Just out., January 05, 2001, Page 15, Image 15

January 5 .2 0 0 1 * j H a t a a t i ^
Liu ;»i avi = k - i metes
T
he collective sigh o f relief in re­
sponse to Measure 9 s defeat was
barely over when Lon M abon
announced his latest anti-gay
scheme late last month.
T he Oregon Citizens A lliance has filed a
new initiative— dubbed the Student Protection
A ct II— with the secretary o f states office. If it
passes legal scrutiny and the O C A collects
enough petition signatures, the measure will
appear on the ballot in 2002.
T he new initiatives wording is similar to
Measure 9, but M abon has made what he thinks
are significant changes that will make it harder
to defeat. Had Measure 9 passed, any activity in
public schools that “encourages, promotes or
sanctions” behaviors related to homosexuality
and bisexuality would have been illegal. T he
new initiative says sexual orientation “shall not
be taught in Oregon public schools in a manner
that would express approval of, promote or
endorse hom osexual or bisexual behaviors.”
T he biggest change, however, is how the ini­
tiative deals with H IV /A ID S education— the
focus o f the contentious political fight last fall.
Measure 9 s opponents insisted it would have
eliminated H IV /A ID S education and risked
young lives. Som e thought the issue helped get
the measure defeated.
To counter those claims, the newest O C A
wording attempts to spell out what the initiative
would and would not do. “Age-appropriate,
objective and factual” A ID S education and
instruction regarding human sexuality would not
be limited, according to the initiatives wording.
But Jaim e Balboa, Basic Rights O regon
executive director, says M abon and the O C A ’s
words aren’t as im portant as their actions. T h e
measure, n o m atter the wording, “ is expressly
B ack to S chool
Oregon Gtizens Alliance launches new anti-gay effort
by Jonathan Kipp
written to stigmatize us as individuals.”
T he initiative, if passed, would create a group
of second-class citizens, Balboa says. “Students
can’t leam when they are stigmatized, harassed
and in fear.”
But Balboa says that the initiative could be
problematic and that Mabon has made some clever
and pernicious changes. “If they qualify, it will be
very tough to defeat.”
% f any thought the O C A ’s third defeat in
1 V I eight years would be the end of the road
for the conservative Christian organization,
now infamous nationwide for its anti-gay agen­
da. Even M abon suspected a third defeat would
imperil the group.
The organization experienced widely publicized
financial problems during the campaign— spend­
ing only $200,000 on its effort— but still managed
to gamer 47 percent of the vote in November. The
N o on 9 camp raised and spent more than $1.45
million to win the race with 53 percent of the vote.
T h e campaign drew some criticism for its
hardcore commitment to stick with one mes­
sage. Som e thought it lacked the grassroots qual­
ity o f previous efforts.
Balboa scoffs at the notion. More than
$280,000 was raised at house parties across the
state, and the campaign partnered with more than
500 organizations and elected officials. “T hat’s a
very strong indicator of grass roots,” Balboa says.
He admits that the campaign was “message
disciplined” and that it was not
particularly geared toward base
supporters but honed in on
those who were undecided—
about one-third of all voters.
Any campaign that focuses on
firing up the base isn’t going to
win, he explains.
B
alboa was right: Measure 9
failed by a 6 percent mar-
Victory was sweet but exhausting for the N o on 9 Campaign
gin— one o f only two anti-gay
measures around the country that didn’t pass.
have fewer fires to put out, he remains realistic.
Although victory was sweet, he says it was
“We need to remain organized as Basic Rights
tainted for some.
Oregon has been through the course o f cam ­
paigning,” he says.
“ It was a traumatic experience to defeat Bal­
lot Measure 9," Balboa says, comparing the
More than 7,500 volunteers were utilized
struggle to fighting off a schoolyard bully. “Just
during the N o on 9 Cam paign. Balboa hopes
because we were successful doesn’t mean for
many o f those people will stay involved. Fund
everyone (it was) a positive experience.”
raising will continue as well.
Despite the victory, the community has to
Equally important in preparing for impend­
stay together and continue to organize, Balboa
ing political battles is the community itself. Bal­
says. “The work of BR O doesn’t stop because the
boa says unity is needed during these times.
ballot measure is over.”
H e thinks it is possible to stay focused
The 2001 legislative season commences soon,
while m aking the com m unity’s diversity a
and Balboa and company will be at the center of
strength. “ I hope we can stick together and
the game. The organization, the largest gay rights
have hom ophobia and the O C A as our pri­
group in the state, helped defeat nine anti-gay
mary opposition .” j n
bills during the 1999 session despite early promis­
es from the legislative leadership that no socially
For more information about B asic RIGHTS
controversial bills would be written.
OREGON, call 503 - 222 ' 6 l 5 l or visit the Internet
Although Balboa hopes this session will
site wivw.basicrights.org.
T H E
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