October fi. 20QQ <
U ¡illividì mews
ssentially, it was the green team vs.
the purple team.
The greens sat on the right side of
the room, and the purples were on
the left. Television cameras surround
ed the playing field.
A 25-foot gap divided the two sides. The
space was where the battle— or the peacemak
ing— could have gone on.
But the teams mostly stayed in their chairs.
A few got up from their seats and paced around
the room.
And a few left the game altogether. “This is
out of hand,” one of the greens said as he stomped
out of the building and into the parking lot.
But this was no game— not even a competi
tion. The sponsor, the Global Process Institute,
hilled the event as “process work.”
The issue was the Oregon Citizens Alliances
Measure 9. Its supporters wore big green buttons;
the opposition was adorned with purple ones.
More than 200 people attended the forum
Oct. 2 at the Portland Conference Center. The
intent was to bring people with opposing views
together to listen to one another, build commu
nity and possibly even foster understanding.
In videotapes of other forums on sexism and
homophobia reviewed by Just Out, participants
got down on the floor and did their sharing.
Individuals might have disagreed with one
another, hut they got up close and personal.
Members of opposing viewpoints sometimes
even hugged each other. A few cried together.
But this is Oregon. The long history of dis
dain between the sides of this ongoing issue pre
dictably would preclude serious listening—
much less hugging and crying.
Measure 9 is the O CA ’s fourth serious attempt
to codify sexual orientation in recent years. Some
say these efforts have banded the gay community
P rocess of E limination
Measure 9 forum brings people together but drives some away
by Jo n a th a n Kipp
together; others say they have
sucked the energy and spirit
from thousands of people.
I
j oth sides were generally
toned down at first. In
fact, almost half of the two-
hour process was relatively
benign.
Barry Williams, O CA Lane
County director, opened the
dialogue. He wits polite and
avoided discussing religion.
“I’m here because I think
this kind of discussion is worth
while,” Williams said. “It is bet
ter than name calling.”
Jaime Balboa, Basic Rights
The heated exchange becomes too much for one anguished
Oregon executive director,
participant to take
didn’t mince words or even
attempt to warm up to his opponents.
Schools sexual orientation policy.
“Measure 9 is dangerous for schools and danger
He thinks the district is keeping scientific
ous for kids,” he said.
evidence from students that homosexuality can
Balboa said it would put HIV and AIDS edu
be changed. “You’re not bom homosexual!” said
cation at risk, a consequence O C A supporters
Salano, who at one point got so upset he left the
now deny. “If you don’t believe me, look at their
forum before being coaxed back by one of the
Web page,” he said.
institute’s volunteers.
Dick Weller agreed. Holding a homemade
he heat got turned up when Cleveland
“Yes on 9” sign on his lap, he delivered an
High teacher Jose Salano addressed the
impassioned oratory about the gay lifestyle he
crowd. He has been outspoken in the media
left behind.
about his disdain for the Portland Public
Weller distributed copies of his story to the
crowd, offering advice on how others can escape
homosexuality. “We don’t call it a sexual orien
tation; we call it a sex choice,” he said.
Mitch, a parent of four with his female part
ner, stood up and told his story. “I’m a human
being. I’m bisexual. So what?" he said.
The greens talked of pedophilia, AIDS, God,
the Bible— and protecting kids. The purple folks
talked of pain, freedom, fairness— and protect
ing kids.
John Cox said his gay father has AIDS. He
scoffs at the idea that homosexuality means
you’re at the highest risk.
“Orientation has nothing to do with it,”
exclaimed Cox, an AID S educator. All kids are
at risk now, he told the crowd.
“It’s all about homosexual sodomy,” said one
man, whose arguments were based on the Bible.
“Show me where Jesus Christ said that,” a
woman rebutted.
he “processing” ultimately seemed to be
business as usual. But at least one voice was
heard more than the others.
Dana, a 12-year-old girl, stole the show when
she stood in the front row and told of her expe
rience in school. She had everyone’s attention.
“Not once in the past, at school, never have
I heard one of my teachers promoting homosex
uality,” Dana said. “There is no promotion of
homosexuality.”
If listening— just once— was the goal, the
forum was a huge success. i n
Bigot Busters and the Youth Collaboration
Project are sponsoring a N o ON 9 YOUTH R ally
l p.m . O ct. 7 in Salem . Participants will gather at
the Peace Plaza near City Hall and march to the
Capitol. C all 503-399-8235 or 503-585-2767
or e-m ail zchani@hocmail.com fo r details.
We use a different
vocabulary to answer your
financial questions.
English .
I
Looking For Quality On A Budget?
HURRY - OFFER ENDS OCT 31ST
$1500OFF
© h e r e shouldn’t be any mystery to financial planning.
That’s why a Waddell & Reed financial advisor takes
the time to meet personally with, and get to know, you
and your family. We listen and learn what you want to
accomplish. Then we create a plan that’s specifically
tailored to your needs and your goals, and explain
everything thoroughly.
If it’s time for you to make a plan, call Waddell & Reed.
We speak your language.
.WADDELL
)<SrREED
E V E R Y W IN D O W T R E A T M E N T
Specializing in
HunterDouglas
waddell.com
Member SI PC
I I I I I • I I
¡B u dgetË
blind a
free fstimotes
• free Installation
• 90 days same os cash
Financial Services *
^
•
W i t h i a p la n .5“
on
Serving Oregon & 51V Washington
Call N o w ! 503-590-4333
Salem 503-362-1643
www.budgetblinds.com
Investing.
*
.fa * «s- r|
ÉU £ "■ M
1
Eric Brown
District Manager
500 N E Multnomah
Portland, O R 97232
503.238.6036
•*■13
We feature
• Annuals
• Perennials
• Shrubs & Trees
• Hanging Baskets
• Garden Accessories • Statuary
• European Baskets
• Vases and Lamps
• Pottery
• Keepsake Gifts
8601 SW Terwilliger Blvd.
(next to the Chevron station)
5 0 3 .9 7 7 .6 S 4 5