglas Callister of the North America West Area which accordingto Worthington, was sent to all stake (equivalent to a Catholic diocese) presidents in California and reveals a nine-point plan of attack to get the initiative passed. (An LDS source confirmed that Callister is responsible for the North America West Area, Area 70, which covers Hawaii, Alaska and all of California.)

Callister's letter states that he has been asked to supervise fund-raising assisted by Church Elders Merrill Higharm and Floyd Packard. The letter contends fund-raising is to be voluntary, restricted from church property and will concentrate on "affluent members" first. It also offers advice on how to spin the issue, saying, "An education process will be required so that those approached will understand this is a moral issue, rather than political, fully justifying the support of LDS families."

Another document sent to SF Frontiers by Worthington indicates specific fund-raising targets for LDS officers to reach in supporting the Knight initiative. In an Aug. 4 release, Worthington stated she has firm evidence that at least one LDS bishop (roughly equivalent to a Catholic priest) is being assessed for $4,000 worth of fund-raising. NPR also reported a letter was circulating in California asking some members to donate specific amounts of money ranging from $30 to $250.

Other documents sent to SF Frontiers state that church supporters should send money to the "Definition of Marriage Committee" at a post office box in Glendale. The nature of that committee and who runs it is unknown at this time. Lance Whitman, described as a high- ranking church spokesman, side-stepped the issue on NPR, saying, "Anything like that...has been rare and exceptional...The church is trying to be a good member of the coalition to pull its share of the responsibility there, but ultimately it comes down to the feelings and good will of the individual members of the church, and what contributions they want to make."

But Worthington retorted that she has a signed statement from an individual officer who overheard an LDS official asking another "how fund-raising was going and that he should get on with the fund-raising." She also has three separate reports from Anaheim, Hesperia and Oxnard about LDS fund-raising letters telling people to send donations to the post office box in Glendale.

The May 20 letter from Callister indicates the church will be making an accounting of who donated how much, which to Worthington, "means they must have access to checks and forms in that post office box. If they are doing accounting, they must have access to checks coming into the box. My assessment is that post office box belongs to someone in the church."

Bud Alexander, an LDS volunteer public affairs representative for the Oakland LDS Temple covering Northern California, said he was not familiar with the May 20 letter. He was asked by SF Frontiers if the church is politically involved in the DOMA campaign, or if there is a coordinating fund-raising campaign, to which he replied, "Not that I know of," and then said, "It is my understanding they are not politically involved. I have a very clear understanding of that." Alexander, who lives in Merced, hastened to clarify he was speaking only individually and not as a representative of the church. But he also stressed that he sees a clear distinction between individual and church activities and moral and political activities that other observers may not see as quite so clear-cut.

"I am familiar with the DOMA issue, and as an individual I am supportive of the passage of that act and am working to encourage friends to support funding for that act. But I am not doing that as a representative of the LDS church. I am doing that strictly as individual."

As far as the letter goes, when provided with a copy, Alexander said, "It would appear to me that he is doing this as individual, not as a general authority." But he did allow, "I see this is on church letterhead. I would be concerned about that, but I would not answer for that individual and what he is doing. I personally take a pretty strong position on the issue. But I don't see a problem with the lay members of church or priesthood [saying this]. They [should] have the right to lead on any moral issue they would like to do. Some may see that as strictly political. I see it strictly as a moral issue."

Not so, contends Worthington: "They are using church membership lists and church stationery to do fundraising. This is not just a few individuals who are deciding to organize this. This came down from the church. [Callister] says, number one, I have been asked to supervise the raising of the funds. Someone above him has asked him to supervise raising of funds. That tells you this did not originate with him. How far up it originated is another matter; we don't have any proof of that." Records filed with the California Secretary of State for the funding period ending June 30, 1999 show many of the small contributions made to the committees in support of the initiative lacked a date of receipt by the committee and the employment of the contributor, which is required for all contributions of $100 or more. The lack of a date of receipt by the supporting committees makes it more difficult to determine if the original letter read in California Mormon churches during the last week of May generated a rush of contributions. The law requires political committees to furnish the information within a certain time or face fines from the Fair Political Practices Committee.

Those interested in joining Worthington's letter-writing campaign urging unhappy Mormons to ask the church to remove their names from the record can contact her at 801/963-7922.--Jerry Sloan and TK (San Francisco Frontiers is a bi-weekly celebration and examination of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered communities of Northern California and the Bay Area)

 

Kathy Worthington-The protest we'd planned for this Friday has been cancelled or postponed. We've decided this wouldn't be a good time for it due to the tornado.  If folks have some time, the bars that got damaged probably could use some volunteer help.   I heard that the Sun, The Trapp, Bricks and Axis all had damage.  If anyone has more details, please let me know and I'll send them out on the list. FYI: By the way, Sara drives for the UTA and her car has a lot of damage (th ewindows blown out, a good sized dent where it got hit by flying debris, lots of chips and dents from being pelted by rocks or something), but Sara was outdriving in the south end of the valley so she is fine. Kathy

 

11 August 1999 Wednesday

Kathy List an online news source by Kathy Worthington

UTAH TORNADO REPORTS No, LDS church headquarters didn't get blown away.  I understand they had a lot of tree and plant damage on temple square, plus a crane broke and fell onto the new assembly hall.  Haven't heard yet how much damage they had there. Unfortunately, the hex on the church also got a couple of gay clubs in the process. The Sun and Axis were both completely destroyed. 

Today The Sun was condemned.  On TV a spokesperson for the club said they would rebuild.  Hope that means they were insured.  Today they were trying to salvage what they could out of the mess.  If you're interested in volunteering or donating, I recommend you try calling the community center or write to the Sun at their old address. I'm sure their picking up their mail at the post office.

NOT A VERY PRECISE 'HEX' Next time the witches in the community need to conjure up something that's a little more precise.  Me, I figured we could aim the tornado right at temple square and that would work.  Guess tornados aren't the best way to try to get pay back or send a message.(I wrote that paragraph with tongue in cheek, for those of you who insist on taking it seriously or who are getting offended.)

 

The Sun GOOD NEWS.  The Sun WAS insured for this.  Thank goodness Utah insurance companies never took tornados as a serious threat, so it appears that everyone's home, business and auto policies cover tornado damage.  Also, most of the contents of The Sun survived the tornado, including their sound and lighting systems and a lot of furnishings, supplies, glasses etc. Sara and I drove down to see The Sun today and I was able to speak with Sharon, one of the board members.  Sharon said the entire second floor is gone and the patio is completely gone.  A bunch of cars were parked there when the tornado hit and they are still sitting there, covered and smashed by bricks and debris.  I took a few pictures but will need to get them developed. I'm attaching a photo of The Sun from the Salt Lake Tribune.

Sharon said the interior is totally filthy and that there will be a lot of work for people who'd like to help  - but not until they're given the OK to go inside.   They're not sure if any of the walls etc. will be able to be used in the new building or if it will all have to come down. They don't know for sure if the building is structurally safe to enter, so they're having to wait to do cleanup.  

The phone is still connected, but they can't answer it, so that's no good.  Sharon said she may have it disconnected.  If so, maybe they'll put a forward on it.   I told her to let me know if they want help and then I'll send it out to list readers. Kathy

 

 

12 August 1999 Thursday

REPORT ON TORNADO DAMAGE TO GAY CLUBS AND MEMORY GROVE by Todd Dayley, Editor/Publisher, The Pillar

THE SUN The damage at the Sun is significant.  It brought tears to my eyes to see such a landmark in our community in this state.  A big X on the front door probably stands for condemned.  The patio fence is totally gone and the cars were still sitting in the parking lot surrounded by police tape.  The fence to the patio is flat on the ground with the roof sitting in the middle of the patio.  Standing to the side nearest the patio you can see there is not much left of the second floor.  The back brick wall is gone.  Standing on 200 South and looking through the second floor windows you can see the sky. There will be a lot of work to be done in clean-up.  When the club is rebuilt it should be a completely new experience.  We all have fond memories of the Club.  Like myself, and for many of us, the Sun was the first gay club we went to.  Best wishes to the Sun owners and staff in rebuilding and continuing the Sun's legacy.

AXISI spoke with the guys at Axis on Thursday night, and it looks like they will also be covered and are planning to rebuild.  I was able to tour the inside of the club.  The damage was heartbreaking considering how beautiful the club was.   The club opened last fall and has been a favorite since them in our community. They were just beginning a new promotion for the gay community on Thursday nights.  Most of the damage to this building came from the collapse of the neighboring building to the north of them.  They will also be rebuilding their club.

BRICKSI spoke with Gary at Bricks.  They had some damage to their tent on the patio as well as having some of the patio furniture shuffled and scuffled a little.  Otherwise they are fine and are open for business.

THE TRAPP Joe at the Trapp said they only experienced some damage from trees.  One o fhis employee's car had a tree come down on it.  They were without power on Wednesday afternoon but were all ready to open up again when the power came on.  Utah Power was working on the electrical lines outside of the Trapp onThursday evening.

ZIPPERS Zippers experienced some damage to their patio furniture, but otherwise the tornado did not damage the building or the inside of the club.

MEMORY GROVE Thursday we drove up by the Capitol building and stood above Memory Grove and looked down into the canyon.  It was devastated.  There are torn up trees and branches everywhere.  The buildings were not damaged, but the park will never be the same again. Although the damage from the tornado is a blow to some of the businesses in our community, they are fortunate to have insurance coverage and they will rebuild and be even better than they were.  We will rally to support them asa community and they will rise from the rubble and shine again! The Pillar has taken some incredible pictures that will be included in the September issue of the paper.

 

UTAH   SUN CLUB HIT BY TORNADO ON SHARON'S BIRTHDAY West Downtown: Sun Club Among 1st to Feel Tornado's Wrath BY SHAWN FOSTERTHE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE  

 It was Sharon Strickler's 51st birthday.  And it was the day the bar she owns was blown apart by a tornado.    "We used to have what we liked to call the prettiest patio in town," said Strickler, owner of the Sun Club, a popular dance bar on Salt Lake City's west side. "The whole second story is gone on half of the building, but I tcould have been a whole lot worse."   

The tornado could have touched down during the birthday bash that was planned for Wednesday evening. Instead, six employees were at the bar settingup for the party the afternoon of the twister. One worker was injured, not seriously.   

But the employees' cars, parked outside the building at 200 South and 700 West, were covered with bricks from the roof and the back patio was buried in lumber.   

"If you want to see the rest of the roof," said Karen Blackwood, a self-described regular at the bar, "it's over there, it's over there and over there."   

The Sun was one of the first victims in the tornado's path. The funnel cloud hurled bricks and wood from the Sun's roof, hundreds of yards to the west.   

J.V. Swanson, a building maintenance worker at the Utah Transit Authority bus depot on 600 West, watched in disbelief as the tornado devastated chain-link fences, car windows, trees and shingles.  

 "It was a big wall of dirt," Swanson said. "It was only here a few seconds, but it was so black you couldn't see any sunlight."   

The twister knocked out a temporary support girder on a section of Interstate 80 under construction near 200 South and 900 West. As it fell, it scattered debris, and windows were blown out of several trucks and two cranes. A few workers suffered minor injuries.   

A gas line ruptured at 100 South and 500 West but was contained soon after the tornado dissipated.   

"There are going to be a lot of insurance claims," said Dan Weaver, a Salt Lake City police officer.  

 Including one for the Sun.    "Two nights a week we're a dance club and two nights a week we're Cheers," Strickler said. "The Sun's been around for about 26 years. We'll hang in there."

 

13 August 1999 Friday

 :  Hatch Says He's Misunderstood, But Some Say His Anti-Gay Bias Is Clear Hatch Denies He Is Biased Against Gays BY JOHN HEILPRIN    THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE   Sen. Orrin Hatch drew national scrutiny and criticism when he asserted in 1988 that Democrats are "the party of homosexuals, they are the party of abortion."   He initially denied he said it to Republican activists in St. George, then apologized after a radio reporter produced a tape recording.   More than a decade later, the 65-year-old Utah Republican still feels misunderstood. And now that he is running for the GOP presidential nomination, Hatch again is trying to diffuse the effects of remarks that once drew national scorn.   Yet he still is spreading much the same message -- just a bit more tactfully, perhaps.   As recently as June 5, Hatch reiterated his belief when he listed reasons Utah Republicans could be proud of themselves, at their annual state convention in Ogden. "We don't have the gays and lesbians with us," he said.   Because of questions raised by those statements, Hatch wanted to explain himself.   In an interview with The Salt Lake Tribune, Hatch said his views are rooted in his Mormon faith and he merely was pointing out that "gays and lesbians, by and large, are very intelligent, highly educated, high-earning people, who support mainly Democrats."   The Senate Judiciary Committee chairman said "choice" is a factor in sexuality.    "It's a religious belief to me that homosexuality flies in the face of biblical teachings. Now, where I have difficulties is in determining whether it's a genetic predisposition or whether it is a choice. Either way, though, in contradistinction to people of color, people of color can't do anything about their color," Hatch said.   "But I do believe gay people have a choice to live within the legal rules or not," he said, emphasizing that he abhors discrimination. "It's up to them, that they do have a choice, where an African-American has no choice with regard to the color of their skin. So that's why we have civil-rights laws to protect African-Americans from discrimination."   Hatch's words drew scorn. "It's a slap in the face for him to even make that comparison," said Jeanetta Williams, president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People's Salt Lake branch. "It's something he hasn’t given much thought to."   And his views on homosexuality, which are similar to those found in many religious groups, fall along predictable and misinformed lines, said Darin Hobbs, a board member of GALPAC, the Gay and Lesbian Political Action Committee of Utah.   "The reason we have a Constitution, the highest law in the land that is designed to guarantee equal rights to all people, is because discrimination and persecution and bigotry have persisted throughout the ages despite biblical teachings," Hobbs said.   "The conservative elements always fall back on their perceived dichotomy between an immutable trait such as skin color and sexual orientation as a matter of choice," he said, "when there is compelling evidence that sexual orientation is an immutable trait."   But Hatch said he embraces everyone and resents any implication that he is intolerant. "You can sum it up in one sentence: that Orrin Hatch is tolerant of all people and that he doesn't try to tell people how to live unless they ask him."   From the moment he began running for president, Hatch declared that one of his major campaign themes would be to heal the nation's racial and social divisions. "We've got to work on building a bridge across the divide between the races and classes in our society," he said July 1 while formally announcing his candidacy in Washington on national television. Though he believes the gay lifestyle is "scripturally wrong," Hatch says he has an evenhanded approach toward gays and lesbians. He cites as evidence his compromises with Democrats on federal legislation affecting AIDS and hate crimes, his help in fund raising to combat pediatric AIDS, and his support of some federal appointments such as gay San Francisco philanthropist James  Hormel as ambassador to Luxembourg.   "I don't think you can find anybody who's been more fair who does not believe in their lifestyle," said Hatch.   Hatch last month introduced legislation dubbed as a measure to combat hate crimes. Unlike a broader Senate bill it was intended to compete with, Hatch's measure would continue to exclude sexual orientation from the scope of the existing federal authority. One of its provisions would authorize the government to provide some technical and financial assistance to states in prosecuting hate crimes under their own laws, though that would be of no help to gays and lesbians in states such as Utah that offer no specific protection.   David Smith, spokesman for the Washington-based Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay and lesbian   political organization, said Hatch has a "very poor voting record on issues that are important to us" but he should be applauded for being a "champion" on AIDS funding. Overall, Smith said, Hatch seems to be trying to understand homosexual issues but his words are sometimes hurtful. “His comments over the years and more recently reflect some contradictions," Smith said.   In Republican-dominated Utah, Hatch's comments to conservative GOP activists 11 years ago and in June show he is not averse to playing up social and political distinctions in his party-building rhetoric.   "No matter what way he wants to play it, when you say it in front of those crowds, you're saying it as an appeal to prejudice," said Todd Taylor, executive director of the Utah Democratic Party.   To Hatch, the much-quoted 1988 remarks produced a big misunderstanding.   "I was inarticulate, didn't mean what I said, the way it was said, didn't think I'd said it in that way, and when I found out that I had I was mortified and apologized," he said.   "At first I denied it because I didn't think I'd said anything that dumb."   Hatch's views on homosexuality are influenced heavily by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which teaches that being gay or lesbian is not a sin but homosexual acts are.   The church has spent $1.1 million, mostly on television ads, seeking to derail any attempts to legalize gay marriages in Hawaii and Alaska. It also supports an initiative in California, which will be on the March 2000 ballot, that would ban   gay marriages by affirming that only heterosexual marriages are recognized in that state.   Hatch supports the church's stand on gay marriage.   "I don't think anybody should be discriminated against," he said. "Now, does that mean I would accept gay marriages to be on a par with heterosexual marriages? No, I won't. I don't think that's right. Now, do I worry about gay   partners and their right to take care of each other? Yes, I do. They're human beings."   Despite his personal feelings on homosexuality, Hatch said that when it comes to politics he would "want everybody in the Republican Party." When asked if the GOP should recruit homosexuals, Hatch replied, "Sure," as long as they support traditional party principles. Gays and lesbians who already belong are "heroes," he said.   Matthew Burbank, a University of Utah political scientist, said Hatch's views on homosexuality reflect the disparity between his self-image and how others view him.   "He sees himself as someone very evenhanded and willing to work with everybody," Burbank said, "but others see him as someone who tends to be quite partisan -- to the extent that he has a national image."   The Rev. Mike Piazza of the Cathedral of Hope in Dallas said Hatch's religious beliefs should have nothing to do with how our nation is governed.   "All that really matters is he's sworn to uphold the Constitution for all Americans, not every Mormon American, and not every heterosexual American. Homosexuals are the whipping post to raise fervor and money," said Piazza. His church's3,000 members, part of the Metropolitan Community Church, claim to be the world's largest lesbian and gay congregation.   "What is relevant is we pay taxes and that entitles us to all the same civil rights as anyone else," he said. "Most of this country might think Mormons are wrong, that they are a cult. Should we say Mormons should have no property rights, that they shouldn't be allowed to marry?"

13 August 1999  Friday

Wasatch Bears Camp Out Rockport State Park/Fee for food

 

14 August 1999 Saturday

UTAH TORNADO STORY ABOUT CLUB AXIS - GOOD THING SOMEONE STOLE THEIR SAFE A MONTH AGO Theft of Safe Sends a Warning, Helps Club Owners Save Big BY PHIL SAHM THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE    The owners of Club Axis would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to whoever broke the Seventh Commandment, "Thou shalt not steal," a month ago.  

 If not for the theft of a safe containing $26,000 from the Axis, Wednesday's tornado probably would have meant the end of the club at 108 S.500 West in Salt Lake City. As it is, the Axis owners expect their upgraded insurance policy following the theft to cover the estimated $1 million in damage from the twister.

Building owner Jim Dabakis wants to thank the thief publicly.    "I'm offering a $10,000 reward to the person who stole the safe with all the money in it," said Dabakis. "All they have to do is come forward and tel lus who they are."   

He sounded serious.   

The story began when someone broke into the Axis and stole a small safe with about $26,000 in receipts after the club closed on a Saturday night.   

When Dabakis told his insurance agent about the theft, he learned, much to his dismay, that his insurance policy did not cover the theft. But he also found out he was woefully underinsured.   

The policy covered a little less than $100,000 on the building and its contents, far less than their value. So he upped the coverage.   

Wednesday, after a tornado bore down on Salt Lake City and the building was left in shambles, the loss of $26,000 seemed almost providential. "We've got to be the happiest people on the planet," Dabakis said.   

The Axis lies directly in the path the tornado took Wednesday. The vicious twister left the club looking like it was bombed, with parts of the roof missing and caved in, and equipment smashed. The metal pad of a swamp cooler was twisted beyond recognition.

    Insurance agent Paul Allsop, who wrote the policy on the club, said he never had seen a claim as big as the one for the Axis. And he could not remember anyone changing a policy at a luckier time.   

Since the theft, the club owners have improved security and do not expect burglary to be a problem in the future.  

 For business owners, the lesson seems clear. It pays to check insurance policies for adequate coverage. And, perhaps, buried under the rubble in Club Axis, another lesson lies: Once in a great while, a bad act can lead to something good. But don't spread that around.    After all, there are nine other commandments left to break.

 

15 August 1999 Sunday

Pot luck social at Don's place, 1693E Ensign Ct, in Salt Lake. (To get there, take 7200 S/Fort Union Blvd to 1700E, then turn south until you come to Ensign COURT--not to be confused with Ensign Circle and Ensign Place, which you pass first. Drinks and utensils will be provided, and if the weather is good, we can fire up the barbecue on Don's nice deck. Bring a dish to share if you can, but most importantly ,bring yourself.

 

 

18 August 1999 Wednesday

Former coach gets sex-abuse trial date  By Edward L. Carter Deseret News staff writer      PROVO -- A former youth football coach will stand trial in January on numerous charges that he sexually abused minors, including boys who played on teams he coached.     Danny P. Pitcher, 45, Provo, appeared before 4th District Judge Ray M. Harding Sr. Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to 20 felony counts and two misdemeanor counts stemming from sex acts he allegedly committed with the teens.     Harding set the trial to begin Jan. 10, ending speculation that Pitcher might enter a plea agreement with Utah County prosecutors. Pitcher's defense attorney, Shannon Demler, and prosecutor Matt Jube had discussed a plea agreement, but Demler said Wednesday that they were unable to reach a resolution satisfactory to both sides.     Prosecutors say Pitcher used his position as coach of middle school-age boys in the Central Utah Football League to persuade the teens -- approximate ages 13, 14 and 15 -- to engage in various sex acts on several actions. Court documents do not specify how many alleged victims were involved.     Demler said Pitcher coached football for many years on several levels. Among the players he coached were his own children, the attorney said.     Pitcher, a former schoolteacher whose teaching certificate was revoked in 1983, was arrested April 30 after several parents told authorities about the alleged abuse. He was charged in May with three counts of sodomy on a child, four counts of sexual abuse of a child, first-degree felonies; 11 counts of forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony; two counts of dealing in harmful material to a minor, a third-degree felony; and two counts of lewdness, a class B misdemeanor.     In May, Pitcher waived his right to a preliminary hearing, at which prosecutors would have been required to present evidence justifying a trial.     Public school records showed that Pitcher's teaching certificate was revoked for "alleged inappropriate behavior with a student." His effort to have the certificate reinstated included a lawsuit against state education officials, but the suit was dismissed in 1990.                                              © 1999 Deseret News Publishing Co.

 

19 August 1999 Thursday

Someone wrote Salt Lake City University of Utah, Orson Spencer Hall (OSH). "The cops are still active at OSH. I got busted yesterday. They told me they will be there until the action completely stops."

 

20 August Friday

Royal Court Carnival Weekend

 

21 August 1999 Saturday

 Wasatch Bears Boise River Float

 

22 August 1999 Sunday’

Some Mormon church members in California say they find offensive  --  and worrisome  --  letters from local leaders requesting specific amounts of money for a fund-raising drive in support of a ballot initiative that would ban recognition of   gay marriages in the state.   "I just feel they have pushed it too hard," said a Los Angeles-area member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.   The July 4 letter implied "we were wealthy, the `first tier' of potential donors," the member said. "They asked us for a recommended amount of $1,200 to $2,500, or if we wanted to do more, as much as $10,000."   Not all of the letters put a price on the donation. One that a church member in Sierra Madre received from her bishop said he was writing to her as an ordinary citizen, not in an official capacity. But "he's speaking in his capacity," she said. "It didn’t come from just any old private citizen in the ward. It came from the bishop."   "We know the church's stand," she added. "If we want to take part in the campaign, we certainly can. But I don't want to be asked, or made to feel in any way that I have to."   The church members asked not to be identified because they feared repercussions.   Church spokesman Dan Rascon has said that the opposition to same-sex marriage should be interpreted as divinely inspired. LDS officials have  adamantly maintained there would be no repercussions if members did not respond with donations.   The ballot measure is variously known as the Protection of Marriage Act, the Defense of Marriage Act and the Definition of Marriage Act, but commonly known as the Knight initiative for its chief sponsor, Republican state Sen. William "Pete" Knight of Palmdale.   A priesthood leader at a ward, or congregation, in a city near Los Angeles said even his bishop was uncomfortable with the way the church is handling its support. The church can take a stand if it wishes on what it sees as moral issues, the priesthood leader said.    "The question I'm getting is, if they [members] don't support the initiative, what would be the ramifications on their church membership? That is an underlying concern."   And someone is keeping track.   Based on demographics, the priesthood leader said, his ward was expected to raise about $7,500. Letters to members were accompanied by a form each donor was to fill out; checks were to be made out to the Defense of Marriage Committee and sent to a post-office box in Glendale, Calif., where the donations would be logged then forwarded to the committee.    "Information would be sent back to the stake to see how we are doing," he said, referring to a May 20 letter to California stake presidents from Elder Douglas L. Callister of Glendale, an area authority in the faith's North America West Area who is supervising the fund-raising effort. When the priesthood leader raised the concerns with others in his priesthood meeting, however, "the response was, if you are a believing member of the church, I don't know what you have to be upset about unless you are gay yourself, “he said.   The fund-raising tactics have provoked San Francisco Supervisor Mark Leno Utah AIDS Foundation Volunteer Picnic Appreciation Dinner, who this month received approval from the Board of Supervisors to ask the city attorney and state attorney general to examine the tax-exempt status of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.   Leno said he does not object to faith-based political involvement.   "Certainly there is a long and proud history of political activism [by churches]," Leno said. "It was the money aspect that caught my eye."   Leno has read Callister's May 20 letter, which says that "in every instance the contribution of a Church member will be voluntary and in his capacity as a private citizen," and that "no fund raising may take place on Church property, through use of Church letterhead or by virtue of general announcements in Church meetings."   But Callister made his request on church letterhead, signaling the church's connection to the political process, Leno said. And to have that process overrun by an out-of-state nonprofit organization that has amassed its wealth through tax-exempt donations is not right, he said.    "You can have your beliefs, but we don't want that tax-advantaged organization to force its belief on our state."    IRS Ruling: There has been some speculation that since the Internal Revenue Service in June rejected a long-standing application by the Christian Coalition for tax-exempt status, the ruling might somehow have bearing on LDS Church activities.   Jon Davidson, western regional supervising attorney for the Lambda Legal Defense, a gay-rights organization, said nonprofit organizations are allowed to engage in some political activity as long as it doesn't involve a significant portion of their activities or entail candidate endorsements.    The IRS has not made itself clear on what a "significant portion" means, Davidson said, but some have interpreted that as meaning 5 percent or 10 percent of their activity  --  again, an imprecise measure.  "Is their  political work a significant portion of all their work?" Davidson said. "I don't know this would meet the 5 or 10 percent, even with elections in Alaska and Hawaii." LDS Church contributions to groups that worked to ban same-sex marriage in 1998 in Alaska and Hawaii elections were $500,000 and $600,000, respectively.  --  were certainly more than 5 percent or 10 percent of the total amount of money collected in the campaigns. But that $1.1 million is relatively insignificant against the total wealth of the church, which has been estimated in the billions of dollars. And it would be difficult to make the case that the church's unabashed politicking against same-sex marriage is significant when held up to its global activities. Members aside, the church itself has not made any contributions to the Knight initiative, according to a report from the secretary of state released earlier this month. In the three-month period ending June 30, the Protection of Marriage Committee received 649 donations totaling $668,671, including a loan for $50,000, two $50,000 contributions and one for $20,000. The remaining contributions were mostly in the $100 to $1,500 range. The committee has collected $743,671 for the year, plus the $500,000 needed to qualify the measure for the ballot.    On the other side, Californians for Fairness has collected an estimated $773,000, most of which came last week in a $300,000 donation from E Trade Group Inc. President and CEO Kathy Levinson and another $200,000 from her guests at a Sunday brunch in Palo Alto.  Mike Marshall, the San Francisco political consultant who heads the opposition, believes his group will have to raise $5 million to defeat the Knight initiative and speculated the pro-Knight forces would spend at least twice that. Charles Cavalier, campaign director for the Protection of Marriage Committee, would not put a figure on what his group hopes to raise, other than to say they were intent on raising whatever it will take. Church No-Comment: Mike Otterson, a church spokesman in Salt Lake City, declined to comment on the California members' concerns. He referred questions regarding the LDS fund raising to Cavalier, who said earlier he did not know how many of those contributions listed on the June report could be attributed to Mormon fund raising. The LDS Church, he said, is just one of many endorsements the campaign has received from religious organizations, including the California Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Assemblies of God, various Muslim organizations and a two-page list of Protestant churches. But the support is not just from the faith community, he said.    "We've got as broad-based support for this initiative as anything we have ever seen here," he said.    No group in California is seeking a law that would allow same-sex marriage, and there is a certain amount of resentment at the money that will be spent on the campaign that many see as a political wedge issue.    "For years the radical right has been against commie pinko faggots. Commies are gone. Who's left?" said Marshall. "The gay community didn't ask for this on the ballot. This is a ban on something that doesn't exist."    A poll taken in January by the Public Policy Institute of California, a San Francisco-based private, nonprofit research group, showed the state's voters are in favor of the Knight initiative by a 64-33 percent margin, with Republicans overwhelmingly in favor and Democrats in favor by a 10 percent margin. Even in the liberal San Francisco Bay Area, voters favored the initiative 54 percent to 40 percent.    Restating Definitions: The act would restate California's existing statute on marriage, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman, to say only a marriage between a man and a woman would be valid and recognized.    That is an important point for Knight supporters Laura and Brad Daw. The Orem couple were the only non-Californians listed on the June campaign spending report, donating $1,000 after hearing about it from Laura Daw's sister in California.    "We agreed it was a good idea. The LDS Church obviously has a stance on homosexuality, and we are LDS," Brad Daw said.  Past LDS Church involvement proves it's a big deal.   "I'm proud to step in and help out. The initiative would bar recognition of same-sex marriages that might be performed in other states. We see it as strengthening traditional marriage," Cavalier said. A yes vote to protect marriage simply means people will be allowed the right to live as they choose, but not redefine marriage for our entire society. We are not opposed in any way to [domestic-partner] benefits."    But Davidson pointed out that conservatives in other states have used defense of marriage laws, known as DOMAs, to challenge or overturn gay and lesbian rights.    The laws were passed amid worries the state of Hawaii was ready to legalize same-sex marriage. If it did, and if a state did not have a DOMA in place, the Hawaii marriages would have to be recognized under the full faith and credit clause. SLTribune

 

, 5:00pm--Pot luck picnic at Nunn's Park in Provo Canyon. The park is located 3.3 miles up the canyon, on the east side of the road. Contact Rick for directions, if you aren't sure how to get there, or check out the map on our website As usual, drinks and utensils will be provided, so please bring a dish to share with the rest. There are barbecues available, so we'll bring some charcoal too--bring some meat to cook, if you'd like. There should be plenty to do--hiking, frisbee, and other activities. (Bridal Veil Falls is just a short walk away....) See you there--and bring a friend or two! (Normal carpool instructions apply.)

 

On Sunday, August 22, 1999, 2pm to 6pm the pink flamingo sincronized swimmers from quac will be performing at a benefit for the Utah Aids Foundation.  The affair will be held at the home of Joe Pitti and Mark Chambers.  Tickets are$45 (this is a posh charity event!).  Come see and be seen.  You should R.S.V.P. to the Utah Aids Foundation by August 18:  487-2323.Performers include:  Me, Joe Pitti, Mark Chambers, Juan Carlos Claudio, Javier de Cordoba, Cade Clark, Kent Weigle, David Ferguson, and George.

 

 

23 August 1999 Monday

GAY COMMUNITY CENTER AT THE CENTER, SLC  7:00pm--The Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Utah is excited to announce the formation of a Coming Out Support Group to meet the 4th Monday each month. This very informal, non-denominational support group will meet in the Upper level of the Center,361 N 300 W in Salt Lake. Please see additional information (in a few days)by following the link on the schedule page of our website

 

 

27 August 1999 Friday

Affirmation’s WOMEN'S POT LUCK  Friday, Aug 27--FNL (Friday Night Lesbian) is here! It's(almost) always the last Friday of the month, from 8:00pm until whenever. Allwomyn are welcome, whether they are involved with Affirmation or not. Call Cela (pronounced "CHEL-uh") at 801-446-1763 for more information. And tell a friend!

 

Utah AIDS Foundation Volunteer Picnic Appreciation Dinner

 

28 August 1999 Saturday

Wasatch Bears Trip to Heber Creeper

 

29 August 1999 Sunday

:00pm--Family Fellowship Forum a tUtah Valley Regional Medical Center, 1230 N and 500 W in Provo--watch for details soon, both here and on our website

 

30 August 1999 Monday

First day of school year 1999-2000.

 

SEPTEMBER

1 September 1999 Wednesday

1 September 1999  Wednesday, Deseret News, Defendant escapes hate-crime charge  By Derek Jensen Deseret News staff writer    One of three men charged with a felony hate crime will spend no more than one year in jail.  Scott Presley, 23, 8669 S. Altair Drive, pleaded guilty Wednesday to two counts of assault, a class B misdemeanor, for beating a man he allegedly believed to be homosexual. Prosecutors dropped one count of a hate crime, a third-degree felony and criminal mischief, a class B misdemeanor, in exchange for Presley's plea.     Presley faces up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine for each charge. Third District Judge William Barrett will sentence Presley Oct. 18.     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," charging 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.  According to charging 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.                                             

 

 

 2 September 1999 Thursday

Public Forum Letter Motive for Involvement   Let me make this simple for all of you who are complaining about The Church of Jesus of Latter-day Saints and its involvement with the homosexual marriage bill in California. I do not represent the church, but I feel I have a good understanding of its teachings because of lifelong membership and having served a mission for the church.   The church believes marriage to be a sacred ordinance of God. Allowing homosexual marriages would be a mockery of God, nothing more. PATTY HALES   Salt Lake City

 

3 September 1999  Friday

UTAH FUNDRAISER FOR CALIFORNIANS FOR FAIRNESS  - On September 3rd The Trapp, along with GALPAC and Utahn's For Fairness will be holding a fund raiser for Californians For Fairness. The cost of entry is $5.00 dollars, and all proceeds go directly to CFF's fig ht to kill the Knight Initiative. Joe Redburn is very excited for this event and encourages all to come and join in the outgiving. Please tell all your friends. UTAHNS FOR FAIRNESS Also help us spread the word about the importance of sending donations to CFF to counterbalance the Mormon effort in California. Send donations to Californians for Fairness  505 Howard Street San Francisco, CA  94105.  If anti-gay Mormons can give $100 or $200 to the other side, surely we can each give $5 or $10 to OUR side. We are still encouraging unhappy Mormons to take their names off the records of the church as part of our campaign to send the church a message.  Please call or write to your friends, ask if they're still Mormon and if they'd bewilling to do this.  I have instructions and a sample letter for anyone who is interested. Kathy Worthington

 

4 September 1999 Saturday

 Wasatch Bears Rendezvous in Fort Bridger Wyoming 10a.m. meet at Sugarhouse Shop-ko for carpool. Plan to spend all day

 

5 September 1999 Sunday

Allen Funt of Candid Camera died today.

 

Photo Caption: Patty Reagan; Jump Page J6: Patty Reagan in her office at the University of Utah Photo Credit: Michael J. Miller / The Salt Lake Tribune Six Exceptional Utahns Have Been Named Outstanding Women: PATTY REAGAN Outstanding Women to Be Honored by YWCA BY NANCY HOBBS   THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE  It didn't take Patty Reagan long to stand out -- often alone -- after embarking on her professional career in Salt Lake City more than two decades ago.   As a University of Utah associate professor of health promotion and education, later adding women's studies, she openly presented new and liberal views on issues like human sexuality, feminism and diversity. She never tried to keep her opinions to herself if she thought speaking out would advance the cause.    Reagan promoted the then-radical idea of women "taking control of their bodies" in the early 1980s, and even invited medical professionals from the U. hospital to instruct her female students on doing self-exams, and later to "bootleg" non-FDA approved cervical caps  as a drug-free birth-control option for women.    She ran unsuccessfully for the Utah Legislature in 1982, touting herself as "the other Reagan" who opposed cable TV censorship, supported responsible environmental stewardship and pushed the notion of ethics laws to rein in state legislators.    Then came her return in 1985 from a yearlong sabbatical at the University of California at Berkeley, the "epicenter" of the AIDS crisis and epidemiologic research on the virus. She did post-doctoral work on public health, with AIDS, a primary focus of her studies there.    On her return, she was determined to educate Utahns about AIDS and its prevention and steered her passion to founding the Salt Lake AIDS Foundation (later renamed the Utah AIDS Foundation). Adversaries were equally fervent about limiting public discussion on the subject.   Once again, Reagan became a lightning rod for the community's conservative elements. As always, however, she diverted the bolts with perseverance and a large dose of good humor.    All of that was a long time ago, Reagan says with a laugh from her university office, from which foes tried to have rebooted numerous times. Students, on the other hand, shower their praises and have shown their support with outstanding teacher awards from both the College of Health and the entire campus. Luckily, she adds, the institution's administration is likewise supportive, having "always protected my academic freedom . . . and always understood this is my discipline, and it is legitimate."   Most of her activism is history, Reagan says, adding, "I'm 50 years old. I've mellowed."  Besides, many of the issues she’s fought for -- with the notable exception of ethics rules to guide the Legislature -- have become accepted by the   community. Other than teaching and working behind the scenes on public health issues for gay and lesbian youth, she spends free time now working on her yard -- recently delivered $40,000 worth of damage by the Utah tornado.     So being awarded the YWCA Outstanding Achievement Award for Education, she assumes, is a belated honor for past good works. That isn't to say more won't come, she forecasts. If opposition surfaces on plans she has to help youth deal with issues of homosexuality, she could well be in the limelight again.   And though she has lost her passion -- and naivete -- for politics, she says, she can imagine it festering again "after I'm retired and if I'm really bored."    Eagle Forum be warned.

 

, 5:00pm--Workshop on love and personal spirituality by MargoHope, at Metropolitan Community Church, 823 S 600 E in Salt Lake City.

 

 

6 September 1999 Monday

Labor Day

 

10 September 1999  Friday

Reserve this night for a second annual special event scheduled to be held at Cactus and Tropicals in Salt Lake City. Community event with entertainment, refreshments, 'distinguished' GLBTguests.

 

Suspect arrested in rape of Am.F. man    Also, police seek 2 men in rape of woman at home By Frank Curreri Deseret News staff writer      AMERICAN FORK -- Officers here arrested a man Wednesday for allegedly raping a 61-year-old man who has severe mental retardation.     Police are also searching for two other suspects in a separate rape that occurred early Thursday. The first rape happened about 3 p.m. on the Utah State Developmental Center campus, a residential facility for people who suffer from severe mental and/or physical disabilities.     An unarmed 43-year-old resident allegedly forced a mute 61-year-old man into a bathroom at the center and sodomized him, said American Fork Police Lt. Andy Hale.     Hale said the alleged perpetrator, who was convicted last year of another rape on the campus, was booked into the county jail for investigation of kidnapping and forcible sodomy.     Hale said the 43-year-old suspect is "borderline mentally retarded" but appeared to be significantly more intelligent than his victim. When convicted last year for a different rape, Hale said the suspect served no jail time due to his mental condition, and was sentenced back to a semi-secure facility at Utah State Developmental Center.     Another rape reportedly occurred about 1 a.m. Thursday. Police reported that two men knocked on the door of a residence in northwest American Fork, asking to speak with a niece of the resident. A 30-year-old woman, who was home alone, answered the door and the two men allegedly forced their way inside the home.     One of the men then raped the woman while the other stood watch, Hale said. No weapons were used in the attack, but the female victim did suffer some injuries, Hale said.     Police are still looking for the suspects, believed to be two men in their early 20s. The primary suspect is described as being 5 feet 9 inches, with black, shoulder-length hair. No physical description was given for the attacker's accomplice.                                               ©

 

13 September 1999 Monday

No Gay Marriage Right   A spate of recent letters to the editor have stated that the majority's refusal for the gay/lesbian community to sanction their relationships in marriage is in fact a constitutional denial of their civil rights.  In truth, such is not the case. The issue is not one of equal protection under the law based on a protected category in federal or state law.  There is no issue because there is no inherent constitutional right for homosexuals to marry.   I do believe, however, in contractual protection for any form of sincere relationships.  A form of domestic partnership enacted by the Legislature would give homosexuals (or any two or more individuals, for that matter) the right to pass on and protect property rights without giving such a partnership the recognition of marriage.   The social charter of our community nationally and regionally would not be strengthened by gay/lesbian marriage recognition, nor should the desire of 97 percent of the population be subordinated to the non-constitutional desire of the very small minority.  The basis of our American culture has always been (and always will be) the traditional marriage relationship of a woman and a man.  The hetero majority will never permit otherwise.   The above is not gay-bashing but rather hetero-defending and community-defining.  All of my lesbian or gay friends, who include a brother, would laugh out loud at the suggestion that I hate gays or wish them ill.  I wish them well but also understand that the subject of such marriages does not reach constitutional levels pertaining to civil rights. MELVIN C. JOHNSON  Layton

 

16 September 1999 Thursday

UTAH  GAY COMMUNITY TO CHURCH: THIS IS THE LAST STRAW by Ben Fulton Salt Lake City Weekly   City Consider the line drawn. That’s the attitude of a growing number in Salt Lake City’s gay community following the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ directive that California members use their time and money in the fight against gay marriage. As it’s now widely known, the LDS church writes very large checks when it comes to fighting even the slightest possibility that gay people might one day legally marry. Last year, the church contributed $500,000 and $600,000 for political efforts banning same-sex marriage in Alaska and Hawaii respectively. But the church’s recent call for Golden State members to write checks in support of the Knight initiative, which would rewrite state law to read that “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California,” has created enough critical mass for political action from the other side of the debate. Just as LDS wards in California are hosting pro-Knight fund-raising parties, so are local gays, lesbians and heterosexual allies hosting anti-Knight fund-raisers here at home. Clearly, one person’s holy war is another’s Inquisition. Beyond check-book activism, hitting the streets in protest is also in the works. So is support for church members working to remove their names from official rolls, some of whom allege harassment on the part of the LDS church after sending their letters of resignation. Educate, organize, fund-raise: It’s almost certain to be a familiar mantra on both sides of the battle, especially as the March 7 Knight initiative primary election ballot approaches in California. Recently, The Trapp nightclub in Salt Lake City raised $2,600 during a fund-raising event to benefit Californians for Fairness, a group working to defeat the Knight initiative and counteract the numerous religious groups supporting it.“ There’s always been a sense of outrage when the church sent checks to Hawaii and Alaska, but this has really hit people,” says Joe Redburn, owner of The Trapp. “I’m sure this is just the beginning of fund raising in the Salt Lake community.” Even if it isn’t, those who can’t write checks are hitting the streets in protest: right in front the church’s downtown office tower. Last week local gay activist Kathy Worthington assembled a rag-tag group of sign-wavers to razz the church’s membership records department for refusing to immediately remove the names of members angered over the brethren’s recent actions in California. Worthington says she’s heard from as many as 40 people locally and nationwide alleging harassment by church officials after they sent notarized letters of resignation to church headquarters in Salt Lake City. I think it’s a control issue,” Worthington says. “The church doesn’t like it when people aren’t willing to accept its authority and control. But for a lot of people this is just the last straw, and it feels good to say, ‘This is not my church anymore and I’m walking away from it.’” The church has justified its actions against gay marriage as divinely  inspired. Although IRS rules prohibit a tax-exempt religious organization from using the majority of its budget for political purposes, the church defends its right to intervene in issues it sees as vitally important. Gay marriage, viewed by the church as a threat to traditional families, is obviously one of those issues. The church is also adamant that matters of membership be handled by local bishops, not top administrative brass in Salt Lake City. “A caring bishop who calls to verify a member’s wishes and soothe hurt feelings is simply doing what the Lord taught-—showing concern for his congregation,” LDS church spokesman Mike Otterson said in a faxed statement. “Ultimately, any member who wishes to leave the church has the right to do so. ”But to those looking for a more speedy process, phone calls and delays constitute a form of harassment for which they have neither the time nor energy. Brian Burke, an environmental attorney in San Francisco, has had it with the church’s rigmarole. He sent his resignation letter by registered mail to Salt Lake City Aug. 26, and is still getting calls from his bishop. A lawyer, Burke says he knows he’s well within his rights to have his name immediately withdrawn from church records without hassle. Legal precedent, notably Guinnvs. Church of Christ of Collinsville, says so. “The case law is very clear that when any church fails to recognize a resignation, any activities taken after that constitute harassment,” Burke says. “I think [the LDS church] is deliberately trying to make it difficult to exercise a fundamental right: the freedom to withdraw from a church. I don’t know how I could have made my letter of resignation any clearer to them.” Burke has no plans to visit with his Bay Area bishop, but he won’t rule out a class-action lawsuit with others seeking resignation if the church won’t honor his request to leave. “I’d certainly consider it,” he says. Susan Loder of Mason City, Iowa, is also losing patience with the church over her request to leave. Like Burke, the consumer researcher and mother of three sent her letter in late August. She’s talked with her local bishop several times already but doesn’t see her request being processed any time soon. The church’s active backing of the Knight initiative is one of many reasons she wants to leave the Mormon fold after converting six years ago. “When my sister left the church they held onto her resignation letter for one and a-half years,” Loder says. “That concerns me. I don’t think this is going to be easy.” Even before last week’s small gathering at the church office building, others in the gay community met at the offices of the American Civil Liberties Union to plan a peaceful protest outside Temple Square on the last day of church conference, Oct. 3. Jared Wood, chairman of Utahns for Fairness, a sister group to Californians for Fairness, encouraged those attending to write letters to newspaper editors, and generally spread news about the protest date. Many there had already organized their own “potluck political party” fund-raisers for Californians for Fairness. Wood, himself a former member of the church, made it clear that the efforts and actions of the gay community aren’t directed at Mormons generally, but church hierarchy specifically. He also emphasized that October’s protest will be quiet and non-confrontational. “We’re just going to hold our signs and smile,” he said. “If we plant a few seeds in a few good hearts after church conference, that’s a good place to start.” And if the church is at all surprised that gays and lesbians are starting to act after a long silence, it shouldn’t be, Wood says. “It’s unfortunate when a church that’s experienced bigotry and stereotypes continues to do the same with other minorities.” Salt Lake City Weekly

 

17 September 1999 Friday

Provo Ream's Wilderness Park., "On Thursday night Provo Police went through the park with covered flashlights hassling anyone and everyone they saw. They claimed they were looking for BYU students who were reported to be out there smoking pot. The police used it as an excuse to hassle everyone. They did arrest several young men who were on the nature trails doing stuff with each other. They also told us that the Provo City Council would be cracking down on the activities in the park and that we and our 'faggot friends' (this is what they said) should find someplace else to conduct our business."

 

18 September 1999 Saturday

Community Rummage Sale in the parking lot of the Center

 

19 September 1999 Sunday

Public Forum Letter No Comparison   I have read more attempts to justify allowing polygamy to run rampant in our state, the latest by Briggitte Eastman(Forum, Aug. 30). This causes me to wonder if she and others do not realize that polygamy is not just a misdemeanor, it is a third-degree felony.   Polygamy is in an entirely different category than sodomy and/or oral sex and cohabitation because the dynamics are built on power and control, nothing less than female slavery. Some characteristics of this bondage/domestic abuse are the unequal distribution of power within the male-female relationship.   Women and children who leave polygamy cannot get a penny in child support, nor keep their home when it has all been consecrated to a 501-c3 church. For visitation, the young girls are forced back into the arms of the community. Refugees of polygamy often have limited education skills, and with a myriad of children and no financial security, they often go back to their abusers.   According to intake records, Tapestry of Polygamy has witnessed fathers married to daughters, brothers to sisters, cousins married to one another, and nieces who have married their uncle (contrary to public belief these are not relationships isolated to the Kingston family). We have helped girls as young as nine years old who were being betrothed in marriage. Tapestry is not advocating against healthy lifestyle choices or consensual sex between adults, but rather protecting children who have no choice and their mothers who have no means to support them after leaving.   Elizabeth Cady Stanton once said, "Women kiss the chains that bind them." No doubt, this is true in Utah as we observe women who continue to advocate for spiritual, emotional and eternal bondage while desperately trying to win the affections of their husband.   On a more personal note, I notice that this form of polygyny dictates that the white patriarchal male is superior in every way to women, children, African Americans, homosexuals, Jews, and other "less worthy" gentiles. Whereas, my former husband who was a fair-looking Caucasian immigrant from England felt he could come to Utah and take more wives ,other more obvious-looking minorities such as many of my neighbors must leave their wives behind when entering this country. When these ethnic men leave their loved ones behind because of our laws, and then we flaunt and exploit our laws in front of them using selective enforcement we become nothing more than hypocrites.   Yes, I was duped (and have repented) into a white supremacist club that not only believes in discrimination but practices it on the very people they profess to love, their own wives and children. VICKY PRUNTY   Tapestry of Polygamy   Salt Lake City

 

21 September 1999 Tuesday Deseret News

Tolerance is a 2-way street      Kellie Forman (Sept. 8) provides a classic example of those who beseech tolerance but refuse to "do" tolerance by demanding gays be included in civil rights circles while simultaneously trivializing ex-gays. Ms. Forman is indignant regarding Jeanetta William's statements concerning civil rights. However, inconvenient as it may be, it is disingenuous to compare gay activism to other civil rights movements when the definition of homosexuality is clearly based on behavior, genetically engendered or not. This is particularly true when activists discriminate based upon behavior as much as those they criticize.     I absolutely agree that homosexuality is not usually chosen and that all gays should be treated with respect and dignity. However, I resent that many gay activists are so obsessed with promoting an image of "happy gays" that they completely ignore "dirty little secrets," such as the fact that an abnormally high percentage of homosexuals are victims of emotional or sexual abuse. If Ms. Forman is going to resort to name calling by discounting all therapists  who work with unhappy homosexuals as "psychobigots," then myopic illiberal zealots should be similarly discounted as "homofascist," since their behavior makes those they condemn look broad-minded in comparison.     I personally know numerous men who have been involved in reparative therapy. Some resent it. Others think it is the best thing they have ever done in their lives. It is their life, their choice and their responsibility to do what works for them. Those who argue that ex-gays cannot exist because they harm gay rights are little different from those who claim gays and lesbians should be bashed because they don't fit their particular political agenda. Similarly, I also wonder how the ACLU and those gay activists who blame all religious conservatives for the death of Matthew Shepherd differ from those who stereotype all gays based upon the behavior of Jeffery Dahmer, Andrew Cunnanan, John Wayne Gacey or Arthur Bishop.     Progressive thinking involves more than recycling malevolence to one's own advantage. Activists cannot credibly advance gay rights while concurrently embracing the exact same character traits they claim to oppose.    Doug Dansie    Salt Lake City

 

22 September 1999 Wednesday

George C. Scott  died today. He won the Academy Award for the film Patton but also became the first actor to reject the award, as he believed no two actors or performances could be compared. My favorite film of his was Dr. Strangelove,

 

 

23 September 1999 Thursday

Debate Over Anti-Discrimination Policies for Gays Remains Alive BY REBECCA WALSH   THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE   Salt Lake City Councilwoman Deeda Seed campaigned four years ago, promising to introduce language in city ordinances to protect gay and lesbian city employees from discrimination.   She did. But Councilman Bryce Jolley promptly led a bitter fight to take the words "sexual orientation" back out.   The issue isn't dead.   

 

On Tuesday, Seed's potential successors in District 4 were asked if they would return the language. All five – David Berg, Linda Lepreau, Nancy Saxton, Matt Wolverton and David "Woody" Woodruff -- said they would reintroduce the words that split the City Council 18 months ago.  

 

Several front-runners for mayor agree and have vowed to reintroduce the issue if elected.  And the District 4candidates would go even further, granting the partners of gay city employees benefits if they are elected.   "It's unfortunate we have to address this at all," said Berg. "It shouldn't be an issue. People are people. They're part ofour community."   Added Wolverton: "It's just the right thing to do."   The candidates vying for Seed's seat representing downtown, Central City and university neighborhoods fielded a slew of questions about decisions the council or Mayor Deedee Corradini have made, from business subsidies in the Gateway to downtown revitalization.   Firefighters asked the council hopefuls if the candidates would divert money from city personnel to chip away at a 20-year, $630-million bill for roads, parks and buildings.    The firefighters still are smarting from cuts to fire and police budgets.  All five candidates said they wouldn't do the same next year.  "Public safety comes first," said Lepreau.   

 

The Oct. 5 primary will narrow the District 4 race to two candidates, who then will face off in the Nov. 2 general election.   Berg, a school bus driver, would push for community access television and a return to neighborliness.    Lepreau, an attorney with Utah Legal Services, said she would focus on the budget, making public safety her first priority before paying for infrastructure and downtown investment.   

 

Saxton, owner of the Saltair bed and breakfast, is an advocate for city government.    Wolverton, a Central City Community Council member, promises look out for the interests of the elderly and minority residents who live his district.    And Woodruff promises to scrutinize city spending.

 

 

 

29 September 1999 Wednesday

Salt Lake Tribune,

  Long-shot Salt Lake City mayoral candidate Ken Larsen doesn't really want to marry his attorney, Victor Gordon.    But on Tuesday, the two tried unsuccessfully to apply for a marriage license from the Salt Lake County clerk.    "It's about publicity," Larsen says.  "That's what my candidacy for mayor is about.  The more of my ideas I can get out to the people the better.  This is not about the battle to get Ken Larsen elected mayor.  It's about freedom."    He's not even gay.  An inactive Mormon, divorced with five children, Larsen is an equal-opportunity protester, panning background checks for gun purchases, police crackdowns on Liberty Park drummers and State Street cruisers and laws that classify marijuana as a controlled substance.    "I'm not asking to get married.  I have no intention of getting married, “Larsen says.  "I'm asking for permission to get married.  It's wrong to deny gay people the privilege of a legal marriage. It's unconstitutional."    Gay activists welcomed Larsen's sentiments -- if not his tactics.    "I applaud anyone who is willing to stand up against homophobia to defend gay rights," says Jared Wood, a spokesman for the Gay and Lesbian Political Action Committee.  "But if he's using us for attention, that's offensive. It’s insulting."    Chief Deputy County Clerk Nick Floros simply refused to issue Larsen and his lawyer a license, showed them a copy of the state law prohibiting marriages between people of the same gender and referred them to the district attorney or the Legislature.  Larsen gave Floros a copy of a federal lawsuit he filed late Tuesday against the state, Salt Lake County and County Clerk Sherrie Swensen for violating his rights.    Then Larsen held a news conference, served "light refreshments" (M&Ms)and asked for wedding gifts, tongue firmly in cheek.    He acknowledges Salt Lake City's mayor could do little if anything about the state's same-sex marriage ban.  Still, he says, "it's every person’s responsibility to protect everyone else's rights, even if they have no personal interest in the issue.    "I'm concerned about the rights of all," he says.  "If a woman can marry this guy and I can't, that's unconstitutional."    Wood and others worry Larsen's lawsuit could undermine a nationwide campaign to educate the public about gay relationships and activists' efforts to overturn bans on gay marriage.  If Larsen pushes his suit and the courts or state lawmakers respond negatively, Wood fears other states will follow.    Utah lawmakers were the first to block recognition of gay marriages performed elsewhere.  Other states quickly approved similar laws and Congress passed the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996, which prevents the federal government from recognizing same-sex unions.    Tuesday's stunt is just the latest for Larsen.  After SWAT teams swept through Liberty Park in April, Larsen set up a microphone the next week tolet drum-circlers, police officers and residents talk about the crackdown.  A dozen people took advantage of the equipment, but most of the circlers ignored it.    Utah's Libertarian Party has tried to distance itself from Larsen.  He founded the Church of the Hemp Goddess, Utah's Progressive Party and is a minister with the Church of Universal Life.    Born and reared in Provo, Larsen graduated from Brigham Young University in 1974 with a degree in herpetology, the study of reptiles.  He now works as a researcher at the University of Utah medical school, studying the effect of jet lag on rats.

 

Mayoral hopeful requests license to wed attorney  to make point Ironically, gay groups do not want his 'help ‘By Alan Edwards, Deseret News staff writer      You could almost see what the desk clerk was thinking as Ken Larsen, accompanied by television cameras, reporters and hangers-on, strode into the Salt Lake County Clerk's Office Tuesday:      "Uh, oh."      Larsen had advertised beforehand that he intended to ask for a marriage license to marry his attorney, Victor Gordon.  Both are men.     

 

Larsen is a Salt Lake mayoral candidate, strident civil rights advocate and, perhaps most relevant to the issue at hand, a heterosexual. 

 

He freely acknowledged that the action was a publicity stunt.      "Of course it is," he said.  "What's wrong with a publicity stunt if it makes a point?"     

 

The purpose of the marriage license request, Larsen said, was to publicize his belief that Utah's ban of homosexual marriage is unconstitutional.  He compared same-sex marriage to polygamy in Utah’s territory days, saying both should have been, and should be, legally allowed.     

 

The fact that he's heterosexual is irrelevant, Larsen said  he was acting on behalf of homosexuals.  "It's an issue of freedom.  Official persecution of consenting adults for their personal lifestyle is wrong."     

 

Irony alert:  The gay and lesbian community doesn't want Larsen's help.      "This is kind of an invasion on our territory," said Jared Wood, a director of the Gay and Lesbian Political Action Committee of Utah.  "It's well-intentioned, but it's dangerous.  It could backfire and set an ugly precedent."    

 

 Pushing the issue of same-sex marriage in conservative Utah could result in a constitutional convention strictly defining marriage as only between a man and a woman, Wood said.  That would damage the gay and lesbian activist agenda.     

 

Right now the definition is contained in state law.      But Larsen pushed ahead anyway. 

 

After he asked for the marriage license, the clerk, nonplussed, got her superior, chief deputy county clerk Nick Floros.  Floros calmly explained that Utah law prohibited him from issuing Larsen the license and suggested he get with County Attorney David

Yocom.     

 

Larsen, not surprisingly, expected this.  He politely acknowledged Floros' refusal to issue the license, strode out of the office, and held court outside the Salt Lake County Government Complex, where he handed to reporters copies of a complaint he plans to file in federal court challenging the action.     

 

Back in the renewed calm of the clerk's office, Floros sighed.      "Just another day on the job."

 

Public Forum letter Legitimate Criticism     I had to laugh upon reading the predictable whines from yet another defender of the indefensible LDS dabbling in California politics, "Obdurate Critics" (Forum, Sept. 3). Samuel Harkness simply cannot understand why good folks aren’t leaving his church alone to influence legislation against the rights of American citizens in another state.   While accurately citing the code allowing churches to maintain their tax exempt status, Mr. Harkness does the quickstep around the fact that the LDS Church has indeed devoted a significant amount of its activities to influence legislation -- here in Utah. The California incident is merely the first of its kind in spreading the cloaked theocracy to another state. The LDS Church has once again intoned its dark admonitions to spiritually coerce members to follow its policies.   The LDS Church has also shown an alarming lack of care in the fact that it is participating in the attempted removal of some basic rights of a legitimate minority group of American citizens. Top this off with a dollop of spin and weaving around the law, and you've got business as usual for the supposedly non-political aims of the LDS Church.   Well, Mr. Harkness, I know a stinker when I smell one . . . and this one reeks to the celestial realm. In these United States (we realize Utah never really wanted to be a part of them anyway, but oh well) citizens' rights are protected against intrusion by government fiat, popular whim, or yes, even church dogma. Long may it be so.   If Mr. Harkness continues to suffer heartburn over our bothersome rights, I suggest he scope out some nice property in Pakistan or Iran. There, the churches do dictate law and I can almost guarantee he won't be neighbors with a  homosexual couple. SCOTT JORGENSEN