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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Sept. 1, 1992)
IUP cal news Local SLAPP suit to move for dismissal The verdict is still out on Paul deParrie’s $14 million class action lawsuit aimed at penalizing local activists for opposing the OCA’s attempts to legalize discrimination against Oregon gays and lesbians. Judge Robert Jones allowed deParrie to file an amended suit “to allege specific facts...to support the broad conclusions of the [original] complaint.” However, the amended suit still failed to mention specific acts committed by the defendants, including Campaign for a Hate Free Oregon, No on Hate PAC, Right to Privacy, Lesbian Community Project, Queer Nation, Radi cal Women, Bigot Busters, City of Portland, Po lice Chief Tom Potter and Fred Meyer Corpora- TRANSITIONS tion, all of whom have requested that the suit be Expensive and time-consuming, SLAPP (Stra lawful and tortuous acts were committed,’’merely dismissed. tegic Lawsuit Against Political Participation) law because they organized to defend their own basic DeParrie is an ideal front man for the OCA’s suits have become increasingly popular as a tech civil rights. “This could be called the ‘No Civil legal attack since he is basically insolvent after nique by businesses and government agencies to Rights’ lawsuit,” Adrienne Weller of Radical local pro-choice groups and the Lovejoy clinic discourage citizen criticism. They often border Women said. “The OCA strategy is to ban homo won a judgment against him for his criminal anti on the ludicrous: a bus company sued a Pennsyl sexuality and intimidate defenders of gay rights.” abortion activities. While there is some evidence vania parents’ group for defamation when they The court hearing to move for dismissal is set that he has received surreptitious legal advice for criticized the safety of their buses; after a Texas for Monday, Sept. 14, 1:30 p.m., U.S. District his lawsuit, there are also flaws that demonstrate woman called a local landfill a dump, her husband Court, 620 SW Main S l , Room 71. “There are an ignorance of the law. “His theories don’t fall was named in a $5 million lawsuit for failing to sanctions available if you can show that some in with what you need to have to violate the kinds “control his wife.” thing was totally frivolous and without merit,” of laws that he’s alleging have been violated,” DeParrie’s charges are similarly ridiculous. Keeney noted. “Then you can potentially get your said Karen Keeney, legal liaison for the Right to The defendants are accused of “assault, destruc attorneys’ fees and cost from the other side, and Privacy PAC. “For example, for some of them tion of property, incitement to riot and violent that’s certainly something that would be requested you have to have state action. That’s good against acts, harassment and intimidation, [and] fraud.” if this thing is thrown out. We have every reason governmental bodies, but when you get down to No on Hate, Campaign for a Hate Free Oregon to believe it will be thrown out.” individuals and other private groups, that doesn’t and Bigot Busters are accused of being “a three Jim Hunger fly very well. There are a lot of flaws like that” fold nexus of conspiracy through which the un If you need help buying a home, we’ll lend you a hand. v Commitment ceremony Announcing the marriage of Lorie and Vicki on July 3,1992. Their reception was at the Chart House, where they "treated us very w ell... very affirming and welcoming." Patrick Forbes Belcher Patrick Forbes Belcher, bom Feb. 13, 1955, died in his Northeast Portland home on Aug. 17, 1992, from complications due to AIDS. Pat possessed an exceptional interest in and fondness for classical music. He is survived by his partner, Marc Brown, and their dogs Daisy, Winnie, Sammy and Sasha. Pat is also survived by his mother Cristeen and sister Cindy of Phoenix, Ariz., where Pat was raised. Thanks are ex pressed to the dear friends and the VNA Hospice Team who provided support and assistance dur ing this transition. CORRECTION The August issue of Just Out incorrectly la beled the above artwork as on display at the Culture Shock Gallery. The artist is in fact Judith Anderson and the piece is titled Missa Gaia: This Is My Body and was on display at In Her Image Gallery in July. Just Out regrets the error. Owning a home can be more than just a dream. To find out how, give Washington Mutual a call. If you qualify for our special homebuyer assistance programs, we can help open a few doors. UHI) Washington Mutual " FDICI 4 The friend of the family* For the location nearest you, please call 1-800-932-6668.
