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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (July 6, 1984)
U.S. rules against G ay Games by Renee LaChance The United States has ruled in favor of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) in a lawsuit against the Gay Games. U. S. District Court Judge John P. Vukasin ruled that the USOC wasjustified in their claim for payment of $96,000 in litigation fees they spent in getting an injunction to stop the Gay Games from using the word "Olympic." This was not the first time the United States ruled against the Gay Games. Plans for the first Gay Olympic Games be gan in 1980 when a group of gay athletes and fans envisioned an opportunity “to expand our image and educate the general public on the vitality, variety, and versatility of the gay com m unity. . . ” A non-profit organization called San Fran cisco Arts and Athletics, Inc. (SFAA) was formed in early 1982 to sponsor the Games and attract participants from around the world and throughout the United States. Dr. Tom Waddell, director, former Olym pian, and chief founder, researched the legal ity of the use of the word "Olympics” in the name. Waddell discovered that though many organizers used the word “Olympics" for their events, few had received warnings 90.7 FM KB00 C O M M U N I T Y from the USOC. No action had ever been taken. In December of 1981, Waddell told the USOC of the SFAA’s intent in a letter and requested permission to use the word "Olympics.” The USOC responded that the SFAA should "cease and desist" in the use of the word as it was their trademark. Waddell consulted attorney Mary Dunlop who advised him to resist the USOCs decision, reasoning that if other groups could use the word so could the Gay Olympic Games. The USOC didn’t reason that way. In August of 1982, just days before the August 28th opening cere monies, the USOC filed suit and won an in junction banning the SFAA from using the word "Olympics." Hence, Gay Games ’82 was born, and attracted over 1300 participants from 27 states, 179 cities, and 12 countries. The sponsors of the Gay Games then filed a request for a trial in the case, which was denied in February, 1984, by Judge Vukasin. The decision is currently being appealed in the Ninth Circuit Court The USOC then sued the Gay Games for the $96,000 they claimed to have spent on litigation resulting in the new action which will also be appealed in the Ninth Circuit Court. Attorney Mary Dunlap contends that the two cases will continue to be fought in court as long as there are appeals to be made. Waddell stated in a May 1984 press release, "More than ever, our goals of eliminating racism, ageism, sexism and nationalism through the medium of athletic and cultural events must be pursued." Gay Games II will be held in San Francisco in 1986. The homophobic nature of the USOC suit makes it vital. Human rights ordinance introduced in Boston On Thursday, June 14 the Boston City Council held a public hearing on Boston’s first comprehensive Human Rights Ordinance introduced by Councillor David Scondras on June 6. "This ordinance gives Boston an opportunity to clearly state its opposition to discrimination, stated Councillor Scondras. "Our country has always been strengthened when we count people in instead of shutting R AD I O them out That’s what this ordinance is all about" Civil rights leaders, clergy, victims of dis crimination, and legal experts testified at the hearing, and a large audience is anticipated as enthusiasm for the ordinance grows. The Scondras legislation would create a commission to protect people from discrimi nation based on race, color, sex, age, religion, creed, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, ex-offender status, prior psychiatric treatment, military status, or source of income. Councillor Scondras, the first openly gay person elected to Boston’s City Council, made human rights legislation a top priority during his campaign and is optimistic that the ordinance will pass. “Councillors are hearing from constituents all across the city, people speaking up urging the Council to stand opposed to all forms of discrimination — I think that we can get the votes,” notes Scondras. Councillors Charles Yancey, Bruce Bolling, and Brian McLaughlin have joined Council lor Scondras in sponsoring the legislation. Three more votes are needed for a majority on the thirteen member council. Texas protects KKK More than $80,000 in public funds was spent by the City of Houston, Texas, for pro tection of members of the Ku Klux Klan as they marched in that city’s gay dominated Montrose District on June 9. On rooftops, in helicopters and on the streets, 600 heavily armed police in full battle gear cordoned off the area as the minions of bigotry trudged down empty Westheimer Boulevard. All streets intersecting West heimer were barricaded with barrels and cables from noon to 6 p.m. The Klan parade began at 3 p.m. and lasted for about 20 minutes. There were no incidents. “The purpose of the parade was intimida tion," said Terence Reed, of the Montrose Voice, Houston’s gay newspaper. “A large portion of the people stayed away. All businesses were closed and the streets were deserted," Reed said in a telephone con versation with Just O ut NEWS N 4 : 3 0 PM N sj VI j \ l r PUBLIC M AFFAIRS s! I j v I J MUSIC Mk V \ / f \ / y M-F 9 : 3 0 AM N I G H T & DAY C >r Baked by its creator, the bread is handkneaded into 4 x 6 in loaves, and baked in small batches to insure freshness. JoeBread contains no preservative and is available in five varieties. • CHEESE containing 20% sharp Cheddar cheese. • h e r b containing minced garlic and five other herbs, fresh eggs and honey, no milk or sugar. brkf f d th* ( won the West? Meet Joe, its creator, at 9 ° ° ^ ® s Meaf in Milwaukie, July 7th, 12-4 p.m. or at Norm Thompsons, __ Y 14, 11~3 P m - or Meier & Frank, Uoyd Center, July 21 from 11-4 P.m. Just Out, July 6