120Û2
um a
mews
al orientation. “We had no indication whatso
ever that there was someone that disliked us or
even knew that we were gay,” McIntyre says.
Schwier immediately reported the vandal
ism but had to explain to officers that bias was
most likely a factor. “The police didn’t even
connect the dots that it was a hate crime,”
McIntyre told Just Out.
She initially reacted to the vandalism with
fear. But after talking to the media and receiv
ing nothing but support from acquaintances,
McIntyre realized her story could have a happy
ending by raising awareness about homophobia.
“We just wanted some good to come out of
it,” she says. “We just didn’t want to roll over
and be a victim.”
S a le m C it y C o u n c il
H e a r s T e s t im o n y
A
lmost 40 people testified April 22 before
the Salem City Council regarding revi
sions to the civil rights code.
The proposal wriUld ban discrimination in
employment, housing or public accommoda
tions based on sexual orientation, gender identi
ty or source of income and would let people sue
for damages. It also would expand “marital sta
tus” to include registered domestic partnerships.
A total of 31 supporters shared stories of dis
crimination and harassment, and the council
seemed to be listening: According to Cary Ren
fro of the Salem Human Rights and Relations
Advisory Commission, the proposal easily will
pass May 13. Only six people testified against
the changes.
One of the anti-gay voices was a familiar
one: Lon Mahon, fresh out of jail on a contempt
of court conviction. He responded to the testi
Cary Renfro (left) listens to Lon Mabon’s testimony April 22 at Salem City Hall
mony of a woman who wondered whether the
we continue to lose— and we may, but we’re pret appear on his cable access show taped at City
Oregon Citizens Alliance ever will go away.
Hall. The O C A chairman said he would consid
ty close— we still feel we have to do what’s right.”
“Having been involved in this issue for about
Mabon accused the council of having its er coming as long as “I’m not in court or in jail.”
15 years...having won the issue one time by 53
mind made up ahead of time and threatened
percent and losing it three times by 44,48 and 49
to pursue yet another ballot initiative. “We’ll
percent, I would think that most people would
look at what we need to do and probably refer V a n d a l T a g s S a l e m C a r
realize that we’re pretty close,” Mahon said.
gay man and lesbian couple in Salem were
it to the people, and we’ll see what they have
“Having won Marion County several times—
the victims of a vandal who apparently has
to say.”
actually, we even won the city of Salem a couple
a
problem
with ditches.
City
Councilor
Bill
Smaldone
asked
Mabon
times in there— we continue to fight this issue.”
Mark Schwier woke up April 24 to find the
whether he believes in the establishment of a
Regardless, Mahon continued, he would
word “dike" painted on his new Jeep Liberty. His
theocracy. Not in this life, he replied.
have no choice but to take a stand for his values.
“I believe Jesus is king of kings and lord of housemates, Kathryn McIntyre and Elizabeth
He said the debate is not about whether people
lords,” Mabon said. “I believe he is going to Gingerich, believe they were the intended tar
should respect each other but whether the city
come back and hold this City Council and all of gets of the vandalism.
should sanction “wrongful” behavior.
The couple were shocked to discover a
“We’re fighting the government saying that it’s us accountable.”
Mayor Mike Swaim also invited Mabon to neighbor might have a-problem with their sexu
OK and sending that message," Mabon said. “If
A
just m~e called
S u ic id e V ic t im s
R em em bered
ffirmation: Gay &. Lesbian Mormons will
hold a special candlelight vigil May 10 to
remember those who have lost their lives to sui
cide as a result of anti-gay pressures. The
demonstration, co-sponsored by the American
Friends Service Com mittee, will start at
5:30 p.m. on Kruse Oaks Boulevard just outside
the Lake Oswego temple entrance.
According to Affirmation, Mormon leaders
publicly have committed themselves to a high
ly visible and well-funded campaign against
civil and religious equality. Organizers say the
vigil’s location was chosen not to attack the
church but rather to offer a message of hope
and solace in response to the damaging power
of anti-gay teachings.
A
Continued on Page 8
Ally”
him a
(April 2, 1999)
Barbara Roberts, Sen. Kate Brown, George
Eighmey, the Portland Firefighters Association
and the Multnomah County Deputy Sheriffs
Association call him “best qualified.” Now
we can call him something else: JUDGE
Please support
REALTY, INC.
M ARC
ABRAM S
B u y in g o r s e llin g
y o u r h o m e is an
im p o r t a n t ch o ice .
Let C e lia & T e rri
g u id e y o u t h r o u g h
the p r o c e s s !
for Multnomah County Circuit
Court Position 38 in the May Primary
Ballots are mailed May 3. Mail in your vote by May 21.
"Paid for by Abrams for Judge Committee, P O Box 10781, Portland, O R 97210, Dick Levy, Treasurer."
Com panion Pet Clinics
M - S at
8am • 6pm
W est L inn Sun 11am-4pm
Portland \ Salem \ Vancouver
C E L IA LY O N
T E R R I P O P E JO Y
(5 0 3 ) 260-6231
(5 0 3 ) 3 3 0 -0 4 0 0
Colonial Heights. 2bd. bonus rm, 2ba, incredible
master suite, skylights, heavenly bathrm, Ig
soaking tub, tile, has it all. Lushly landscaped
yard, deck, front porch, garage, hardwds, &
much more. French drs in kitchen open to
gorgeous yard. $ 2 4 5 .0 0 0 ! Don't delay!
location is primel Available to see after May 13.
Very special home.
Hdwds throughout, retro dble oven stove, firepl,
huge kitchen w / nook. 3 b d / l .5ba, new tub
surround. Over 1 1 ,0 0 0 sq ft lot. Green house
(heated!), patio, basement, incredible
landscaping. M int condition. N e w asphalt drive.
RB parking. N ew vinyl floor in kitchen & laundry
rm. $ 1 8 6 ,0 0 0 @ 3 3 1 0 S W Huber near 35th.
Parklike setting, sits o ff street.
IDYLLIC COUNTRY LIVING
GARDENER'S PARADISE
Acreage, daylight ranch, 4 bd/3ba, updated,
bay window seat, deck, Fr. drs, hot tub, new septic
line, lush landscaping. Almost 3 ocres. Heaven on
earth to a gardener. Dbl car garage W et bar in
party rm. N Holly Ln, Oregon City, off Beaver Crk
Rd. 2 greenhouses may be available.
Fixer, 1 bd, 1 ba bungalow. Could be darling
w / very little effort. Forced air gas heat unit on
wall, Ig & lush green lot. * 7 7 ,5 0 0 .
Can't beat the pricel
See o u r CLASSIFIED AD this issue fo r som e m ore g re a t listin g s -------
W e s t L i n n 19343 Willamette Drive • (503) 635-3115
C L A C K A M A S 16317 S E 82nd Drive • (503) 657-0225
T i g a r d 13500 S W Pacific Hwy • (503) 670-9707
Bella Casa Realty Inc.
1523 SE Ankeny, Portland, O R 9 7 2 1 4 • 503-231-SE L L (7 3 5 5 )