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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Oct. 21, 1994)
letters Alarmed and watchful To the Editor: In the editorial [“New Trouble,” Just Out, Aug. 19, 1994J Ariel Waterwoman writes that the anti abortion movement is “moving on to bigger and better causes,” and shifting to anti-gay activities. She is justified in her concern that anti-gay mobi lization will escalate, but there are several miscon ceptions in the editorial which we’d like to ad dress. As pro-choice activists working inside clinics which provide abortion, we’re not aware of any decrease in anti-abortion violence—in fact, quite the opposite. It is true that large, national anti abortion groups such as Right to Life are attempt ing to distance themselves from the “justifiable homicide” activists who have now assassinated four people (Dr. David Gunn, Dr. John Bayard Britton, escort James Barrett, and Dr. Wayne Patterson) and attempted to kill two others (Dr. George Tiller and escort June Barrett). However, the rhetoric of violence runs thick through the movement as a whole, and the contingent which believes murder of providers is justifiable and sanctioned by God is growing, not dying out. Waterwoman suggests that “these murders may prove to be the last gasp for the anti-abortion movement.” We disagree. Federal law enforce ment has notified us that Oregon is a growing “epicenter of anti-abortion violence.” Portland- based Advocates for Life has harassed area clinics since 1985 and publishes Life Advocate, a national magazine for anti-choice extremists. In August, a new national organization, the American Coali tion of Life Activists, was launched from Portland by some of the most powerful and frightening leaders of the anti-abortion movement. While the “mainstream” national anti-abortion groups’ talk may officially oppose the strategy of murdering abortion providers, the extreme end of the move ment is drawing support, membership and money into its fold. As a result, our clinics are still devoting valu able staff time and energy to security strategies to keep ourselves and our clients safe. In fact, with several attempted and successful clinic bombings, arsons, and death threats following closely on the heels of the Pensacola murders, we’re convinced that the most dangerous elements of the anti choice movement are on the rise. At our clinics, we’re alarmed and very, very watchful. One of the biggest—and strangest—presump tions in Waterwoman’s editorial is that “the abor REPORT H0M 0PH0RIC VIOLENCE tion protesters are now going to pool their re sources and join with other hate groups to try to destroy our queer communities.” She asks if anti abortion activists can “make the switch to a new target group.” Guess what?They don’t need to link to other groups, or switch focus—these are the same people! Before the OCA targeted Spring- field for anti-gay organizing, their primary issue was pushing anti-abortion legislation. It shouldn’t be news to any pro-choice or gay-rights activist that the folks on the other side of these issues are the same people, involved in the same organiza tions. It is worth noting that the religious right has been successful at organizing and fund-raising simultaneously around both anti-gay and anti- abortion issues. Both are sensationalized to an extreme degree by the religious right, and they are linked continuously. More importantly, both is sues are part of a larger platform: Christianizing the United States government and codifying into law a morality which not even all Christians agree on. If you have any doubts, watch the immensely popular 700 Club', its goal of a right-wing Chris tian takeover of our national government is bla tant. We urge both the gay community and the pro ATLANTIS VACATIONS Punta Cana (Nov. 5 ’94) Huatulco Mexico (Feb. 4 ’95) Playa Blanca Mexico (April 22 ’95) Sanora Bay Mexico (July 15 ’95) Turkoise Caribbean (Nov. 5 ’95) Sally Sheklow Development Director, Portland and Eugene Femi nist Women’s Health Centers Maximize Your Productivity! Hardware & Software Solutions (Mac, Windows, MS-DOS) Personalized Training Fred Allemann O n-Site Troubleshooting ANTI-VIOLENCE REPORTING LINE We’re more than just bubbles. Diane Gruver Program Director, Federation of Feminist Women’s Health Centers A ffo rd a b le C o m p u te r C o n su ltin g and Training 7 9 6 -1 70 3 C llíñi T@u<glfri Trowel ) choice community to understand the depth of the changes sought by the religious right. This power ful and well-funded movement doesn’t simply want to eliminate abortion, or eliminate basic rights for gays and lesbians. These are merely particular issues in a much larger agenda for social transformation which includes a return to strictly defined nuclear families as the only viable option in our society, complete support for sexism and heterosexism, the utter subjugation of women to men, and, of course, right-wing Christian values as the basis for all local, state and federal governance. Watch out. Though we disagree that the anti abortion movement has had the wind knocked out of it, we do agree with Waterwoman that the radical right is mobilizing against the gay commu nity. Everyone who values freedom and diversity in our society needs to band together to fight the religious right. 335-7649 GAY TH EM ED CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS BED AND BREAKFAST RSVP CRUISES Enchanted Sea (Feb. 18 ’95) The Mexican Riviera (Mar. 19 ’95) Seaspirit Vacations (Dec. 19 ’94 - April 2 ’95) Christmas/New Years Cruises, plus 4 Caribbean Cruises (April 12 ’95) Pacific Northwest, British Columbia & Alaska (June 10- Sept. 15 ’95) Olivia Vacations: Club Med Sonora Bay (All Women) (Oct. 1 ’94) Eastern Carib. Cruise (April 9 ’95) Alaska Cruise (June 21 ’95) FAIRYTALE VACATIONS Domestic packages to Key West, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, New Orleans, New York, Palm Springs, San Diego and San Francisco. OUR FAMILY ABROAD European vacations for gay travelers (Escorted tours or independent city stays) Please call for domestic and international air fares. 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