10/24/1977 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Rev. Donald Purkey, 2530 Fairmount, Central Presbyterian Church pastor e Rev. Douglas Huneke, 3060 Olive, Cooperative Christian Ministry Sister Janice M. Jackson, 1340 E. 23rd, SNJM Rev. Duane Alvord, 4375 Blanton Heights, Rector St. Mary's Episcopal Church Charles F. Hinkle, 900 S.W. 5th Avenue, Portland, attorney Harriet Merrick, 876 Lawrence, OSPRIG report Sheila Malbrain, 333 West 11th Coleen Gragen, 1736 West Broadway The thrust of their testimony was to call attention to the fact there is substantial evidence that discrimination does exist in Eugene. Position papers presented by psychologists have identified homosexuality as a social behavior rather than a physical disease. Their is no potential harm for society in general from homosexuals (gays), they are not violent or criminal; the amendment would give a segment of the community a opportunity to develop individual lives openly and without fear of reprisal. Sexual preference was not a matter of being right or wrong, rather the question of whether individuals have the right to live open and honest lives. Discrimination forces homosexuals into economic, psychological, and social insecurity and thereby alienates a segment of the community. Present judgment of potential employers of gay people is based on prejudice and requiring employment of known homosexuals could dispel that prejudice. Other statements included the following: The relegation to second-class status because of society's fears and phobias; they are seen in terms of their sexuality and as defective persons; they are not criminally oriented, nor child molesters, nor actively recruiting others to their way of life, nor are they any more perverse or e immoral than are hetrosexuals. Unfair economic and social discrimination does exist in Eugene, as cited by many first-hand experiences. The American Psy- chiatric Association has gone on record as advocating elimination of discrimi- nation on the basis of homosexuality. There were many statements made of the effect of fear of discovery and the resultant human suffering involved; state- ments made for the need of protection of a class of human beinqs who need support and understanding and assurance of their basic human rights. Biblical evidence was cited of justice and hope for the oppressed; Council would not be condoning a life style but protecting basic human rights. The church's position is to judge on moral or immoral behavior, and these people are entitled to equal protection under the law. Mayor Keller requested a show of hands in the audience of those supporting the amendment, with about 200 persons indicating support. A request was made for the proponents to continue a few more minutes with testimony. Mayor Keller ruled the alloted houris time was up. Mr. Lieuallen took issue with the Mayorls ruling, saying Council was dealing with the actual discrimination by first-hand experiences, noting these people were willing to give that evidence and he felt they should be allowed to testify as this was the most essential element of the entire issue. e 10/24/77--5 iq7