JAN UARY 1990 NEWSLETTER VOL. 8, NO.1

The American Gay Atheist Li EDUCATING THE LESBIAN AND GAY COMMUNITY SINCE 1983

THE AGA NEWSLETTER IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY AT HOUSTON, TEXAS AND IS INCIDENTAL WITH MEMBERS-HIP ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~- HAPPY NEW YEAR! October and December 1988 issues of THE Although we are probably not the AMERICANATHEIST magazine. first to wish you a Happy New Year, let us say that ours ts On Friday, January 6, 1989, AGA made headlines genuine and not just another trite in the Houston's two major newspapers when expression. Like last year, your ecttorsnave Mark Franceschini and Don Sanders debunked a decided to briefly recap the major highlights in sighting of another Virgin Mary. This particular the life of AGA during the past year. Let's get sighting had gained national attention on Fox about this task as there is much current news Television's A CURRENT AFFAIR, attracting to report. thousands of Sightseers from hundreds of miles around. JANUARY The January 1989 edition of THE AMERICANGAY Being inquisitive and investigative Atheists, ATHEIST reported that Don Sanders received a Franceschini and Sanders soon found the source sentence of "deferred adjudication" in the case of the "holy" vision -- a floodlight at a nearby of the alleged defacing of the Harris County car wash. During the discovery, the two Bible Monument. In this case, Sanders was accused of causing severe damage to a Bible- IN THIS ISSUE containing monument which rests on the OPENING REMARKS HAPPY NEW YEAR property of the Harris County Ctvtl Courts s bullding in downtown Houston. On the advise of 1989 IN REVIEW legal counsel, Sanders accepted the sentence of COVENANT HOUSE FOUNDER ACCUSED "deferred adjudlcatlon," meanlng that after a BUSH, FOREIGNERS AND FAMILY PLANNING probationary period of approximately one year $9 MILLION SUIT FOR SLANDER there would be no record of criminal activity, BIBLES IN PUBL IC SCHOOLS? provided that the defendant not get involved in CATHOLICS LOSE POPULARITY & TAX $ any other criminal activity during that time. ACT UP AT CHURCH Sanders was released from probation in early NEWS TO USE.... July. This was a case of "let's keep the Atheist NY BRUNCH & HOUSTON OPEN HOUSE Quiet and accuse him of causing damage which SEND IN THOSE CLI PSIIII!!!l!!!!!1II he dld not cc: For a complete story, see the CLOSING REMARKS AND MUCH MORE I

/~------~AMERICAN GAY ATHEISTS P.O. BOX 66711 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77266-6711 Pace 2 Arn e r tc a n Gay Atheists Atheists were confronted by APRIL THE AMERICAN GAY a band of approximately six The Aprll edition reported on ATHEIST of the local keepers of the the spectacular 19th Annual shri ne, yem ng obscenit ies Convention of American Editor and throw 1ng rocks. For a Atnetsts held March 24 - 26. Don Sanders full detail, see the January AGA's meeting at the Managing Editor 1989 issue of THE Convention attracted nearly Mark Franceschini AMERICANGAYATHEIST. 60 people, and Don Sanders Non-Res1dent Staff received the first "Arrested nomtnic ncrio FEBRUARY Atheist Award." The Aprll Gaylord Lovett The February issue of THE issue also announced the James McClain AMERICAN GAY ATHEIST "Lesb1an/Gay Athe1st and other AGA'ers reprinted a series of Awakening Brunch" with letters from several guest of honor Dr. Madalyn American Gay AthebtsJ Inc'J is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization January issues of TWT Murray Q'Hair during the 'Whose purposes are to promote a magazine, a Texas first March on Aust in for positive image of Gay men and statewide Gay/Lesbian Lesbian/Gay Equal Rights. Lesbian 'w'Omen,and speciftcall y of periodical, concerning the Gay men and Lesbian \/Omen 'Whoare Atheists; to promote and advance the Christianization of the MAY scientific concept of meteri811sm; Harvey Ml1k Memorial Rally The May Newsletter was the and to educate the public generally he1din Houston back in first to be of a color other and Gay men and Lesbian 'WOmen November, 1988. TWT than white. In fact, our speciftcall y, in regard to human sexuality and the val ue of human magazine also printed a first color issue was interpersonal relationshi ps. letter from Don Sanders, appropriately pink. In that AGA's National Director, issue was a report of the Copyright 1989 by American Gay Atheists, Inc. All rights reserved. concerning the sensational enormously successful Reproduction in ...,hole or in part Harris County Bible March on Austin which 'Without ...,rltten permi~ion is Monument case. Also attracted some 20,000 prOhibited. repr1nted 1n the February oarttcipants to the Texas Mant n9 address: issue was an article about State Capitol. Everyone in P. O. Box 66711 Houston# TX 77266- 6711 AGA from the SEATTLE GAY attendance at AGA's brunch Telephone: (71'3) 880- 4242 NEWS. were educated and entertained by the Murray- t18nuscri pts submitted must be MARCH o'Hairs and were even typed, double-s~, and accompanied by a stamped, self- The March 1989 Newsletter treated to a tour of the new addressed envelope. The editors began tak1ng on a new look Amer1can Atnetsts General assume no res ponsibility for and not1ceably free of Headquarters. The May unsolicited manuscripts. All staples. In the March issue, Newsletter expressed submissions are subject to editorial revisions for reasons of space we reminded our readers to concerns over the considerations and clarity. All attend the 1989 Convention appointment of a Jesuit contri butions are the optnions of the of American Atheists at the priest to head one of the authors and do not necesseril y end of the month. Also nation's most prestigious reflect the position of American Gay Atheists, Inc. disclosed in this issue was ltbrartes. It was also the future installation of a disclosed in the May issue Chicago Dial A Gay Atheist that a "Bible Survey" course line, was being taught in the Page 3 Newsletter

The June issue addressed lack thereof, on the part of DIAL-A-GAY the blatant state/church AGA's members and -ATHEIST separation issue of whtte "supporters." More news iron crosses being erected was released about the case by a county government at of Don Sanders and American RECORDED MESSAGE intersections where a Gay Atheists vs. Dallas 24 HOURS A DAY drunk-driving fatality had Tavern Guild. Sanders also occurred. June was also was a guest writer on the HOUSTON parade and march time for subject of the so-called New (713) 880-4242 AGA in Houston and in New Age movement in The York City. June 24 and 25 Montrose Activity Center NEW YORK CITY were the dates of the Newsletter. On the back (718) 899-1737 American Atheist Summer page of THE AMERICANGAY Solstice Picnic in Austin, ATHEIST was a cartoon CHICAGO Tx. (708) 255-2960 created by Ms. Monika House of Houston which has Corpus Christi (Texas) JULY remained a favorite of all, public schools. Dominic Finally, the IRS notified us including Jon Murray, Florio, AGA's Vice- that AGA had been President of American President, attracted much recognized as an official Atheists. media attention when he 501 «x» tax-exempt marched. on Washington in educationa1 f oundation. As SEPTEMBER his infamous Pope's costume a result of the new status, The September "Editor's at a march support ing we began mail ing the July Comment" section dealt with women's reproductive issue by bulk rate. Pride the ever-increasingly rights. The May issue Week acttvtttes were expensive case of Don announced the new number reported herein from the Sanders and American Gay for Dial A Gay Atheist cmes of Houston, New York Atheists vs. Dallas Tavern Chicago, bringing to a total City and Detroit. The July Guild. Our New York City of 3 such "Dial-It" services issue gave complete reports affil tate announced a Sunday In the natton of several Supreme Court . brunch for September 24, rulings concerning the near while Houston scheduled its JUNE overturning of Roe vs. Wade first for October 15. The The June issue of THE and the state/church entire month of September AMERICAN GAY ATHEIST separation case of saw your National Director featured an article by Allegheny County vs. ACLU, away from his euttes 1n Memphis member Paul in which the Court did a Houston attend1ng to the Neuwirth which appeared in "flip-flop" concerning affairs of the American Memphis' Gay newspaper, religious symbols on public Atheists GHQ in Austin GAZE. The art ic1e addressed property. during the absence of the a mini-controversy which Murray-O'Hairs. AGA had started in Memphis AUGUST over their local MCC (Gay The editorial comment in OCTOBER Fundamentalist church) the August ed1t1on aired rms month's "Opening Space" meddling in the secular some of the concerns of was written by Mark affairs of the comrnuntty. Atheist activism, or the Franceschini and concerned

1 Pace 4 Ameri·can Gay Atheists itself with female Atheists erecting white iron crosses NEWS TO USE... and their role as pioneers in on public rights-of-way and the women's rights to remove those that SUFFER THE LITTLE movements. Don Sanders remain. AGA's Winter CHILDREN TO CUM WITH discussed his duties while Solstice Celebration was ME perf orming as Act ing announced herein, with the The "Rev." Bruce Ritter, Director of the GHQand gave November issue concludinq founder of Covenant House more information about his that AGA member Doug shelters, has been accused efforts to rid Harris County McNeil of Phoenix had by several young males of the unconstitutional volunteered to open a which .have used his white iron crosses mall ing address in Phoenix facilities of having had cluttering the hlghways. for AGA's CAUSEProject. sexual relattons w1th the This month we reported on young teenagers. Ritter has AGA's September feature in DECEMBER continued to deny all such the SAN FRANCISCO Mark Franceschini once allegations (Reuter News SENTINEL, a weekly again wrote a fine "Opening Services, The Houston Post, Gay/Lesbian periodical of Remarks" column for the t 2/ t 5/89). the Bay Area. Gaylord December issue which This is certainly not the Lovett presented THE covered a very important first time that a Roman AMERICANGAY ATHEISTs piece of research recently Catholic priest has been first movie review column, conducted by the National accused of abusing his featuring a review of the Institutes of Health on the position of trust with young movie "Shirley Valentine." effectiveness of condoms in and gullible adolescents. preventing the transference However, Ritter is sort of an NOVEMBER of HIV. In "Getting Back To American folk hero, having More news came from the Rea1itv," Don Sanders set up shelters in a number now tiring legal battle reviewed the recent Vatican of major American cities in between AGA and the Dallas Conference on AIDS as well order to "save" young Tavern Gulld. The Lesb1an as the oouucai meddltnq of teenagers from the r1gors of Atheist of the Month was the Roman Catholic Bishops street life. We'll be Karen Sundberg of Detroit, during their annual soiree following this story with selected because of her held this year in Baltimore, interest. . willingness to be one of Maryland. The December twelve plaintiffs issue concerned itself with REL IGION BEFORE challenging Michigan's Gay Bashing in all levels of DIPLOMACY cri mina1 sodomy and gross society, from the streets to In a barely-noticed directive indecency laws. An art1cle the legislatures to the that brlngs immigratlon by Don Sanders, entitled "Is courts. The December issue rules in line with his strong Gay Spirituality Really concluded with a plea to stance against abortion, Masochism?" appeared in the join AGA and support the President Bush has AMERICAN ATHEIST nation's only activist broadened the meaning of magazine. Sanders was also Lesbian/Gay Atheist political asylum and has interviewed by PEOPLE organizat ion. opened the gates to a maqazine because of his potent1al flood of forelgners efforts to challenge the ********* seeklng to escape countries county government to stop which enforce family Pege 5 Newsletter planning policies. false light in order to 1oca1 churches and Bush has put no limit on the increase sales (The Austin ministers. A defendant numbers who may seek Ameri can-Statesman, Bible course teacher is, in asylum for this reason. 12/13/89). fact, the wife of one of the While it is aimed primarily defendant ministers (From a at China, which limits AMER ICAN ATHE ISTS press release, 12/06/89). famllies to one chttd, it FILES ANOTHER SUIT would apply to citizens of R.A. Hudson, along with the ROMAN CATHOL ICISM any country that enforces Society of Separationists, LOSES ANOTHER ROUND famlly planning policies. Inc., filed a suit on In a recent poll conducted by China is the only country December 6, 1989, in the LOS ANGELES TIMES that in recent years has Federal District Court here newspaper, California voters enforced its policy with challenging the .Bible of every religion believe a mandatory abortion and courses in both Corpus Roman Catholic bishop was stert 1izat i on (The Houston Christi and Flour Bluff wrong to bar a state Chronicle, 12/15/89). Independent School District assemblywoman who For well over five years, the schools as violative of the supports abortion rights United States has refused to First Amendment to the U.S. from taking communion. donate money toward the Constitut ion. Assemblywoman Lucy Ki11ea population control fund of The suit potnts out that Jim was in the m1dst of a the United Nations because Mattox, Texas Attorney bitterly contested race in of our government's strong General, on two separate San Diego County for the position opposing abortion occasions, has issued state Senate in November and family planning, a policy opinions that these Bible when Bishop Leo T. Maher which is in line with that of courses in the pub1ic ordered her not to take the Vatican. schools are improper if they communion unless she do not follow his guidelines. recanted her abortion views. KICK THEIR ASS ALL THE The Texas Educat10n (Ed. note: Is th1s not WAY TO THE BANK Agency, ignoring the d1rectly 1nterfering 1n the Dr. Madalyn Murray o'Hatr, Attorney General's legal political arena?) Founder of American opinions joined a conspiracy Klllea, a Democrat who had Atheists, filed a suit to place religious exercises been seen as an underdog in seeking in excess of $9 in these schoo1s. the race against Republican million against TEXAS Joining in blatant disregard Assemblywoman Caro1 MONTHLY magazine, its of guidelines, which the Bentley said the bishop's editors and a staff writer Attorney General has sanct 1on orooe 11ed her f or a 1ibe1ous story about emphasized in his decisions, opponent to victory. The her last January entitled a caba1 of churches, Times polled 2,046 adults, "God Help Her." o'Hatr is ministers, and a law firm, including 1,594 registered seeking $5 million in conspired with a principal voters. Here are some of the punitive and exemplary in one of the CCISD schools findings: damages and just under $4 who set up a front million in physical, mental organization, "Bible in the 52% felt Maher's action was and emotional damages. The Public Schools Committee," wrong. suit claims that the to pay religious teachers 54% of all those polled were magazine portrayed her in from funds derived from in favor of abortion, 36% Pile 6 American Gay Atheists were opposed and 10 There figures show that role in overpopulation, nor percent were undecided. only 35 percent of Spanish the side effects such an taxpayers chose to support insane po1icy has on the Among cauromra's the church (The New York ecology. The Vat1can Cathoucs, those reg1stered Times, 12/08/89). remains staunchly opposed to vote favored abortion by to any form of birth control, a margin of 5-4, while those POT CALLS THE KETTLE although the world's not registered opposed it 7- BLACK population could reach 10 5 (The Houston Chronicle, In views expressed in a billion by the year 2000. All 12/14/89). document called "Peace With we hear from the Vatican is God the Creator, Peace With more hot air, more mind DRI VE A STAKE RIGHT All of Creation," pollution, and no concern for THROUGH THE WALLET representing his annual anyone or anything but Starting January 1, 1990, a message f or the Roman fill ing the vault at the Banco new tax law will give Catholic Church's World Day Ambrosiano. Italians the right to decide of Peace, held each January whether they want that 1, Pope JP2 used ACT UP GETS INTO THE which they render unto uncommonly strong language SPIRIT OF THINGS Caesar to wind up in the in the first papal document On Sunday, December 10, coffers of the church. devoted entirely to the 1989, thousands Since 1929 under a environment, sparing demonstrated outside New Concordat between the virtually no one (except York's st. Patrick's Vatican and the Italian himself and his Medieval Cathedral in Manhattan to Government, Italy's 40,000 policy of a ban on birth protest John Cardinal priests have been paid in control) from responsibility O'Connor's (and his church's) large part out of state for the planet's ecological position on homosexuality, funds. 1989's total comes miseries. AIDS, and abortion. to about $300 million. JP2 II talked of the More than 100 people were Th1s 1s how the new system atmospnertc oerns caused arrested dur1ng the protest will work: A special by the burning of fossil in which several actually Government money pool will fuels, the destruction of the entered the church at which be created, drawing on rain forests, and the use of time O'Connor was eight-tenths of 1 percent of certain herbicides and performing a Sunday morning total income tax revenues. propellants. He also mass. Demonstrators Next year's likely share is denounced "unacceptable chained themselves to the est1mated at nearly $600 expenmentatton" 1n human pews, shouted or lay ln the million. On their tax forms, genet1cs and "unscrupulous a1sles and one person threw Italians will get to choose development" of new forms a consecrated communion to whether they want this of plant and animal Itre. the floor. money to go to the church, At root, he said, "the During his annual Christmas or instead go to the ecological crisis is a moral luncheon party at the Government for social issue (The New York Times, Waldorf-Astoria, O'Connor programs at home and in 12/06/89)." told Mayor Koch and Mayor- th1rd-world countr1es. Naturally, the Pope did not elect D1nkins that "no In Spain, a stmnar tax plan include his archaic views on demonstration is going to went into effect in 1988. birth control as playing any bri ng about a change in PICe 7 Newsletter church teachings." Jay convinced officials of the cash payment to former Blotcher, a spokesman for village of Wauconda to church secretary Jessica the Aids Coalition to remove lighted crosses from Hahn. Unleash Power (ACT-UP), two water towers. The two The grand jury also charged one of the sponsors of the crosses sat atop the village evangel1st John Wesley protest, said: water towers for almost 40 Fletcher with one count of "Unfortunately, the dead years and were lighted for perjury for his testimony bodies that the Cardinal is the Christmas heat season. before the special grand jury stepping over are the bodies Sherman threatened to sue about how Bakker was of the people with AIDS who to village if the crosses introduced to Hahn (The have already passed away were used this past season. Columbus Dispatch, (Ed note: I prefer the word The village board decided to 12/06/89). We'll be keeping "die." "Pass away" is a replace them with lighted our eyes and ears open in the religious term). And what stars rather than risk a never-ending PTL saga. he faces are more bodies of legal battle. But, residents people who could potentially of this community 30 miles HOMOPHOBIC JUDGE contract the disease northwest of Chicago are CENSURED because the church refuses fighting back. They are In last month's newsletter, to give access to safe-sex putting up crosses on their we reported on Texas State educat1on (The New York lawns and 1n tnetr mstrict Judge Jack Hampton Times, 12/12/89)." businesses. The "Rev." Byron who, last December, gave O'Connor has frequent ly Maher of the Transfiguration Richard Lee Bednarski a called homosexuality a sin Roman Catholic Church sentence of 30 years in and openly attacked the use urged his parishioners to prison for murdering two of condoms in helping erect crosses on their Dallas Gay men instead of prevent the spread of HIV property in protest (The life in prison because his during the recent U.S. Columbus, onto, Dispatch, victims were "queers." B1shopsConference. See the 12/12/89). See what only In that story, we told you December 1989 tssue of THE one Athe1st can do! that special master Robert AMERICAN GAY ATHEIST. Murray of the State Atheists must take a lesson JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT Commission of Judicial from ACT UP. We must not IT WAS AllOVER Conduct found that Hampton be afraid to enter a Church, Just when you thought that only violated the Code of confront, and disrupt. AGA the Jim Bakker/PTL case Judicial Conduct by talking members are encouraged to was over, a federal grand about a case that was get involved w1th your local jury inctctec two more of pending trial. ACT UP chapters. There h1s former assoctates on S1nce that report, the State must be a lot of Atheists perjury charges. Commission on Judicial within ACT UP already, Sam Johnson, the former Conduct officially censured because we seem to be on . minister at PTL's Heritage the 57-year-old judge, the same side of this issue. Village Church, was charged stopping just short of with 12 counts of perjury recommending his removal A ONE MAN ACT UP before a special grand jury from the bench. Pub1ic Robert Sherman, M1dwest 1nvest1gat1ng PTl. The censure 1s the strongest Regional Director for counts involved his action which can be taken American Atheists, testimony about a $10,000 against a judge next to Pace 8 A mer i' can Gay Atheists remova1. Hampton has library's only copy and has demands of the United announced that he w ill seek never returned it (The States that in the first reelection this year (The Detroit Free Press, meeting with Karol Wojtyla New York Times, 11/29/89). 11/26/89). It was probably he gave the Medievalist an AFA member who dictator everything but a 24 BIGOTRY WON'T BE watches it every night, carat gold key to his nation. TOLERATED HERE getting off to the scene If Gorbachev had had a tail, The University of where Jesus fantasizes it would have remained Wisconsin's faculty about sex. tucked between his legs approved a resolution urging during the entire meeting that ROTC programs be SELL OUT OF THE with JP2. On the other hand, banned from the Madison CENTURY JP's tail would have wagged campus as long as the U.S. The headllne screamed, constantly. mil itary cont inues to bar "Bear Lies Down With The American Gay Atheists feels homosexuals. The vote, Lamb." What a headline for that Gorbachev should never which came at the first full a big city newspaper, I have conceded to meet the faculty meeting since the thought! So what if bears Pope at the Vatican. The Faculty Senate was formed lie down with lambs at the meeting should have been in 1970, was 386-248 for circus. Yea, so what if the he1d on neutra 1 terrl tory. It the ban (The Detroit Free Moscow Circus is in town! is clear to us that although Press, 12/02/89). Isn't there any hard news? the Sovlet Union 1s referred Then I read the subtitle, to as an "officially Atheist THE CONTROVERSYWON'T "Gorbachev tells Pope that country," it is far from it. QUIT Soviet door is open to A1though Gorbachev has Just when you thought you religion." Ohhh! For weeks made many reforms out of had heard the end of the prior to sorbachevs arriving economic, poltttcal, and controversy over last year's at Vatican City the mass social necessity, he should film, "The Last Temptation media was centered on never have "sold out" to the of Chr1st," it seems to pop reportlng the story of the last stronghold of up again. century, couched in such medievalism in the world. The . American Family terms as "Atheism Fails," Roman Catholicism is dying Association simply can't "Religion is Alive Again, " around the world, except in (won't) leave this film etc., etc., ad nauseam. countries where the alone. In the small western The meeting between a uneducated masses continue Michigan village of White Kremlin chief and a Roman to embrace it. Throughout Cloud, the local chapter of CatholiC Medievalist on Europe, and even in the the AFA (read American December 2 was a spectacle United States, we see that "Fascist" Association) has that is nothing short of Roman Catholic churches are been protesting the town's appalling. It was a being forced to close their library because it obtained complete and total sellout doors due to fewer and one video cassette copy of on the part of Gorbachev to fewer people willing to the controversial film for the Vatican. All the support them. checkout last June. concessions came from the The only reason Catholicism However, the controversy Soviet s1de. remains alive today ts soon d1ed since it seemed Gorbachev seems so eager to because of its ability to hold someone checked out the please George Bush and the on politically. Without its PICe 9 Newsletter political allies, especially With the "blessing" of a anniversary. The big event in the United States, Roman number of so-called civil will be held at #4 Chelsea Catholicism would virtually libertarian and state/church Place in Houston from 2 to 4 be a dinosaur of the past. separation advocacy groups P.M. Refreshments and nors It simply was not necessary like People For The d' oeuvres will be served. for Gorbachev to se11out so American Way and American completely to religion. In United for Separation of A6A HOUSTON TO CANCEL one short one-hour visit, we Church and State, the JANUARY SUNDAY BRUNCH watched as Atheism was put Williamsburg Charter got All AGA members are on the edge and flushed its final and favorable push. encouraged to attend the down the toi let into the We Atheists want religion Houston Chapter's Open sewers of religious taught 1nour public schools. House on Sunday, January 28. insanity. However, we don't want the Because of this big event, facts whitewashed, nor the our regular monthly Sunday JON MURRAY FEATURED truth blurred. The goo"d it brunch is cancelled for this IN USA TODAY has done (although I can't month only. We plan to Jon G. Murray, President of think of any) should be revive our monthly brunch American' Atheists, was a presented along with the schedule in February. featured guest in a bad (of which there ts November 30 editorial in the plenty). But you and I know NEW YORK SUNDAY USA TODAYnewspaper. The that the minute a history BRUNCH editorial debate in which teacher speaks of the Because of delays in U.S. Jon was involved dealt with Crusades or the lncutsttton postal deliveries in the New the Wi11iamsburg Charter or the Dark Ages in a York area, we are hesitant to Foundation for the study of negative manner, that print a time, date, and re1igion in our public teacher will be hitting the location for the January schools, unemployment line. Sunday brunch. Since we The Williamsburg Charter is Yes, the impact religion has rely on the bulk mail s1mply a smokescreen to get had on h1story should not be system, and all mall sent to Christianity back into the overlooked, but you can New York/New Jersey area nation's public schools damned well bet that a true members ends up in the under the guise of teaching study in comparative giant mail distribution the role religion has played religion and veracity about center in Northern New throughout world history. the wars and pogroms waged Jersey, it has been our Ari zona, Ca1if ornia, and upon humankind by religion experi ence that our New North Carouna have a1ready w1ll be conven1ently swept York/New Jersey members set guidelines to increase under the rug. do not get their newsletters the amount of religion in its until after an event has curriculum. Large HOUSTON AMERICAN occurred. We try to be publishing firms like Holt, ATHEIST OPEN HOUSE timely in our newsletter Rinehart & Winston and Mark your calendar now to production and distribution, MacMillan Pub1ishing attend the Houston Chapter but when we turn over the Company have geared up to of American Atheists' mail to the postal system, revise their texts to include annual Open House on even though we send a more on the subject of Sunday, January 28, 1990, specially marked bag to New religion, celebrating their 11th York, when it is delivered to Pile 10 American Gay Atheists you is anyone's guess. information for subject yet members will see fit to Therefore, we strongly matter for our 3 Dial A Gay contribute to the nation's recommend that you contact Atheist telephone lines only vocal and activist our New York which must be Gay/Lesbian Atheist representative, Mr. oomimc reprogrammed each and orqantzatton If 1t were Florio, by telephone to'find every week. Without your possible, we'd like not to out when the next brunch or news cltps, we simply have to ask for money to other activity is scheduled. would be unable to do our operate 3 Dial A Gay According to Dominic, a job properly. Do continue Atheists lines, pay for long brunch is in the works for sending whatever pieces of distance services, print and January. Itwill 1ike ly be information you think would distribute a monthly later 1n the month. H1s be of interest to Gay and newsletter, pay for postage, telephone number is (718) Lesbian Atheists on matters buy office supplies, 565-0098. Should you get from state/church computer labels and his answering machine, separation, reltqlon, software, for payment of don't be shy. Leave your women's issues, political registration fees at street name and telephone number issues, social and fairs and parades, materials and he will return your call environmental issues. for signs at protests and as soon as possible. Anything at all might be pickets, and pay for legal used. expenses to defend the civil CHECK YOUR MAl LING and constitutional rights of LABEL IN CLOSING Atheists. If we could only Thank you for checking the In closing this first edition make it on "good faith" and "I mailing label on the front of of 1990, I would 1ike to really appreciate the fine your envelope. It tells you thank a11 of AGA's work you are doing," we such important information supporters for standing by would be the richest sons of as the date when your us during 1989. Any and all bitches in the world. But, memoersntp expires. contnbunons, no matter alas, we, too, must exist 1n Regular funding is vital to how small, are vitally capitalist America and pay the continued smooth needed and appreciated. for position just like operations of AGA since the Within a few weeks, those everyone else, including the majority of our income is of you who contributed in Christians. So, please don't derived from annua1 the form of membership overlook AGA when you're membership fees. If we dues and donations will be thinking about giving to a still do not have your 9- receiving a printout of the worthy cause. digit zip code, please amounts you gave during forward that to us soon. 1989 so that you may claim A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE Your mail may be delivered your donation(s) on your WINTER SOLSTICE PARTY quicker with your full zip annual IRS Form 1040. The Houston Winter Solstice code. party was well attended this Thank you f or your year. Approximately 30 NEWS CLIPS generosity during 1989. individuals attended, Your news clips helped to Hopefully, those of you who including out of town guest put together this edit10n of are receiv1ng th1s and American Atheist THEAMERICAN GAYATHE1ST. newsletter for the first President, Jon Murray. A They also help us with time or those who are not total of $215.00 was PICe 11 Newsletter

collected for AGA's legal Atheism can go without this: AGA is not here for the fund. This is twice the concern by some that we entertainment of Atheists; '1 amount collected from the have already decided that if it is here for the 1988 Winter Solstice party, we host another Winter propagation of Atheism. however, all notices for the Solstice party it will not be 1989 event asked for a held at our house since it is GET INVOL VED! minimum donation of $10 per obvious that there are some Get involved with your local person for the legal fund. who don't do a thing for American Atheist chapter in Simple arithmetic reveals Atheism all year will come your locale. Keep yourself that not everyone who and graze and drink and informed and educated on all attended contributed. enjoy the company of other levels, but especially on Mark and I give only one Atheists, and then are too matters of state/church party per year at our home tight to abide by a request separation. Defending that and it is the Winter Solstice for a minimum $10 donation "wall of separation between affair. We do it primarily to go toward the legal fund. state and church" is your for the benefit of AGA and Those of you who gave are greatest hope for attaining those who support it. We sincere ly thanked. And full and complete equality are so disappointed that a those of you who gave above under the 1aw. simple request for donations and beyond the minimum are oestqnatec for the benefit doubly thanked. However, Editors: Don Sanders & Marlc Franceschtni of extolling the virtues of the matter boils down to ------

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I am an atheist and uphold the aims and principles of AGA. Iuphold the right of every individual to live the life of their choice, in a secular society, free from religion. Signature Pile 12 A mer i, can Gay Atheists

Why go to an American Atheists Convention?

There are dozens of excellent reasons to come to the 1990 Convention of American Atheists in St. Petersburg, Florida, on April 13, 14, and 15, 1990 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). But let past American Atheist con- ventioneers give their reasons for coming to a national meeting of American Atheists: "t came to the convention because l am proud of Atheism, and everyone should have pride in himself." - Manheim, Pennsylvania "l wanted to meet people of like-mindedness to myself." - Santa Clara, California "Christians harassed me and said Atheists do not exist. l came to show we do exist, and we are right." . - Wichita, Kansas "To let the 'real me' out, who has been stifled so long." - Escondido, California "Because I like to be around people of like mind and equal intelligence." - Tucson, Arizona "Iam a committed aggressive Atheist." - Atlanta, Georgia "To add one more person to the convention to show that Atheism is alive and well, with people from across America." - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania "I wanted to meet fellow Atheists." - Milwaukee, Wisconsin "Because I'm an American Atheist." - Woodmere, New York "We wondered how many other Atheists there were in the world, and we are delighted to be able to meet so many of them." - Salt Lake City, Utah "The convention gives me the courage and the motivation to get out and do things to promote the philosophy of Atheism and encourage support of the national group." - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Now aren't those the type of people you'd want to spend a weekend with? Join American Atheists on April 13-15 at the St. Petersburg Hilton and Towers (333 1st Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701).

Return form to: Convention Registration, American Atheists, P. O. Box 140195, Austin, TX 78714-0195 Telephone: (512) 458-1244 FAX: (512) 467-9525 o It's before March 11, 1989. I'm signing up for registra- Card #: _ tion(s) for person(s) at $60 per person. Expiration Date: ~ _ o Late registration (after March 11, 1990). Sign me up for ~S~ig~n~at~u~r.::e:~======__ registration(s) for person(s) at $65 per person. Name(s): ------

I am enclosing a check or money order (payable to Amer- o Address: __ ~------ican Atheist Convention) for $ _ City: _ o Please charge $ to my credit card: State: Zip: _ o Visa 0 MasterCard Membership expiration date: _ -FEBRUARY 1990 NEWSLETTER VOL. 8, NO~2

.z., The American Gay Atheist [i EDUCATING THE lESBIAN AND GAY COMMUNITY SINCE 1983

THE AGA NEWSLETTER IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY AT HOUSTON, TEXAS AND IS INCIDENTAL WITH MEMBERSHIP

lESBIAN & GAY ATHEISTS HEAD SO'HTH During the Spring of 1989, the Faculty Senate This April, the Southern United States wi 11 voted to recommend the removal of the cross in come alive with Atheists as they make their keeping with the constitutional principle of way to St. PeterSburg, Florida, for the 1990 separation between state and church. On June Convention of American Atheists. Dates for the 30, 1989, then ASU President, J. Russell Nelson, Convention \A{ill be April 13, 14, and 15, 1990, rejected the recommendation. Soon after the but attendees will probably want to enjoy the rejection, winds from a summer storm blew the Sun Belt by arriving early or staying longer. For eyesore off the building. Then in August, the more information see the Convention local chapter of the ACLU requested that the registration form in this Newsletter. Do not cross not be reinstalled. However, Acting delay. Makeyour reservation today. PreSident, Richard PeCk, ordered the cross reinstalled anyway. Soon thereafter, the ACLU AGA PHOENIX COORDINATOR IS PLAINTIFF filed suit, naming ASU students Monty Gaither IN SUIT and Douglas McNeil and two faculty members as Phoenix, Arizona ... plaintiffs. Both Monty and Doug are active The Arizona ACLU has fi led suit to have a cross removed from the steeple of Danforth IN THIS ISSUE Chapel on the campus of Arizona State ATHE ISTS HEAD SOUTH University (ASU) here. AGA PHOENIX LITIGATES ROOFTOP CROSS Danforth Chapel was built in 1947 from NEWS TO USE private funds from a generous donation from Mr. BUSH CHANGES DRUG DEALERS Danforth, after whom the chapel is named, with DEREK ROBERT AUTHORS ART IClE the balance being raised from the donations of MOVIE TALK by Gaylord Lovett students, faculty and staff members. Since the AGA NY & HOUSTON SET BRUNCH DATES chapel's erection, pubHc funds have been used to AGA PHOENIX GETS GOING maintain it, including its religious symbol MORE ON YOUTH SUICIDE which sits atop its steeple. The chapel is used SEND IN THOSE NEWSCLI PSI for "meditation," weddings, and meetings of CLOS ING REMARKS AND MUCH MORE I vari ous campus re 1igious groups. ./

I AMERICAN GAY ATHEISTS P.O. BOX 66711 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77266-6711 P~e 2 American Gay Atheists members of the Phoenix during refurbishment in THE AMERICAN GAY Chapter of American J 952. There it has remained ATHEIST Atheists} with the latter since the summer storm tore being a member of AGA and It loose last year. Editor coordinator of AGA's newly- Louis Rhodes} Executive Don Sanders forming Phoenix Chapter. Director for the Arizona Managing Editor This has not been the first ACLU, advisor to the Phoenix Mark Franceschini time that the Danforth cross Lesbian and Gay Community Non-Resident Staff has been the center of Switchboard} and Arizona Dominic Florio controversy. The original AIDS Information Line) says Gaylord Lovett plans for the chapel called that we have an excellent ,James McClain for a cross .. but a university chance to win the suit. and other AGA'ers committee at the time A hearing on the case is decided to strike it from the American Gay Atheists, Inc., is a scheduled in Superior Court non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization plans after a representative at the beginning of February. whose purposes are to promote a from the Jewish student You will kept abreast of the positive image of Gay men and group Objected. However) situation throuqh the AGA Lesbian vemen, and specificall y of Gay men and lesbian women who are the changes were never Newsletter. Atheists; to promote and advance the communicated to the Douglas McNeil} AGA Phoenix scientific concept of materialism; engineers and the cross was and to educate the public generall y insta IIed. Al though there NEWS TO USE... and Gay men and Lesbian women was an outcry for the cross MUGS, CUPS, CROWN '0 specificall y, in regard to human sexuality and the val ue of human to be removed at the time of THORNS ...LET THEE BE interpersonal reletiensht ps. completion of the bui lding) TAXED the demand fell on deaf ears On January J 7) the U.S. Copyright 1989 by American Gay as the ASU President Atheists, Inc. All rights reserved. Supreme Court ruled in a Reproduction in vnole or in part allowed the cross to remain. California case involving without written permission is Apparently) however, Louisiana evangelist Jimmy prohibited .. there was one dedicated "Lord) I have sinneo" MaUi ng address: student willing to risk life, . Swaggart that states DO P.O. Box 6671 1 Houston~ TX 77266-6711 limb, and expulsion from have the rights to impose Telephone: (713) 880- 4242 school in order that the sales tax on products and cross was removed} despite items sold by TV evangelists Manuscri pts submitted must be the decision of the and other ministries. typed, double-spaced, and accompanied by a stamped, self- university president. A Being careful not to tread addressed envelope. The editors week prtor to the ouuctnqs upon religious freedom, the essume no responsi bility for dedication) a determined Court said that such taxes uneoltctted manuscri pts. All submissions are subject to editorial student cl imbed the do not violate the free revisions for reasons of space building} and cut down the exercise of reI igion, and considerations and clarity. All cross with a nacksaw. The unanimously uoneto lower contrt butions are the opintens of the btn Jding's apex remained court rul ings that forced authors and do not necessertl y free of the religious symbol Jimmy Swaggart Ministries reflect the position of American Gay Atheists, Inc. for five years until the to pay $183,000 in back offending object was taxes to the State of replaced on a "temporary CaJ trornia basis" for the holidays Most states tax the Page 3 Newsletter

religious, she wrote. If Callfornia nad similarly DIAL-A-GAY exempted Swaggart, it could -ATHEIST BIRDS OF A FEATHER have been accused of ALWAYS FLOCK subsidizing religion, TOGETHER O'Connor noted (The Houston RECORDED MESSAGE Attorneys for Swaggart Post; The Press Democrat, 24 HOURS A DAY said California is the only Santa Rosa, Ca., 1/18/90). state to tax religiously HOUSTON oriented products. After COURT RULES ON ANT 1- (713) 880-4242 contest ing the tax and PORN LAW losing in the state courts, On Tuesday, January 9, the NEW YORK CITY Swaggart pate the tax under Supreme Court struck down (718) 899-1737 protest and appealed to the a controversial licensing CHICAGO Supreme Court. His law that placed strict limits (708) 255-2960 attorneys urged the justices on a wide range of sexually to strike down the tax as a explicit businesses. In a 6- proceeds of at least some violation of the evangelist's 3 deciston, tne Justices mail order sales to their constitutional right to the ruled that the Dallas law residents, but California "free exercise of religion." violated constitutional free- apparently is the only state Naturally, whenever one of speech rights. The ruling 1S that does not exempt the religious money- expected to have nationwide religious organizations. grubbers gets into a legal importance. Now, other states searching battle such as this, for additional tax revenues regardless of the reputation CLOSE 'EM ALL DOWN now could follow or standing of the minister, The Dallas ordinance, Calitornta's lead. the rest join in assistance, wruch was being looked to Writing for the Court, even traditional rivals. As as a model by rigllt-wing Justice Sandra Day O'Connor an example, Swaggart's censorship advocates, ·led to wrote: "California's appeal was joined by such the closing of most of the nondiscriminatory sales and unlikely comrades as HIe city's adult businesses since use tax law ...imposes no Hare Krishnas, who its aooption in 1987, constitutionally significant Swaggart calls a "cult," and regulating adult bookstores burden on (Swaggart's) the mainline "liberal" and motels, cabarets, nude religious practices or National Councll of modeling studios, escort beliefs." She went on to say Churches. Whenever the agencies and sexual that the First Amendment going gets tough, the encounter centers. The does not require the religious always ban ordinance provides for the government to take a hands- together despite their denial or revocation of a off approach to religiously hatred of one another license, based on prior orienteo businesses. Last year, the Supreme criminal convictions, California's tax is "neutral Court ruled that Texas including misderneanor and nondiscriminatory," she violated the First obscenity offenses. said. Swaggart was not Amendment's ban on Naturally, the Dallas Police "singled out for spectal or subsidizing religion because Department found it easy to burdensome treatment" it exempted religious allege charges of because his products were magazines from a sales tax. misdemeanor ooscennv at Page 4 American Gay Atheists most adult business. Thus, in Cook County, uurots, to apology she seeks. Sister the 1aw was desj gned to marry In 1990. When the Grace Ann says that shut 'me all down. principal at rts. Valeri's EIizabeth was expelled from Roman Catholic High School school because she broke THE DISSENTERS -- THE saw the newspaper photo, school rules which forbid USUAL THREE the student was expelled, students to marry (The Chief Justice William saying that her marriage set. Houston Post, 1/10/90; The Rehnquist, Byron White and a bad example. New York Times, 1I 11/90). Antonin Scalia all Elizabeth Valeri said she dissented, saying they was told the day after the BE HEAAAAALED!!! would uphold the licensing picture was pubIished that The "Rev." Louis Sheldon of requirements. For the she was "being term tnated' the Traditional Values majority opinion, Sandra (shades of the tnqutstttonv), Coalition has announced a Day O'Connor wrote, "The would not be allowed to conf erence In wasrunqton, ordinance's 1icensing graduate and should find D.C., for tne purpose of scheme violates the First another schoo1. The student "homosexuality healing." Amendment since it was given tutoring sessions The location of the const itutes 'a prior restraint away from the other January 26 meeting was upon protected expression students in preparation for being kept secret in order to (and) fai Is to provide midterm exams which were minimize protests by Gay adequate procedural scheduled later in the week. rights activists, he said. safeguards." She said In the "Mari a High SchooI The conference was t.o majority opinion that the endorses and encourages the consider ways to prevent Jaw does not provide either sacrament of marriage Gays from winning pubHc a reasonable time limit on within the Catholic Church approval through legislation. whether to grant a 1 icense and by men and women who Sheldon called the Gay life- and/or an avenue for prompt are proper ly prepared and style and legislation judicial review to minimize who have reached the age of favoring it "a threat to the suppression of speech If majority," SIster Grace Ann} tranmonai rsmuy values set the city denies the license. pnncipa: of the school. said forth in every document of O'Connor did upholli the in a statement to the press. our government from the constitutionality of one f1ayflower Compact onward." provision that prohibits THOU SHALT NOT MARRY adult mote Is from renting a PRIOR TO GRADUATION Sheldon is from Anaheim, room for 1ess than 10 hours "Marriage outside the California, and is one of the at a nrne (The Houston Post, church and prtor to high nation's strongest crItiCS of 1/10/90), school graduation, while homosexua1ity. On October

1ega1, does not const itute an 10J local Gay rights FIRST BRIDE OF 1990 appropriate example for activists protested a GETS EXPELLED FROM other students here at symposium neld by the SCHOOL Maria," said the Sister. Mrs. California Coalition for A picture of EIizabeth Valeri's lawyer, Robert Traditional Values in Valeri, 17, and her Shindler, sent a letter to Anaheim. That symposium bridegroom, Xavier, 20, the principa t threatening a argued that Gays are a appeared in THE CHICAGO lawsuit unless his clIent Is threat to "famlly values," TRIBUNEas the first coupIe readmitted and receives an About 40 Gay activists were Page 5 Newsletter arrested when they the doors for Gay proms, Gay Commissioner Lee Brown, protested the Anaheim curricula, and Gay formerly Chief of Police for conference where Wi11iam awareness month. They the Houston Police Allen, then chairperson of even said the policy would Department, and Allen the U.S.Commission on Civil encourage students to "turn Kieper, also of Houston, who Rights, angered Gays with a Gay" and bring homosexual now heads the Big Apple's speech titled, "Blacks, teachers to the district. Department of Animals, Homosexuals: (As if there aren't any there Transportation, What is a Minority?" nowl) The most controversial It is believed that the At one public hearing in new appointment is Dr. Washington conference is an November, more than 400 Woodrow A Meyers to the effort by Sheldon to tak.e his people argued about the position of New York Clty agenda nationwide (The po1icy for four hours. Many Health Commissioner. Montrose Voice, 1/05/90), said they had come only Meyers, formerly the Health because of their anger over Commissioner for the State GAY RIGHTS IN HIGH the Christian "hate mail" of Indiana, has supported the SCHOOL they had received. confidential recording of On December 13, 1989, a names of people infected suburban Chicago high A VICTORY IN THE with the AIDS virus in order schoo1 board passed SUBURBS to trace their sex partners, discrimination protections Suburban Oak Park has a and for supporting the for Gay and Lesbian students large Gay and Lesbian quarantining of people who following a seven-month population and passed a city knowingly spread AIDS (New fight with fundamentalist Gay rights ordinance earlier York Times, 1/11/90), Christian zanies. last year. The new school On Saturday evening, The Oak Park-River Forest board policy is believed to January 20, several hundred High School Board voted be the first of its kind in members of ACT UP (Aids unanimously to add the Illinois, and might be the Coalition To Unleash Power), phrase "sexual orientation" first of Its kind in the protested rtayor Dinkins' to its Human Dignity and nation (OutWeek, 1/07/90). apoomtment of Meyers by Diversity policy, Board blocking traffic in and President Alexander NYC HEALTH around the Times Square scrrntot told reporters, COMMISSlONER area of Manrlattan. AGA "Frankly, I was a little ATT ACKED ON AI DS National Vice-President, surpr: sed at the vehemence POLICY Dominic FloriO, and Nelson of the opposition and the New York City government Gonzalez, AGA member, were distortions." is in the midst of a changing part tctpants in the ACT UP of the guard. WiU, the protest. CHRISTIAN HATE MAIL election of David N. Dinkins BACKFIRES as the new mayor, replacing REPEAL THE SODOMY The Christians blanketed former Mayor Ed Koch, there LAWS the city with anti-Gay has been a transition of the On January 8, i990, over leaflets and took out large heads of many departments 300 Gay and Lesbian ads in newspapers, charging in city government. Among activists converged on the the board with endorsing the new Dinkins Georgia State House on the homosexuality and opemng appointments are Police openmg day of the 1990 I...... _~------~~---

Page 6 American Gay Atheists legislative session to call named "Artist of the Year" taken because I hadn't seen for the repeal of that by THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE} pictures J ike that before. state's sodomy law. Sixty- saying he "summarized" and That's why one makes what three demonstrators were "epitomized ideas already in one makes, because you want arrested as part of a ctvi I the pubIIc consc iousness.' to see something you haven't disobedience act ion. MappIethorpe's "openness seen before," Marching their way down regarding (his) homosexual Incidentally, the TRIBUNE Peachtree Street through Iife-style gave 1989 its did not print any of the downtown Atlanta, the most dramatic artistic homoerot tc photographs. It demonstrators pushed a bed conflict, leading many to also did not print the name on wheels on which lay two wrestle with questions of of Serrano's "Piss Christ" naked, inflatable dolls} propriety and pubJIc photograph, referring to It arranged to simulate responsibi Itty," the instead as "a 60-by-40 inch srrnultaneous oral sex, one newspaper commented. color image of a crucifix of several sexual acts made "But rtapptetnorpe's submerged in a gold Ilquid ill egaI by the Georg ia sex photographs took debate out that the work's title and statute (OutWeek, 1/21/90). of the realm of popular catalogue identified as urine entertainment, dividing the (OutWeek, 1/14/90)." SODOMY LAWS IN 25 community not on an issue STATES of movie ratings or BRUCE RITTER HAS NOT Sodomy laws, as they are television programming or YET CUM CLEAN called, nrohlbtt private rock-music lyrics or radio For those following the consensua I sex acts ta lk, but on what standards. allegations made by a between adults in 25 states if any, should apply to the former resident of Covenant and the District of art shown in our largest and House that "Father" Bruce Columbia Although the finest museums," the Ritter had set him up in his laws are seldom enforced, newspaper continued. own apartment in order to t : they are used by police and MappIethorpe's have sexual relations with politicians to harass Gay controversial photographiC the young man, you will men and Lesbians} and are works, wrnch were on want to pick up the,January considered to the basis for display last summer at the 21, 1990,' edition of much institutionalized Corcoran Gallery of Art in OUTWEEK magazine. The homophobia in this country. washtnqton, became the Gay/Lesbian newsmagazine In many states, the laws center of controversy in conducts an exclusive contain words which are Congress that began with interview with Ritter's. taken ctrectty from the opposition to artist Andres accuser, Kevin KIte, over the anti-Gay passages found in Serrano's photograph "Piss alleged affair between the the Christian Bible. Sodomy Christ," which featured a young man and the 60-year laws are sometimes known crucifix in a jar of urine, old priest. as "crimes against nature" and eventually enveloped The article also reports Jaws. rtaoplettorpe's work and that VILLAGE VOICE writer trave Iling show. Phillip Nobi Ie was MAPPLETHORPE NAMED Mapplethorpe, who died of approached by a young man "ARTIST OF THE YEAR" AIDS in April, 1989, said of during the mid-1970s with a Photographer Robert his controversial story virtually identical to Mapplethorpe was recently photographs: "They were that of Kite's. That •.. Page 7 Newsletter interview is soon to be comprised of persons with planning to set up shell published inside the pages close ties to the drug trade. companies in Panama to of the VILLAGE VOICE. In effect, Noriega simply launder the estimated $300 Please be on the look out for was no longer doing his job million in drug profits. Two it, and notify AGA's National to funnel the profits from associates of Almaran were Headquarters of its re lease. drug sales to the CIA- also arrested in the same backed Nicaraguan Contras, scheme and nave since MAN EXONERATED FOR so Bush, as Commander In pleaded guilty to all criarqes. 1969 SODOMY ARREST Chief, sent U.S. Troops to Almaran remains free of $8 A New York' man, act as a "hit squad" to pick million bail pending trial. identified only as "John Doe" up Nori ega and bri ng him Guillermo Endara, the new ln court papers, pleaded back to sn ln U.S. Prlsons. Panamanlan PreSident, owns guilty in 1969 to a charge of You can bet that Noriega significant stock in, and loitering to engage in w ill never be brought to even sits of the board of' deviant sexual intercourse. trial because he has too directors of Mr. Alrnaran's In return, prosecutors many close ties to the CIA, company, Harinas, Panama. dismissed a sodomy charge knowing the complete against him. nature and character of THE LINE UP CONTINUES A state trial court George Bush. Next in ltne in the new overturned the guilty plea of Bush-picked democratic the man who was convicted NOTH I NG HAS CHANGED government of Panama is under the state's sodomy, EXCEPT THE NAMES Ricardo Arias Caloeron, law that was later declared On December 19, 1989, the sworn in as First vice- unconst ttut iona1. The state new government of Panama President. t1r. Calderon is court of appeals found both was sworn into office -- a also Secretary General of the loitering and sodomy government that was the Christian Democratic laws unconstitutional in handpicked by the United Party of Panama, and brother 1987, clearing the way for States. Guillermo Endara, to one of Panama's the man to be exonerated the new President of prominent bankers, ..ratrne (The Advocate, 1/30/90), Panama, is a business Arias Calderon, partner of Carlos Eleta BUSH'S DIRTY LITTLE Almaran, a leader of the A CONDUIT FOR DRUG DRUG WAR Panamanian OPPOSition who PROFITS Flags are waving and was caught red-handed in .Jairne Arias Calderon is feelings of patriotism are the drug trade. Eleta one of the owners of Banco at an all ttrne high since Almaran ts the founder and Continental which has George Bush sent U.S.Troops company president of a firm served as a conduit for down into the tiny little called Harinas Panama, S.A. financing the election country of Panama to "whip Almaran was arrested in campaigns of the Christian up" on the bad boy, Manuel 11acon,Ga., in HIe spring of Democratic Party headed by Noriega. 1989 by U.S. DrufJ his brother, Ricardo Arias In a recent Dial A Gay Enforcement Administration Calderon. In 1985, a Atheist Houston message, it personnel and charged with Colombian drug-runner has been revealed that the conspiring to import 600 confessed that he had new handpicked government kilos of cocaine per month laundered some $40 million of Panama is stilled into the United States, and for the infamous Cali, Page 8 American Gay Atheists Columbia, cocaine cartel that it appears that Bush is and other tests to determ ine through the Banco simply continuing the sort the sex of infants to be born Continental with the full of political hype he this year. Many women want know ledge of "another displayed during nts abortions when an unborn opposition leader" who sat campaign for President -- infant is identified as a on the board of Banco wrapping rurnselt in female. Continenta 1. sensationalism and invoking Abortions are illegal in patriotism (Godand country) South Korea, so many women THE DRUG TIES CONT INUE at the expense of anyone are expected to vis it Next in line in the newly who stood in his way. It is unlicensed doctors this year installed government of becoming more clear to us to get forced miscarriages Panama is Second Vice- here that nts so-called "war (The Houston C/1ronicle, President, GuiIlermo "Bi lIy" on drugs" is being run 1/07/90), Ford. Ford and two political similarly to the way he ran associates) Carlos his campaign for political DO NOT PISS TOWARD Rodriguez and Roberto office. It also appears that MECCA Eisenmann) own the our government has more In a report in the Dutch "De Dadeland National Bank of ties to the drug trade than Gay «rant," the late Miami -- another bank which most of us would care to Ayatollah Khomeini has served as a laundromat know. One can only condemned passtve for one of the largest speculate the degree to homosexual intercourse man juana smuggling rings which we are involved. It while tolerating the active ever caught in the United appears that in the case of role. The newspaper also States. Ford's assoctate, Panama, only the individuals stated that Khomeini taught Eisenmann, also sits on the have changed while the that only certain fingers board of Banco Continental. policy remains the same. should be used when holding Oadeland National Bank, co- the penis to urinate and that owned by Panama's new RELIGIOUSLY INDUCED it was improper to point Second Vice-President) has ABORTIONS one's penis in the direction had t j es to the drug trade It is predicted that many of Mecca. since 1976 and is among a pregnant South Korean On the issue of sex during 1 ist of banks under women will be seeking religious fasting, Khomeini investigation by U.S. abortions because tradition said the penis could enter Author it ies. holds that females born in the vagina only to the Rodriguez, who continues this lunar calendar year will circumcision ring and must as chief executive off leer of have a fiery temper and face not. ejaculate in order for Oadeland National Bank) was a Iife of hardship, according the fast to remain valid. But personaIIy greeted to Buddhist superstition. if a man could not tell how December 22, by President During the last Year of the far his penis had actually George Bush as Encara's new Horse, in 1966, birth rates penetrated, the fast was envoy to United States. fell and abort ions rose) still valid. In addition, it is according to the South OK for the semen to "stir," BUSH'S WAR ON DRUGS IS Korean news aqency Yonhap. but not "spill," BUT A SHAM Already an unprecedented Khomeini said the fast We don't quite know what number of pregnant women was completely invalid) to make of all this except have asked for sonograms however) if the man had sex -~~~---'------'------~-

Page 9 Newsletter

with a camel or other out HIe article, making sure they gather at a Canadian art animal -- to tne point of you give the date and studio to discuss a crisis ejaculation (Equal Time, source, and send it along to that happened long after Minneapolis, Mn., 10/89). us at AGA. We can not they have died -- the police guarantee it will be used in 'entrapment of Gay men at "THAT'S ALL THERE IS" the Newsletter, but it very pub1tc urinals, If you are an Arab wanting well might be. News clips TV films that dredge up to appear on Jerusalem's ~lso aid us in preparing spirits to talk on pertinent version of the our popular weekly programs for tile 3 subjects depend on skillful U.S."Dating Game"show, you Dial-A-Gay-Atheist phone acting and adroit scripts. had best not impersonate lines. "Urinal" commands meager someone else. Mohammed resources here, however. Shahada, who gave his name AGA MEMBER WRITES Nevertheless, the film as Shadi Wolfson, was ARTICLE FOR AMERICAN does allow contemporary arraigned in a Jerusalem ATHEIST MAGAZINE Canadian Gays to address the court recently on charges of Derek Robert, an AGA crisis in separate segments. impersonating a Jew on member who is currently These men are both Israel television's popular attending the University of convincing and competent. cat ing game show, "That's Texas at Austin, wrote an Unfortunately, the spooks All There Is." article entitled, "Divine keep returning to thrash Shahada appeared on the Racism," which appears in things out in uninteresting popular game show in which the latest issue of the dialogue, a single woman interviews AI1ERICAN ATHEIST 11y recommendation, three hidden bachelors and magazine. In the article, instead, is to see tne chooses one for a date. The Derek does a wonderful job spellbinding documentary, couple receives $500. of exposing the religious "Desire" -- on, not the old Shahada told reporters he roots of racism, pointing a Dietrich vehicle, but tne new had worked as a mode1 and finger at both Christianity Gay/Lesbian festival said he went on the show and Islam. Look for his fine feature. This new fUm for publicity, 'but gave a work, among others, in your blends old footage and false name out of fear he latest copy of the AMERICAN- recent interviews to would be re.iected- as an ATHEIST. describe Gay and Lesbian Arab. Impersonating plights in Germany between someone else is a crime MOVIE TALK..' URINAL .. 1900 through the Second under Israe1i 1aw (The by Gaylord Lovett World War. Houston Chronicle, This Canadian turn by John 1/07/90), Greyson, shown at San AGA HOUSTON SUNDAY Francisco and New York City BRUNCH TO RESUME SEND NEWS CLIPS Gay/Lesbian film festivals, Mark your calendar now for Sending news ct ips is may someday be available Sunday, February 25, as AGA vitally important to AGA. If for home video. WARNING:it Houston will resume its you see something in a is a peculiar documentary monthly Sunday brunch. This newspaper or magazine that with talking ghosts. month's brunch wi 11 marl( you think might be of The spooks include the first since November. interest to readers of the Langston Hughes and Yuk.io Houlihan's, located at 1800 AGA Newsletter, then cut Mishima. Unaccountably, S. Post Oak Blvd. in Saks Pare 10 A.m e r i can Gay Atheists

6 Fifth Avenue Center, has January 27, at the home of Volume Ilion "Gay rtale and been seIected as the site for Douglas McNei1. AGA sent Lesbian youth Suicide." the February brunch. Please press releases to Phoenix's Following are notable let us know you are coming Gay/Lesbian newspapers to passages: by calling (713) 863-1713, announce the formation of so that we may phone ahead the group and to give the 3-1 10 --"The root problem and reserve a table large new local contact address. of gay youth suicide is a enough to accommodate. Doug announced the snow ing society that discriminates This Is a popular "after of the Monty Python movie, against and stigmatizes church" eatery, so plan to "The Life of Brian," as a way homosexuals while failin~l to beat the rush of escaped to get Phoenix area Lesbian recognize that a substantial psychopaths (trans 1ated: and Gay Atheists to meet number of its youth has a religionists) by meeting at each other and organize, gay or lesbian orientation." the restaurant by no later whereupon fourteen people than 11 :30 AM. See you attended. Complete details 3-1 j 0 -- "We\need to make a there! of the first meeting of AGA conscious effort to promote Phoenix will be covered in a positive image of AGA NEW YORK SUNDAY the next issue. AGA's new homosexuals at all levels of BRUNCH address in Phoenj x j s: society that provides gay Because of the AGA Phoenix youth with a diversity of unpredictabi 1 ity of mall 3003 North Central lesbian and gay male adult deIj very In and around the Avenue role models."

New York City area J vou are Suite 121 J Box 21 I advised to contact our New Phoenix, AZ 85012-2903 3-110 -- "Legislation should York representative, For those interested, the guarantee homosexuals equal Dominic Florio, for the next meeting for AGA rights in our society." latest time, date, and Phoenix will be Saturday, location of brunch activities February 24th, 1990. Please 3-115 -- "Homosexuality is in the New York CIty area. call Dougat (602) 264-7432 not a mental illness or Please do not hesitate to for location and time. disease. It is a natural and call, as AGA plans for healthy expression of human reqular' monthly brunch REPORT ON YOUTH sexuality." activities in Manhattan. The SUICIDE number is (718) 565-0098. Your AGA National 3-128 -- "Family religious Please phone after 6 P.M.so headquarters obtained a beliefs can be a primary that you may nno norntmc copy of the four-volun1e set reason for parents forclng at his home to answer your of the REPORT OF THE youth to leave home if a call. SECRETARY'S TASK FORCE nornosexoal orientation is ON YOUTHSUICIDE, recently seen as incompatible wit.h AGA PHOENIX GETS released by the Department churcl) teacrnnqs.' UNDER WAY of Health and Human We are pleased to Services. One of our 3-128 -- "These (religious) announce the formation of members in Southern beliefs can also create the new AGA Phoenix California recently unresolvable internal Chapter which had its first condensed some of the conflicts for gay youth who "get together" on Saturday, findings from the Report in acnere to the j r faith but Page 11 Newsletter

be11eve they w ill not change be greater than those publication coming to you. their sexual orientation. compi led against Gays and They must also support all They may feel wicked and Lesbians. Incidentally, the the other vital act ivit tes of condemned to he11 and Justice Department does not American Gay Atheists as attempt suicide in despair include rape as a crime well, such as our 3 Dial-A- of ever obtaining against women We do not Gay-Atheist telephone redemption." have any documentation on numbers, office supplies, th is report. If you can fi 11 postage, shipping charges, 3-134 -- "Parents should us in with more details, software, fees, etc., etc. know that homosexuality is please send any factual So, whenever possible, a natural and hea1thy form news clippings to AGA's drop a little extra into the of sexual expression. They national headquarters. mail earmarked for AGA. do not need to feel bad about Your donations, including something that is good." IN CONCLUSION annual membership dues, are We do our best not only to tax-deductible. We at the For your copy of the Report bring to you news from National Headquarters of the ,Secretary's Task within the organization, but appreciate the concern and Force on Youth Suicide, also news from the Gay and interest you have shown in write or call the Lesbian community of the helping to build AGA into Department of Health & United States as well as what it is today, and into Human Services. The news from the world in what we can only dream of address is: general. tomorrow. Dept. of Health & Human Your news clips are Your comrnents, Services important. Share them wtth suggestions, and articles of Rockville, MD20857 our growing 1ist of readers interest are also from across the country and appreciated. Let other AGA AND FINALLY !I!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! around the world. It may members from across the ,)ustCice) in. A member has surprise you, but THE country and around the world reported that The United AMERICANGAY ATHEIST not know what you are .dolng for States Department of only is sent to practically liberation of the mind and Justice has released a every state of the United freedom FROM religion by report that "Gay Bashing" is States, but is also sent to sending that information to epidemic in the U.S. In subscribers and members in AGA for possible publication 1989, crimes of violence Holland, Panama, Poland, in this Newsletter. and harassment against Great Britain, Canada, We're looking forward to Gays and Lesbians totalled Australia, France, Denmark, arrtvmq at your mannox more that ALL OTHER Germany, and others. next month, and every month 11lNORITESCOI1BINED! That thereafter, so check your . includes Women, Blacks, FUNDING IS ALSO mailing label. Hispanics religious IMPORTANT minorities, ASians, Unfortunately, THE Don Sanders, American Indians, and the AMERICAN GAY ATHEIST Editor & National Director Disabled. The report went does not pay for itself. Mark Francescrunt, on to say that if female rape Donations in the forms of Managing Editor &, National were included, then the annual membership dues and Secretary combined statistics would freewill gifts keep this Page 12 American Gay Atheists 1990 American Atheist Convention April 13, 14, and 15, 1990 St. Petersburg, Florida This year is your chance to finally do something • Registration: If you register by March II, registra- good on "Good" Friday - attend the 20th Annual tion is only $60 per person. After that date, it in- National Convention of American Atheists. It's a creases to $65 per person. (Registration is non- weekend packed with everything an Atheist could refundable.) want: religion-debunking lecturers, practical • Location: All convention events will be held at seminars, and just plain fun at social events. the St. Petersburg Hilton and Towers, 3331 st Street This year workshops and lectures will be held on South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (telephone: [813] the topics of the First Amendment rights of 894-5000). Atheists, religion and animal abuse, why theism • Accommodation: The Hilton is offering American doesn't lead to ethics, and the politics of the "right Atheist conventioneers the special low rate of $55 to die" and abortion controversies. per night (plus tax) for a single or double room, for reservations made by March 11. These rates are There will even be a special session for AGA good from April 11-16. Tell the operator you're members and supporters to exchange views and attending the American Atheist Convention to get news. Officers of AGA will also be there to meet these great rates. you. • Information: Send your inquiries and registra- So make your plans to be with all the other tions to: American Atheists, POBox 140195, Atheists in sunny Florida this spring! Austin, TX 78714-0195. Or call (512) 458-1244.

American Gay Atheists P. o. Box 66711, Houston, TX 77266-6711 Membership Form

Please select appropriate category and enclose your check or money order donation to AGA. (Membership includes the American Gay Atheist monthly newsletter) Student $12 0 Senior Citizen $18 0 Regular $24 0 Couple/Household $36 0 Sustaining $75 0 .Benefactor $150 0 Corporate $300 0 Life $500 0

Please, provide your name, address and telephone number. AGA membership lists are confidential and are used only for our own discrete mailings. Tell us when you move. Name: Partner: Address: Apt # City: State: Zip: Telephone: ( ) __

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• , -- --

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------AMERICAN GAY ATHEISTS

the defendants enough time MORE NEWS FROM THE AMERICAN GAY to make an appeal. However, PHOENIX ATHEIST tt is belleved at this time Doug McNeil reports that that an appeal 1s unl1kely. on January 21, members of Editor (See Vo1. 8, No.2, February the Phoenix Chapter of Don Sanders 1990, edttton of THE American Atheists as well Manag tng Ed1tor AMERICAN G TH~T for as AGA supporters and Mark Franceschini further ba~o e§jOined forces and Non-Resldent Staff information on this case). ; g p he Arizona Dom1n1cFlor10 ta pt. r the March Gaylord Lovett (1) The LemonTest requim .r Chotce Ra y tn support James McClain order for a subject or obJlllllil~' r~.woman's right to a safe DougMcNeil be Ylolative of the Establ1sh Clause of the first Amendment, it arll ega1 abort 1on. Steven Finch must~~.ng criteria: AGA and the Phoenix and other AGA'ers (e) e ' purpoee; (b) Chapter of American hrit nhilU; Atheists were joined by American GaV Athe1sts# Inc.# is e end ,(c) not r non-proftt 501(c)(3) orQantzat1on entanglement .."th rellQ1on. ~ embers from the Tucson 'tfhose purposes are to promote a .e Chapter of American positive image of Gay men and (2) Lemon Y. Kurtzmen~ Supreme Atheists, all marching IMbien 'WOmen,'end specificanV of Court of the United states, 1971, t th d th 1 GaVmen and Lesbian wmen 'tfho are 403 us. 602, 91 SO. 2105, 29 oge er un er e var ous Athe1m; to promote and advance the l.Ed.2d 745. Pennsulvama aoo Atheist banners. Placards sc1ent111cconcept of material1sm; Rhode Island each embarked upon declaring, "American 800 to educate the public oenerall V programs of aid to church-related Atheists For Choice," "Keep aoo Ga" men and Lesbian wmen elementsr" and seconderv schools. Preachers and Politic1ans specificall V, in regard to human The statutes of both states 'Were aexual1t" end the vel ue of human attacked in the federal courts as Out of the Bedroom,Hand interpersonal relationships. abridging the Religion Clauses of the "George, Keep Out of My First Amendment. appllcable to the BUSh,H let the crowd know Copyright 1990 by American Gay states through the Due Process th t d d t f th Atheists, Inc. All rights reserved. Clause of the fourteenth Amendment. a prou an ou 0 e , Reproduction in v1'101. or in pert In the Pfh,G1vente ceat, Alton closet Athe1sts are Yithout ..••ritten permission is Lemon and.1.irthertaf'peVVS...NiQaght supporters of freedom. In prohibited. suit .ntt Devfi Kurfzlan'; ttiP· report1ng on the march, THE Mailtnl address: state stfPerinti. M· uhl PHOENIXGAZETTE1ncluded a P. O. Box 66111 Instruction end othe· "enj rnentton of Amertcan Houston. TX 11266- 6111 (stop) the' . ndtture ci1 stefe Telepho"e: (113) 862- 3283 funcle. In tlJ! ••• ·I.iC¥!' Atheists as beIng among the cons1dered tciJ\her ltV·/· ',QJ5. groups partlclpattnq at the Menuscri pb submitted must be Supreme Court 'w'1 1.1 ,.lMn event. t"ped. dOuble-spaced. end D1tenso end other taxpaye brought accompenied bV a stamped, self- similar actions to like'.iise restrain Naturally, the "Zealots For addressed envelope. The editors the state Commi~ner of Education, Zygotes" staged a counter- Illume no' reaponai bilitv for the Treasurer I end the Controller. A demonstrat i on at the same

unsolicited manuscri pts. All three-judge federal difttl..'ctctcourti time, marchtnq without the submissions are subject to editorial dismissed the $l~il\t}r.nfing required permit for such a revfsions for reasons of space the Penns"lventa statute ..,hile a considerations and claritv. All similarlv constituted r.leral penel demonstratton, and be1ng led contri butions are the opi mons of the sitting in Rhode Island struck do'w'n llke sheep to the slaughter euthors end do not neceMlril y thet atete', lid plen. by tnetr prtests and reflect the position of American Ga" Atheists, Inc. mtn1sters who had taken a respite from cruising school Newsletter

AGA HOUSTONAND rellqtous encroachment into DIAL-A-GAY AMERICAN ATHEISTS the pubHc schools. Jon -ATHEIS HELD OPEN HOUSE Murray, Pres1dent of American Atheists, updated On Sunday, January 28, the crowd about the current the Houston Chapter of RECORDED MESSAGE pouttcal and religious 24 HOURS A DAY Amertc.an ff.. Atheists and situation in Eastern Europe ~,i. .• American Gay Atheists held and the Soviet Union. HtUSTON -fs a celebration of their 11th All those in attendance (71J) 880-4242 and 7th anntversartes, had a marvelous time ~ -respecttvelv. The annual meeting with and enjoying NEW YORK CITY -. .~ event was well attended. (718) 899-1737 the company of other Members from both Athe1sts. orqantzattons, brQught food CHICAGO and drink. .. This year, for (708) 255-2960 REGULAR MONTHLY the first time ever, a MEETINGS yard playgrounds for the number of lndtvtduals Houston area AGA day. Some of the running for publ1c office in members are encouraged to lobotomized zombies for the upcoming March attend the combined regular Jesus lugged large wooden elections dropped by to say monthly meet1ngs of the crosses with wheels a few words to the Atheist Houston Chapter of American attached to the bottom, crowd. Among those Atheists and AGA The hoisting the crosses over attending was outspoken meetings are always the their shoulders and rolling local Gay rights activist, second Monday of each month with them. Instead of the Ray HIll, who talked about 1n the Carr1age House at #4 .religious song's verse his favorite subject, the Chelsea Place in Houston at saying, "on, what a heavy First Amendment. Others in 7:30 P.M. Mark your calendar cross we bear," the modern attendance who are running so you can get involved in day zanies should change it for pualtc office were Atheist activism. to say, "Oh, what a heavy Leslie Perez, President of cross we rou.' ACT UP HOUSTON,and Mark AGA HAS NEW OFFICE For further information Franceschini, National TELEPHONE NUMBER about the activities of the Secretary of AGA, who is In response to the many newly-formed AGA Phoen1x running for the posttton of of you who have requested a Chaptef, contact Doug Democratic Chair of better way of contacting the McNel1 directly at (602) Precinct 70. National Office of American 264-7432, or write to AGA- Those in attendance were Gay Atnetsts, other than Phoenix, 3003 N. Central especially honored when the through the U.S. Posta1 Ave., Box 121-211, PhoenIX, First Family of Atheism, the system, AGA now has a new AZ 85012-2903. Regular Murray o'Hatrs, made a office telephone number meetings are be1ng surprise appearance. Of which can be accessed 24 scheduled. Attendance 1s course, the crowd was hours a day, The l1ne does reported to be excellent. spellbound as Dr. Madalyn have an answering machine Murray o'Hatr spoke of the attached so that you may need for immed1ate Atheist leave any message for your activism in relation to the national officers, at any AMERICAN GAY ATHEISTS time. When the machine Atheist Convention in order NEWS TO USE... answers, simply leave your to get the special room rate. PRESERVING THE name, telephone number, and This year's workshops HETEROSEXUAL ETHIC any message. Someone will and lectures will be held on Among the many return your call promptly. the topics of the First scumbags attending the The number is (713) 862- Amendment rights of National Re11g10us 3283. Please write it down Atheists, religion and Broadcasters annual meettng in your little black book so animal abuse, why theism in Waslling1:on, 0;:.., during that you may contact your doesn't lead to ethics, and late January was the Atheist headquarters- the politics of the "right to, sutnerinq, slinky, 10ud- anytime. die" and abortion moutned, pucker1ng, and controvers1es. AGA's putrifying asshole known as PREPARE FOR THE Nat10nal Off1cers w1ll be 1n the "Rev." Louis A. Sheldon CONVENTION attendance during the entire of Anaheim, California. By the time you receive course of the Convention. Thts tumultuous turd of this Newsletter, the 1990 We'd love to meet you or see theology came to Convention of American you again! Washington, D.C., not only to Atheists will only be a few All inquiries and attend the NRB conference, short weeks away. This registrations concerning the but also to chair the January year the B1g 'Event w1ll be corwentton should be 26 meeting of the National held on the weekend of April directed to American Task Force for the 13,14, and 15, in st. Atheists, P.O. Box 140 195, Preservat10n of the Petersburg, Florida. If you Austin, Tx. 78714-0195. Heterosexual Ethic. register by March 11, the Mark you envelope The anti-Gay conference fee is only $60 per person. "Convention" so that it gets was led by Sheldon and his After that date, it increases routed to the proper channel. California neighbor and pal to $65 per person. You may telephone (512) in paltriness, U.S. Rep. All Convention events, 458-1244 duri ng the Wi11iam Dannemeyer (R.- 1nclud1ng AGA's special business hours of 8:30 AM. caur.i The day-long session, will be held at the to 5 P.M., Central Time. symposium was billed for St. Petersburg Hl1ton and Please do not phone at any "sharing mrormatton about Towers, 333 1st Street other times. , reparative therapy (in other South, St. Petersburg, FL Should you desire to use words, how to "cure" a 33701. The Hllton is a FAX, the telephone number homosexual's tllness)" and offering American Atheist ts (512) 467-9525, 24 hours for "starteqtzmq a national conventioneers the soeciai a day. Th1s ts also the effort to preserve low rate of $55 per ntght number for the Amer1can heterosexuality:' The (plus tax) per room. Up to 4 Atheist 24 hour automated locatton and speakers at the persons may share a room so product/book order line. You event, attended by a that you may save even more may order your favorite whopping crowd of 70 on your room fare. These American Atheist Press people, were to be kept rates are good from April 11 book or product by calling secret from the general - 16. Telephone the Hl1ton this 24 hour, automated public. at (813) 894-5000 and tell order l1ne. A MasterCard or Despite efforts to keep the operator you're V1sa is required. SEE YOU the important meeting's attending the American AT THECONVENTION!!! locatton a secret except to pege 5 Newsletter the 70 bigots and Sheldon's anti-Gay crusade programs are carr1ed over scumbuggers in attendance, were three Republican New York Telephone's 970 word soon got around Congressmen from exchange in the New York Wash1ngton that the stte Cal1forn1a In "the Fight for C1ty metropolttan area. where the human 1nsects the Heterosexual Ethic," Similar regulations are were meeting was the Dana Rohrabacher, Robert expected to be announced Sheraton. To no one's Dornan, and of course, shortly by other regional surprise this is the same Dannemeyer. Dornan is phone companies, leading to hotel which served as .the reported to have stated that a national shut-down of the headquarters for the NRB he thinks RepubItcan industry. Conference. The U.S. Park National Chairman Lee The cutoff has been service est1mated that 750 Atwater w1ll regret say1ng denounced by Gay rtghts and Lesbians and Gay men "there ts no place tn our ctvn rtghts acttvtsts as an commandeered the party for bigotry" and abridgement of free speech. Sheraton's main entrance praising Governor George Besides directly affecting and driveway. Sheldon was Deukmej ian and Senator the livelihood of the editor caught off guard when the Pete Wllson for short- of th1s journal, analysts for demonstrators confronted circuftlng anti-Gay the Gay press predicted him in the middle of a resolutions at a GOP potentially disastrous tetevtsion interview. convention (THE consequences for Gay Attending Sheldon's WASHINGTONPOST, 1/90), newspapers, magazines and conference was a self- cable TV programs, many of loathing "recovering HELMS AMENDMENT BANS which are heavily dependent homosexual," a flip-flopping PHONE SEX SERVICES on advertising revenues Congress for Racial EQual1ty The thriving phone sex from Gay owned phone sex rep, Orange County industry, of which the companies like the ones homophobe extraordinalre editor of this publtcatton operated by th1s editor. William Dannemeyer, and a has been a part since 1983, Legal analysts are not "reparative" tneraptst, may soon be com1ng to an oottmtsttc about a court whose doctorate, it was end due to a little- challenge to the carefully determined, is in theology. recognized law which was worded Helms bill, which Sheldon said he would sponsored by Sen. Jesse was designed to overcome "refute the scientific fraud" Helms (R.-N.C.) and passed Supreme Court objections to that one in ten Americans last November, which, in a similar ban legislated in are homosexual, as well as effect, bans phone sex. 1988. Lawyers have "the lie that homosexuality New York Telephone emphasized that without ts genet1c, hormonal or Company (NYNEX) has w toespreac support from biological." He also subm1tted a new tar1ff to Gay organizations, AIDS promised to show that the New York Public Service groups and civil liberties reparative therapy1s "a Commission (PSC) which, if groups, the ban 1s almost successful treatment highly left unchallenged, w1ll go sure to occur. regarded by many leading into effect on March 21 of Barry Lynn, a legislative authorities in the field." this year. The new tariff counse1 to the ACLU in (OUTWEEK,2/11/90) will restrtct access to wash1ngton who monitors Others reported in information programs that anti-pornography attendance or support 1ng are adult in nature. Such legislation, said that Helms Pile 6 AMERICAN GAY ATHEISTS had been sponsoring anti- which people are utilizing. with 75 to 90 per cent of phone sex legislation for Most AIDS educators view their revenue coming from years. He began as early as the telephone sex lines as the sale of phone sex 1983, with his last attempt one of the easiest choices advertising. With the loss being in 1988. At that time, available in terms of safe of such advertising, many Helms sponsored a bill sex. "In the outreach Gay pub1icat 1ons may be which would ban phone sex programs that we do in the severely impacted. Some completely. This bll1 passed community, people tell us Gay-oriented newspapers the Senate by. a 98-0 vote, that they uttltze phone sex ". are predicting, their demise but was struck down by the vehicles as safer sex," says if and when the phone sex Supreme Court on First Rene Durazzo, director of industry is impacted by this Amendment grounds. After public policy for the San piece of legislation. The the Supreme Court win, Francisco AIDS Foundation. severe regulation of the many Gay rights groups Durazzo continues, "It's phone sex industry will, no relaxed, thinking the (telephone sex lines) played doubt, have a very limiting Supreme Court decision was a very strong role in the "trickle-down" effect upon final. prevention of HIV the Gay press, dramatically Never one to lay aside transm ission." limiting its ability to get hate and bigotry, Helms Others who w ill be information out to readers. attached an amendment to a affected by this leglslat10n In his campa1gnopener on Health and Human Services will be the Gay press, many January, 13, Jesse Helms appropriations bill last of whom receive up to 60 told a boisterous crowd in November. The amendment per cent of their revenue Raleigh, N.C., "Homosexuals, does not ban phone sex from the sale of phone sex lesbians, all sorts of outright. However, it advertisements. Tim disgusting people are regulates it to death. "The Campbell, editor and marching in the streets bill was tacked on very publ1sher of the GLC VOICE, demanding all kinds of quickly," says Lynn. "There a Minneapolis-based Gay and things, including the right to was no dtscusston, no press. Lesbian newspaper, marry each other:' . He also We thought it was just one estimates that his paper's denounced abortion rights, more dial-a-porn revenues have increased the "filth of pornography," amendment." some 25 per cent solely and public spending on "sick The Helms bill provides from the sale of ads to and perverted so-ca 11ed art the excuse many regional phone sex entrepreneurs. work.' phone companies l1ke NYNEX Other papers which prosper Besides directly have sought to r1d their from the sale of phone sex affect1ng the amount of companies of the services. ads are FRONTIERS In Los time, money, and energy It is felt by many that the Angeles with 25 per cent of which phone sex has allowed ban on such services wi 11 its total revenues coming the National Director of have far reaching effects from phone sex ads; San American Gay Atheists to throughout the entire Gay Francisco's SENTINEL at 25 have to fight for the ctvtl community. to 30 per cent; the San rights of Gays, Lesbians, Many Gay men use such Diego UPDATEwith up to 40 Atheists, and Gay and services as an alternat1ve per cent; New York's Lesbian Atneists, the k1111ng for unsafe sex. Phonesex is OUTWEEKwith 60 per cent; of the phone sex 1ndustry the safest form of sex and some local "bar rags" will send shock waves Pace 7 New,sletter throughout our Community. out of our bedrooms at 919- As a part of a crackdown Because many of our 856-4630. on homosexual activity national Gay news 5) Write to the Department allegedly occuring in a men's magazines are unable to sell of Public Service. The bathroom in the Vince ads to mainstream address is: John J. Kelliher, Lombardi Service Area on advertisers and, therefore, Secretary State of New Yorl< the New Jersey Turnpike, must rely on the revenues Department of Publtc state police will assign from phone sex operators, Service, Three Empire State permanent uniformed we may see a dramatic Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 troopers to "deter 'qewd change in the magazines and (tntormatton compiled from bahavior" in the men's newspapers which bring OUTWEEK, No. 35, and bathroom. The decision was news Of lnterest to dlrectly from NYNEX). made after civn rlghts and members of our communlty. Gay rlghts acttvtsts and Such reguIat ions will FROM POL ICING YOUR groups protested the use of directly affect me TELEPHONE TO POLICING undercover cops in the personally by putting me out YOUR RESTROOM bathrooms, contending that of a business in which I For many years, the officers were have invested thousands and undercover police have encouraging men to have sex thousands of dollars and patrolled men's restrooms and were then arresting have not yet recouped that ln various iocauttes them. investment. throughout the country in Pollce departments all OUTWEEKmagazine has a what they call an effort to over the country have list of things which you can deter lewd behavior engaged in this sort of do to help save the phone between patrons of public activity for years as many sex lines. Some are as toilet ractlttes in such innocent and unsuspecting follows: ~ places as parks, roadside men are entrapped, many 1) FAX Fred Salerno, CEOof rest areas, bus stations and whose lives and careers are New York Telephone at 212- subway stops. ruined by a charge of "lewd 302-9452 and tell him to Frequently, undercover behavior" or "indecent intercede with NYNEX's poltce officers are sent into exposure." Current ly, the planned actions. men's restrooms and openly undercover operat ion has 2) Call John Kelliher at the encourage patrons of the been challenged in a Bergen NY Dept. of Public Service restrooms to engage in County (NJ) court by a and tell him how important sexual activity by making coalition that includes the phone sex is at 518-474- openly sexual advances or by Lambda Legal Defense Fund 6530; FAX 518-474-7146. exposing their own genitals and the New Jersey branch 3) Call Peter Bradford, tn order to make an arrest of the ACLU (The New York Commissioner of the Dept. when someone responds to Times, 2/3/90). This is just of Public Service, and tell their advances. Whenever a another way that religious him how important phone person responds or even erotophobta adversely sex (safe sex) is to the Gay looks at the plainclothes affects our lives. and AIDS communites at officer, the person is 518-474-2530' , FAX 518- frequently arrested and UNCLE SAM'S VOYEURISM 473-2838. charged wlth "lewd EXTENDS TO JAPAN 4) Call Jesse Helms and tell conduct," or some other The preoccupation of the him to keep his ugly face similar offense. United States with Pile 8 AMERICAN GAY ATHEISTS homohobia and erotophobia men and 267 women because the mandates of the extends as far away as they were believed to be Christian religion is to tell public restrooms on at least Gay (THE ADVOCATE, all the world about their three U.S.air bases in Japan. 2/13/90). . Our own mythical J.e. Former Recently, disciplinary government continues to attempts at world actions were threatened for view Gay men and Lesbians evangelization have led to forty servicemen and three as simply disposable, while extraordinary perversions government officials after we are forced to pay our tax like the Crusades and the they had been videotaped by dollars to -fund a system. Holy Roman Inquisttion. hidden cameras in which finds us despicable. Evangelizing the world is restrooms. A major, a first generally defined as giving lieutenant, a chief master EVEN AT DEATH, GAYS every person on Earth the sergeant, and a· master ARE VILIFIED "opportunttv" to accept or gunnery sergeant were Jeffrey Levin Winters, a reject Christian claims among those caught with Gay man from Nashville, about J.e. Currently, 19 their pants down or involved Tennessee, recently died of plans aiming to evangelize in "lewd conduct:' Others complications from AIDS. the world by 2000 have implicated by the hidden During the eulogy, minister budgets of over $100 cameras may not be charged David Hunter told mourners million, and eight of those due to "tnsurrtcent that Winters contracted are over $1 nnucn And we evidence." (From NUMBERS AIDS because he adopted a Gay Atheists can't raise a magazine, 3/90) "life-style (that is) single million? There are contrary to God's will:' also 54 smaller plans wtth THE MILITARY CONTINUES Hunter Characterized the same goal, with an TO DISCRIMINATE Winters as a prodigal son expectation of about 150 Officials at Carswell Air who came home and more by 1999. Force Base in Ft. Worth, renounced his sinful life- Here are the detal1s for Texas, admitted that they style after being diagnosed the top eight, $1 bi uton plus d1scharged seven men whom w1th AIDS (THE ADVOCATE, plans: they concluded were Gay. 2/13/90). 1 ) CONGRESS FOR THE Six. of the men received CHARISMATIC LEADERS FOR honorable discharges, while THE INTOLERANCE CAN WORLD EVANGELIZATION: one rectevec a general BE EXPECTED TO Inauguration in 1991 with discharge. CONTINUE 10,000 renewal leaders Carswell officials said In a startling gathering in Brighton, the d1scharges were made announcement recently. England. under a Department of United States-based 2) DECADE OF UNIVERSAL Defense policy that requires Christian organizations have EVANGELIZATION: To be discharge of military their glaring eyes fixed on inaugurated this year by personae1 who have Gay sex, the big 2000 -- the year, PopeJP 2 and others, call ing admit to being Gay, or take that is. The next decade has all Xians to a decade of part in Gaymarriages. been set aside by various mission to make Xian It is reported by the Christian denominations as disciples of half the world's Defense Department that the time when the entire population by 2000. during fiscal year 1988 that world will be evangel1zed 3) NEW LIFE 2000 A world the military discharged 779 for Jesus. Remember, one of wide plan by the Campus PICe 9 Newsletter

Crusade for Christ, population segments sent to the National inaugurated in 1987 to averaging 1 million each. Confernece of Catholic present the gospel to 6.5 Bishops in Washington and to bl1110n people by 2000, The plans llsted above the Vatlcan. making 1 billion new are those whose budgets are Titled, THE HOLOCAUST: converts, establishing of a Billion dollars and over. AT THE EDGE OF 10,000 Bible studies, 1 An American Atheist TV COMPREHENSION, the million new churches, and Forum was taped recently document deals with the showing "The Jesus Film" to concerning these Holocaust and is an attempt 5 million people per night. extraordinary plans, to reconclle the Catholtc 4) EVANGELIZATION2000 / discussing their goals and Church's role during that NEW EVANGELIZATION2000: shortcom1ngs ln more oetan, pertoc Wh1le aCknowledg1ng A Roman catnonc movement Don Sanders1 Nat1ona1 1t d1d play a d1rect role 1n based in Rome, aimed at Director of AGA, was a the rise of the Nazi regime converting 1.5 billion people guest on this show. Check in Germany; the document to Roman Catholicism by your local community carefully skirts any 2000. access cable company for suggest ion that it 5) DECADEOF HARVEST: A time and channel in your knowlingly and willingly program inaugurated in area. (Source: THE aided and abetted the rise to 1987 by the Assernoues of PITTSBURGH PRESS, power of the Th1rd Re1ch. GodChurch. 1/21/90). Although the document 6) THE JESUS FILM: Campus admits that the Vatican was Crusade for Christ's film CATHOLIC CHURCH the first "country" to about the life of the ADMITS ROLE IN AIDING establish diplomatic mythical Jesus. Filmed in HITLER relations with the Third 1979, it has been dubbed But Only Goes So Far Retch, it takes pains to into 130 languages with In a statement that was distance itself from any plans for 1,300 languages by released in Anaheim, Ca., by involvement with Hitler's 1998. Plans are to have Southern Callfornla Jewish reign of terror. In fact, the 5,000 teams showing it to 5 and Catholic leaders, it document claims that the million people per night by suggests that the Roman Nazi motive in securing the 1998. Catholi c Church Vatican's endorsement was 7) BOLD MISSION THRUST: "inadvertently" helped Adolf to silence Catholic Inaugurated in 1976 by the Hitler rise to power before OPPOSition to Hitler. This, Southern Baptist Convention World War II. The statement of course, is a great lie as which involves new ls the flrst of lts klnd Pope Plus XII always had an ernpnasts on mission work puonsnec and ctstnoutec to outstretched arm to the in previously unevangelized educators. great dictators/tyrants of and often hostile countries. The document is initially the day. It was the Vatican 8) GLOBAL STRATEGY to be sent to 3,000 Catholic that sought the diplomatic COMMITTEE: Inaugurated in schools, seminaries and relationship. 1985 by the Seventh Day parishes across the country, The director of the Adventists for 15 million as well as to Jewish leaders Sklrball Institute on Aoventtststn 210 countries and rabb1s nanonauv. Amer1can Values of the to evangelize the world by Copies of the five-page American Jewish Committee dividing it into 5,000 statement are also being sa1d the Cathol1c-Jewish AMERICAN GAY ATHEISTS

AGA, Inc. FINALLY, A WIN ANOTHER ATHEIST WIN Nat10nal Headquarters Robert Sherman, Chrtstos Tzanetakos, P.O.Box 66711 American Atheist National Director of the Miam1 Houston, TX 77266- 76 11 Spokesperson, uneovered Chapter of American (713) 862-3283 blatant state/church Atheists, recently applted to AGA New York separation violations in the his state for a license as a P.O.Box 248 centra 1 northern 111inois Public Notary. When he Village Station town of Zion during early received the appltcatton and '. .New York, NY tOO14-0248 1987. Then, on August 17" ,. read, it, there> was the (718)565-0098 1987, American Atheists admonition just where he AGA Phoen1x and Cl1nt W. Harris of Zion, should s1gn that he would 3003 North Central Avenue 111tnots, fl1ed suit against "fa1thfully perform the suite 121- 211 the C1ty, aSk1ng the U.S. dut1es of Notary Pub11c...so Phoenix, AZ 85012-2903 Distr1ct Court to enjoin the help me God." (602) 264-7432 use of the rellgious seal, He sent the "Oath of AGA Memphis emblem, and logo of the city Office" form to American P.O.Box 41371 of Zion which was displayed Atheist staff attorney, Memphis, TN 38174-1371 on the city flag, the city David Roth, who proposed a letterhead, in the city reply to the Secretary of council chambers, on the State of Flor1da. The reply Respect L1f e Comm1ttee, city vehicles, on stickers focused on Article 6, par. 3 which wrote the statement, required on all vehicles of the Constitution of the reached 1ts conclusions operated by city restdents, United States which, in part, about Hit 1er and the on the shoulder patch of the says, .....no reltqtous Test condordat "not from church city police officers and fire shall ever be required as a sources or books, but from fighters, on the city's water Qualification to any Office historians," What is tower, on all city street or puoltc Trust under the overlooked here 1s that the signs, and on all City-owned United States." church has completely re- veh1cles. This was tested in 1961 written history so as After an extensive and in the Maryland case of always to place itself in a expensive legal battle, the Torasco V. Watkins (367 U.S. favorable l1ght. Jhis judge issued a decision on 448) when a stmtlar god document is simply another February 9, reading: "In oath was required by a way for the Jews to make Harris v. City of Zion...we person seeking an office of the pub11c be11eve that 6 hold that the seal, emblem, notary public. In that case, rnttlton of their people were and logo of the C1ty of Z10n the Supreme Court ruled: killed, and a way for the vtoiate the F1rst Amendment "We repeat and aga1n Catho1ic Church to further of the United States reaffirm that neither a a11enate 1tself from its Constitution, and therefore State nor the Federal direct involvement in the enjoin the City of Zion from Government can terror and oppression of the their continued use." constttuttonally force a Third Reich (THE ARIZONA Congratulat1ons, Rob person to profess a oeuer or REPUBLIC,1/28/90). Sherman and American dtsbelter in any reltqton." Atnetsts (lns1der's Several weeks after Mr. Newsletter, 2/90). Tzanetakos wrote to the Secretary of State asking Pace 11 Newsletter that the oath immediately his back on the millions of Gays and Lesbians, though, be removed from the Americans who are HIV- are expected to continue to eppltcatton form, the reply infected while funnellng pay their taxes and obey the came that the State would billions into Star Wars laws even though the tax indeed immediately remove research and testing despite dollars and laws will be the words "so help me God" the fact that our long-time used against us. Just today, from the notary oath with perceived Red enemy is the U.S.Supreme Court again an effective date of disarming itself at an reminded us of our "place" by February 48, 1990. .. , astounding rate. After all, affirming that the U.S. This story was inserted the continuing bolserting of Armed Forces have the to show that sometimes a the mil itary- industri a1 perfect right to remove a letter to the proper official economy is far more suspected homosexual from is a11 that is necessary to important than concern for its midst. uphold separation between the human condition. Just This Newsletter has state and church. This is take a look at the numbers reported time and time again something which anyone of of poor and homeless on the the church's position on Gays us can do at any time (THE streets of our cities. and Lesbians. The only time AMERICAN ATHEIST In the meantime, the so- a Gay person is truly magazine, 3/90). called "war on drugs" is at a welcome in the church is fever pitch, even though our when s/he is carried there own government is heavily in a coffin. It astounds me EDITOR'S COMMENTS involved in the international why any Gay man or woman The above news items drug trade and has no would continue to prostrate were chosen this month to mtentton of stopping the him/herself at the foot of demonstrate the necessi ty flow. Americans must have our foremost oppressor. of maintaining strong a war on something to keep The story carried herein organizations within the their feelings of patriotism detailing the massive Gay and Lesbian community runn1ng at a high level. "God evanqeuzatton of the world of the United States. Gays and Country" has always should be enough to shock and Lesbians are being proven to be the best each of us into reality. The attacked on all fronts. We smokescreen under which a religious people are simply are living in a period when tyrant may do his work. crazy! They are insane thousands of our friends and The message to Gay and beyond our comprehension! loved ones have died of Lesbian people is that we We can laugh about it all we AIDS, while thousands more are far less than second . want, however, the financial are 1iving with the prospect class citizens with no commitment to these of a shortened ltre justification to even think evange1izat ion proj ects expectancy because of AIDS. that we should have access should serve to remind us of After the awful Reagan to civil rights. Only those the massive scope of these years in which social and persons whose genitals are operations. It is hard for me health services funds were reserved for the to imagine a project with a cut while mititary spending heterosexual activity of budget of $1 otluon dollars reached an all-time record making babies have any plus, let alone eight such high, George Bush is justification for thinking projects, and another 19 continuing the Reagan they have any ri ght to equal whose budgets are over $ i00 legacy by continuing to turn treatment under the law. mill ion. The crime of all Pace 12 AMERICAN GAY ATHEISTS

this is that the churches are contempt and disdain come how prejudiced Jews, w111ingto spend billions of not only from those without Blacks, and others in the dollars to introduce billions our community, but also Deep South were (are) of Third World people to a from those within. against homosexuals. mythological Jesus who As the most vil1fied never existed, as billions group, we must support the MEETINGS AND BRUNCHES are starving for food and cause. We must fund the AGA Houston meets the 2nd dying for lack of medical fight. We can never hope to Monday of each month at #4 care while the churches win the battle unless we Chelsea Place at 7:30 P.M. ,""" refuse to instruct the have the resources, .Next meeting: masses on birth control and especially financial, to Monday, March 12th. fam11y planning. Jesus is meet our enemy head on. AGA Houston hosts a brunch all anyone needsI Support1ng separation the last Sunday of each Our Gay and Lesbian news between state and church month at 11:30 AM. at magazines are filled with has never been more critical various restaurants. bad news about Gay bashing, than now. Next Brunch: legislators fighting us every The religious will waste Sunday, March 25th, at step of the way, the courts billions of dollars during On The Border rullng against us, the police the next ten years Restaurant, 4608 entrapping us into attempt1ng to force Jesus Westheimer. compromising situations on every inhabitant of the Please call 961-4494 for which lead to the losses of world. We Atheists haven't directions. our jobs and create strl f e a chance unless we are Call AGA's new Houston line within our families, etc., willing to fund the battle. to make a reservation for etc. Please help as you can. All brunch attendance. There was so much more contributions are tax- Our last brunch attracted bad news of civil rights deductible. We must a surprise visit by the violations that this continue to have your Murray-O'Hairs who came Newsletter could have gone support. down from Austin. Another for another 12 pages. Yet, prominent guest was long , all of this bad news should MOVIE TALK by Gaylord time Gay Activist and be pull ing us together like Lovett candidate for Justice of the never before. It is my Focus on Women Peace, Ray Hill. sincere wish that you wi 11 "Driving Miss Daisy" For New York meetings open your eyes and minds to offers a choice part for a and events please call the depressing situation we woman who has racial bias Dominic Florio at: as a people find ourselves in that she gradually (718) 565-0098. at this time in history. overcomes. As excellent as For Phoenix meetings and , As Atheists, we are Jessica Tandy is ,iF)the role events please call Doug at: hated and despised. As Gays of Miss Daisy, she is too old (602) 264-7432 and Lesbians we are held in for the early scenes. scorn and are the open Otherwise, the film NEW FEATURE...POETRY BY targets f or government adaptation of the play is STEVEN FINCH sanctioned ridicule and excellent. Beginning with th1s contempt. . And as Gay, and See1ng th1s drama, Gays issue, THE AMERICAN GAY Lesbian Atheists, the and Lesbians will think of ATHEIST will feature poems Pace 13 Newsletter

written by Steven Finch, who currently lives in Switzerland. All poems are taken from his collection entitled, "Are You Ready?" Steven has graciously given us permission to reprint selections from his work. Steven welcomes any comments you may have. Simply address your letters to him in care of AGA, and we will cheerfully pass them along.

ONE SUNDAY AFTER MASS by Steven Finch Passing his eyes and hands over the flesh of the rntller's son lying quietly on his side on top of the altar, Father Tim, as if in prayer, begins to murmur, "flesh, flesh of man, flesh of man full of soul, flesh as firm as stone, yea, as hard as the nether millstone;" at these words, he runs his left hand from the young man's right shoulder to his hip and raising his habit with his right hand to his hips, adds in a slightly firmer voice, "grinding grain." The groin vaults echo a men's moan.

American Gay Atheists P. O. Box 66711, Houston, TX 77266-6711 Membership Form

Please select appropriate category and enclose your check or money order donation to AGA. (Membership includes the American Gay Atheist monthly newsletter) Student $12 0 Senior Citizen $18 0 Regular $24 0 Couple/Household$36 0 Sustaining $75 0 Benefactor $150 0 Corporate $300 0 Life $500 0

Please, provide your name, address and telephone number. AGA membership lists are confidential and are used only for our own discrete mailings. Tell us when you move. Name: ------Partner: Address: ______Apt # _ City: State: Zip: Telephone: ( ) __

I am an atheist and uphold the aims and principles of AGA. Iuphold the right of every individual to live the life of their choice, in a secular society, free from religion. Signature The 20th Annual National Convention of American Atheists It's enlightening, surprising, informative - and a heck of a lot of fun ircle April 13, 14, and 15 on your You can stay at the Hilton (with all its Ccalendar and start making your scenic views) for the special rate of $55 travel plans, because you won't want to per night (plus tax) for a single or miss the 1990 Convention of American double room, for reservations made by Atheists. Held in lovely St. Petersburg, March 23. These rates are good from Florida, this year's convention will April 11-16 - in case you want to com- feature nearly twenty speakers and bine a vacation with the convention. panelists with hands-on experience in Call and say you are now reserving their fields. But it will also be your op- your room for the American Atheist portunity to break the ice with hun- Convention. Name the Convention - dreds of other Atheists from all states or you won't get these rates! of the Union and all walks of life. Room rates aren't the only savings you'll get. Delta Airlines and Fighting the good fight National Car Rental are offering Being an inquiring person, you want to American Atheist conventioneers have more practical information about animal rights, and taking your First special discounts. We'll send you the the issues important to Atheists - and Amendment beefs to court. A leader of complete information when you register that's what this year's convention is all the French Atheist movement will also - or just give us abuzz now. about. The speakers and panelists are be on hand to give you the scoop on not theorists - they're activists. To Atheist rights in Europe. Have a vacation too give you a few examples: You might want to make the Conven- Bill Baird, sometimes called the All work and no play . . . tion weekend the start (or end) of a "father" of the pro-choice movement, You'll also have plenty of opportunities vacation. St. Petersburg is near world- will bring you up-to-date on the abor- to kick up your heels with other Athe- famous amusement parks, art muse- tion issue - and the Roman Catholic ists at parties, banquets, and breaks at ums, botanical gardens, and historical church's involvement in it. the 1990 Convention. To start the list, sites. In fact, American Atheists is or- For fifteen years, Derek Humphry, there will be the Life Members' Dinner, ganizing a post-convention trip to the founder of Hemlock, has worked the Friday Reception, the Members' Epcot Center. And then there are the for your right to die with dignity. He Dinner, the Conventioneers' Dance, beautiful beaches minutes from the will be at the convention to give you the Sunday Brunch, and the Farewell Convention hotel. an update about this important issue. Party. Whether you want to sit and Frank Zindler - one of the most chat with persons of like mind or take Registration popular writers in American Atheist them out on the dance floor, you'll be If you register by March 11, 1990, the - will take on the real origins of the able to give your worldview a workout registration fee is only $60 per person. book that fundamentalists want every- to remember. After that date, registration increases one to obey: the Bible. to $65 per person. (Registration is non- Of course, the first lady of Atheism, Where it all is refundable.) Madalyn O'Hair, will also be on hand All Convention events will be held at: If you have any questions, call the to give the Atheist's view of the state/ St. Petersburg Hilton and Towers National Office of American Atheists church separation scene. 333 1st Street South at (512) 458-1244. Or write: American Other speakers and panelists will St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Atheist Convention, P. O. Box 140195, take on the topics of godless ethics, (813) 894-5000 Austin, TX 78714-0195.

Return form to: Convention Registration, American Atheists, P. O. Box 140195, Austin, TX 78714-0195 Telephone: (512) 458-1244 FAX: (512) 467-9525 o It's before March 11, 1990. I'm signing up for registra- Card #: _ tion(s) for person(s) at S60 per person. Expiration Date: o Late registration (after March 11, 1990). Sign me up for Signature: ------registration(s) for person(s) at $65 per person. Name(s): _ o I am enclosing a check or money order (payable to Amer- ican Atheist Convention) for $ _ Address: _ City: _ o Please charge $, to my credit card: o VISA 0 MasterCard State: Zip: _ Registration is nonrefundable. Membership expiration date: _ do~umented ~ ..•

This is documented dirt from a writer who has a real grudge which comes out clearly in his attack. The booklet as issued in its Revised Edition is dated, since it stops in the mid-1%Os. Printed originally in Australia, this is one of many mimeographed booklets which the Murray- O'Hairs obtained on a trip to Australia and New Zealand. It has been carefully reformatted into a convenient-sized, forty-three page booklet which has been typeset in a highly legible font and style; it is augmented by Dr. O'Hair's seven-page introduction, which brings the re- cord up to the 1980s. The author has been a proponent of evolution and has consistently challenged both Armstrong and his writers to look objectively at the evidence which supports it. He charges Armstrong's publication with word omissions, switching of texts, suppressing of contradictory passages, tampering with quotations, interpolating, and selectively excluding verses of the Bible in order to support conten- tions. The book has continuing small examples of ethical and moral faults of Armstrong. Bowden seeks in this church a consistency of purpose and an outreach of understanding and goodness to fellow men. Instead, he finds Armstrong to be self-centered (gluttonously so), seeking ephemeral self-aggrandizement, and globe-trotting to be photographed with heads of state. The stored anger of the author often breaks forth: "Realizing that many of his devotees will have money set aside to ease their declining years, this man [Herbert W Armstrong] has set out to gain possession of these savings; and he has largely succeeded .... He demands even 'widow's tithes'. His rapacity is limitless."

43 pp. Stapled. $5.50 postpaid.

Cut and Mail to: American Atheist Press, P.o_ Box 140195, Austin, TX 78714-0195 o Yes, I want copy(ies) of Herbert W. Armstrong and o I am enclosing a check or money order for $ _ His Worldwide Church of God [5028] at $5.50 each, postpaid. (Texas residents please add 7%% sales tax.) o Charge my credit card: Shipment by 0 U.S. Postal Service 0 u.P.S. o Visa o MasterCard Name _ Card # _

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State Zip _ Signature _ APRIL 1990 -NEWSLETTER VOL. 8, NO.4

The American Gay Atheist Li EDUCATING THE LESBIAN AND GAY COMMUNITY SINCE 1983

THE AGA NEWSLETTER IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY AT HOUSTON, TEXAS AND IS INCIDENTAL WITH MEMBERSHIP

-..---:>-"------WAS ADOLF HITLER AN ATHEIST? Describing what the Jews supposedly do to Yoube the Judge! undermine Aryan civilization: Frequently, when the question of the matter "Nations that make mongrels of their people, or t of the religion of Adolf Hitler is brought up in allow their people to be turned into mongrels, conversation, many like to claim that Older sin against the will of eternal providence." (pg. Fuhrer" actually had not religion at all. After 186) all, if Hitler were religious he would not have "Whoever would dare to raise a profane hand been such a tyrant, they argue. Because each of against that highest image of Godamong his us has been or will be faced with the quest ion creatures (Aryans) would sin against the of Hitler's piety or lack thereof, I present some bountiful creator of this marvel and would very revealing quotations taken directly from collaborate in the expulsion from paradise." (pg. MEINKAMPF. After reading the few quotations 216) for which we have room to publish, the proof of Hitler's religion or lack thereof will rest upon THE NEWSTHIS MONTHIS INCREDIBLE. TURN TO those who claim he was an Atheist. Quotations THE NEXT PAGE, WHEREIT ALL BEGINS . from MEINKAMPF,James Murphy translation. Published by Hurst and Blackett Ltd., New York, IN THIS ISSUE N.Y. : BLADE CUTS AGA FOR BEING OPENLY GAY Discussing the effects of venereal disease: UNIVERSITY ATHEISTS "Little of God's image will be left in human NY GIVES RCC MILLlON$ FOR AIDS nature, except to mock the creator." (pg. 146) CATHOll CS AND SAT AN Describing a juvenile delinquent: SCUMBAG OF THE MONTH - WI LDMON "He curses Godand the world and finally ends up ABORTION PILL NEAR TESTING IN CA in a house of correction for young people." (pg. RITTER IS ROCKIN' AND REELlN' 29) ACT UP AT CHURCH AGAI N! "Their (Jews) very existence is an incarnate MOVIE TALK by Gaylord Lovett denial of the beauty of God's image in his POETRY by Steven Finch creation." (pg. 107) BRUNCHES AND MEET INGS AND MUCH MOREl

AMERICA!~ GAY ATHEISTS P.O. BOX 66711 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77266-6711 Pille 2 Amer1can Gay Athe1sts

BLADE ARTICLE to the 736-pageDirectory of THE AMERICAN GAY ATTACKS AGA Experts, Authorities & ATHEIST Other Groups Ma1igned Spokespersons: An In the March 2, 1990, Encyclopedia of Sources, Editor edition of the Gay which has been ouousneo for Don Sanders newsmagazine, The the past seven years by Managing Editor WaShington Blade, writer Broadcast Interview Source, Mark Franceschini Lou Chibarro, Jr., attacks Inc., a public relations and Non-Resident Staff American Gay Atheists and media firm which charges Dom1nic Florio other Gay/Lesbian groups as groups or individuals for a Gaylord Lovett being not representative of listing within its pages. James McClain the overall Gay and Lesbian This is the first year that -. DougMcNeil community. AGA has listed itself. Steven Finch In an article entitled, NGLTF ANDHRCFEXPRESS and other AGA'ers "National Gay Groups Not CONCERN Included In Media Directory," In preparing his article American Gay Atheists, Inc., is a non- profit 501 (c) (3) organization which appeared in the March for publication, Chibarro \v'hose purposes are to promote a 2nd NEWS section of The interviewed the press positive image of Gay men and Blade, writer Chibarro spokespersons for NGLTF and Lesbian 'Women, and speci ficall y of explains how "Gay atheists, Gay men and Lesbian vcmen 'w'hoare HRCF respectively, Robert Atheists; to promote and advance the Gay RepUblicans, and a Bray and Gregory King. The SCientific concept of material1sm; Marxist front group are article reported Bray and and to educate the public generall y given prominent billing King as both "concerned that and Gay men and Lesbian 'w'omen epecificalllJ, in regard to human under the 'Gay rights' the groups 1isted under the sexuality and the value of human category in a national Gay-related headings do not interpersonal relationshi ps. directory of news sources represent a broad cross- that is distributed free to section of the nation's Gay Copyright 1990 by American Gay 5,500 print and broadcast Atheists, Inc. All rights reserved. . activists," and reported they Reproduction in 'Whole or in part journal tsts," while none of are "concerned that those vtthout vrttten permission ts "the country's nationally- reading the directory who prohi bited. recognized Gay civil rights are not knowledgeable about Ma11ino address: groups, such as the National the Gay movement may P.O. Box 66711 Houston, TX 77266-6711 Gay and Lesbian Task Force receive a biased view on Telephone: (713) 862- 3283 (NGLTF), the Human Rights various issues if they do not Campaign Fund (HRCF), or seek out other groups." Manuscri pts submitted must be typed, double-spaced, and Lambda Legal Defense and The Broadcast Interview accompanied by a stamped, self- Education Fund," are not Source book is distributed to addressed envelope. The editors included. all the nation's important assume no responsi bility for The article continues newspapers, as well as to unsolicited manuscri pts. All with, "Instead, it includes producers of television and submissions are subject to editorial revisions for reasons of space eight individuals or radio talk back shows who considerations and clarity. All groups...who have not been frequently refer to the contri butions are the opi nions of the widely known as directory in order to obtain authors and do not neceeearillJ spokesoersons for the Gay guests for their shows. reflect the position of American Gay Atheists, Inc. movement." Among the other groups The writer is referring 1isted in this year's Page 3 Newsletter

assert ion that the art ic1e We Gay and Lesbians DIAL-A-GAY clearly exhibited a biased Atheists must not accept -ATHEIST tone toward groups other bigotry and intolerance from than those "nationally those within our own Gay recognized" as and Lesbian community. An RECORDED MESSAGE "knowledgeable about the article such as the one in 24 HOURS A DAY Gay movement." However, The Washington Blade might before ending the telephone be expected from a non-Gay HOUSTON conversation with him, he newspaper. However, it is (713) 880-4242 did concede after inexcusable when it comes reviewing the article once from a newspaper which is NEW YORK CITY again -- that its tone was directed toward the Gay and (7 t 8) 899-1737 derogatory and demeaning to Lesbian community. CHICAGO those groups listed. Please write, and send (708) 255-2960 WRITEANDCOMPLAIN copies of your letters to us You are urged to send a at AGA's National directory that seem.ingly letter of complaint about Headquarters. The other may give a "biased view" on the article to: groups and individuals who various issues are the The Washington Blade were maligned within this Rainbow Lobby of the New 724 9th Street, N.W.,8th article have also been Alliance Party, which The Floor notified. We are hoping for a Blade refers to as be1ng Washington, D.C.20001 large public outcry to The "Marxist;" American Friends Blade, NGLTF and HRCF. Service Committee, a You are also urged to Hopefully, we can count on a Quaker group; the Unitarian send a letter to both NGLTF substantial number of Universalist Assoctatton, a and HRCFcomplaining about letters to pour in from the Gay Unitarian (religious) the smug attitudes Gay and Lesbian Atheist group; and California Gay expressed by them reqardtnq community. It is absolutely Repub11can leader Frank their assertion that other tmoerattve that other Gay Ricchiazzi. The article does Gay groups, such as men and Lesbians find out continue to recognize that American Gay Atheists, are about AGA. After all, until "Although a few of these not mainstream enough to more of us start speaking 1ist ings -- such as San act as spokespersons for out against the thing which Francisco's Mobil ization Gay rights in the national has relegated us to second Against AIDS and Shanti media. These addresses are: class citizenship, we will Project are highly remain second class forever. regarded by Gay activists, HumanRights campaign Fund NGLTF and HRCF do nne most do not include any of 1012 14th Street, N.W. work. However, their the other prominent AIDS #607 spokespersons must realize advocacy groups...." WaShington, D.C.20005 that the ideas of other Gay I spoke with HRCF's groups must be expressed. press spokesperson, Gregory National Gay and Lesbian After all, AGA is the only King, about the tone of the Task Force Gay and Lesbian organization article. King expressed 1517 U Street, N.W. w1th the guts to attack the surprise upon being wasmnqton, D.C.20009 root cause of our confronted with my discrimination -- religion. ------,-- Pace 4 Amerlcan Gay Athe1sts

We wi 11 never soften nor easier to be vocal about Gays have a very important compromise our position of Atheism," explains Robert. and valuable opportumty to AGGRESSIVEATHEISMI HOWTHEGROUPBEGAN be significant parts of the The student Atheist leadership of the Atheist UN I VERS ITV STUDENT group began duri ng the movement. We owe it to A THE ISTS FORM month of February when ourselves and to Atheism to Word has come,from AGA Derek and two other student act now, to heed the call of member and University of friends got together and the times and build for the Texas student, Derek Robert, discussed the idea of future." of the formation of a new forming a student Atheist Send your best wishes to student Atheist group on the group. They decided to call Derek Robert and the other campus of the University of themselves University University Atheists at: Texas at Austin, Texas' Atheists. As a recognized 1argest and most student group at UT, one can UNIVERSITYATHEISTS prestigious state-run' set up an information table TEXASUNION#190 university. on the West Mall, a highly P.O.BOX7338 Derek reports that being trafficked area near the AUSTIN,TX 78713 a student at the University busy student union, hold of Texas at Austin provides campus rallies, and even use ~IEWS TO USIE... advantages and classrooms to conduct opportunities which do not meetings. NV STATE PHC APPROVES exist elsewhere. Most Derek reports that CHURCH-RUN AI DS HOMES importantly, besides response to the new student The New York State attending classes, is living Atheist group has been Public Health Council has in the city of Austin, the positive. "Sitting at my tentatively approved plans home of American Atheists. information table on the to allow for two new Although Derek is a full- West Mall, I have met many taxpayer-financed AIDS time student at UT, he also friendly people who are very nursing homes to be run and manages to perform happy about an organ1zation staffed by the Roman volunteer work at the promoting Atheism. About Catholic Church (RCO, on American Atheists General 114 to 112 of the people the condition that clients of Headquarters. who stop by the table are the homes receive Derek also reports that Lesbians or Gays. People counseling on all types of the University of Texas is a are tired of being bombarded AIDS prevention. "moderate ly to lerant with religious bu11shit and Despite its stance against university." "In rlarch," he are quite pleased about the use of condoms, clean says, "a Black Lesb1an was see1ng 'Jesus Is Lard' needles, and sex education elected as the student bumper stickers proudly to prevent the spread of association president. This displayed on the table," AIDS, the church, with its was due more to the Derek says. eyes ever focused on the activism of liberal groups Part of the purpose of color of money, has agreed than the convictions of the University Atheists is to to compromise with the genera1 popu1at ion. show that Atheism is good, State. Heretofore, the Nevertheless, it was a very and that Atheists are out of church has refused to accept significant accomplishment. the closet. As Derek proudly any position other than Therefore, it is somewhat explained, "Lesbians and abst inence from sex and Page 5 Newsletter drugs as the only sure way counseling about these for the care of the hundreds to prevent AIDS infection. heretofore taboo and of indigent AIDS patients In a letter addressed to the "sinful" matters -- now that who have no where else to State from Archdiocesan the RCC will be allowed to turn (The New York Times, nurs1ng home ornctai John run the two nurs1ng homes 2/23 and 2/24/90). So much F. Keane, he stated the in which the State will pour for Christian charity! Archdiocese would offer to $10.8 million into each. This is a clear provide "accurate" and THEPRICEIS RIGHT state/church issue over "comprehensive" AIDS The State has also which every New York information to patients, and approved a th ird state- citizen should be enraged. to refer patients to outside financed Catho1tc run Besides, the hypocrisy here agencies . for condoms, nursing home at Bayley is neck-deep! contracept1ve and aoortton Seton Hosp1tal on Staten counseling. You have not Island. This home will have CATHOLIC CHURCH misread "abortion 240 beds, of which 80 will EMPHASIZES BELIEF IN counse1ing." be set aside for AIDS SATAN WHATABOUTTHE patients, at a total As New York State turns CARDINAL'SPOLICY? estimated cost of $32 over millions of dollars to In case you're wondering million. And, as long as the the Roman Catholic Church about Card1nal John Cathol1c Church w1ll make for that "charitable" O'Connor's and the church's concessions with their institution to care for official anti-information patients, the State is indigent AIDS patients, stance concerning abortion willing to finance another another recent story and contraceptive home for them to run. This originating from one of the counse1ing, it appears that one will be at a cost of $44 leaders of this medieval even he is willing to mill ion. institution demonstrates compromise -- at least, the The State claims it that the RCChas one foot in Cardinal is willing to keep desperately needs the the here and now, and one Quiet concerning the issue. Catholic-operated beds foot firmly implanted smack Could it be so because we because the health-care dab in the middle of the 15th are tlaking about mi 11ions system is suffering Century. Cardinal John and mi 11ions of dollars unprecedented O'Connor, Archbishop of New coming to the RCCfrom the overcrowding. New Yorkers York, has stated that the State? Or is the Cardinal's should be asking why the novel "The Exorcist" is a sudden "about-face" due to a State is will ing to pour "gruesomely authentic" lightning bolt strike or a millions and millions of depiction of demonic change in conscience? We New York State taxpayers' possess10n, and that he know better, don't we! do11ars into church-owned predicts an increase in Although John O'Connor and church-run health care "diabolically instigated preaches abstinence from centers. Now we clearly violence" which can be sex and drugs as the only see what it takes to get the directly attributed to Satan. way to prevent infection, he iron maiden church to make In a recent sermon he now seems willing to allow a change in its medieval gave from the pulpit of st. the Church-run, state- poucies offer 1t a chance Patr1ck's Cathedral, O'Connor supported homes to refer to rake in millions and assailed divorce and their patients to outside millions of taxpayer dollars abort ion as exarnp Ies of an Pace 6 Amerlcan Gay Athelsts overactive devil. He also In the same sermon at quickly sent back to the stated that two successful St. Patrick's, O'Connor's distributor because the exorcisms have been carried remarks explored the indignant county health out in the New York area reading of Matthew 4: 1-11, department supervisor within the last several going on to discuss satanic feared the mint flavoring months. cult activity and imagery in might promote a greater RATZINGERCONCURS heavy-metal rock music. frequency of ora 1 sex. In 1985, Joseph Cardinal O'Connor's observations Perhaps he feared a sharp Ratzinger, who oversees the about rock music follow rise in the frequency of oral orthodoxy of Catho1tc those of Tipper Gore, wife sex could lead to a greater teaching as head of the of Senator Albert Gore (D.-- frequency of earthquakes. It Vatican Congregation for Tn.). You will recall that also seems that the the Doctrine of the Faith she told a Senate hearing in department supervisor is a (formerly known as the 1985 that the music Contra Costa religious Office of the Holy Roman industry should put warning conservative who is also Inquisition which was labels on albums with fighting against passage of responsib1e for the deaths violent or sexually explicit AIDS discrimination of countless millions of lyrics

BELOVED IKE LI NKED TO more that 98 per cent of the I AM AS PUREAS THEDRIVEN 'SLOW DEATHS' OF 1 "other losses" in World War SLUSH MILLION II were from prison camp Ritter has steadfastly A Toronto novelist, deaths. maintained his purity since James Bacque, has written a RIGHTSDENIEDUNDERTHE he officially stepped down searing chronicle about the GENEVACONVENTION as the head of Covenant United States military hero • During the spring of House at the end of February. and former president, Gen. 1945, Eisenhower used the Pract ically every day, there Dwight D. Eisenhower. In excuse of a food shortage to is yet more news of various Other Losses, the best- order POW rations cut to reports of scandals selling non-fiction book, starvation levels. Even the surfacing from Covenant Eisenhower is portrayed as International Committee of House. One of the latest the architect of "slow the Red Cross was den1ed reports has focused on deaths" from starvation, permission by Eisenhower to possible (read probable) exposure and disease of deliver food. While financial misdealings, "quite likely over a million" prisoners were starved, U.S. inc luding a secret trust fund German paws who lived in Army pantries were full. worth almost $1 million the filth and squalor of Eisenhower and other U.S. that was aimed, in part, at All ied prisoner of war Army officials falsified hiding the size of Ritter's camps in France and records in order to mask wealth. Germany. their actions, Bacque wrote. Soon after, more reports ACCOUNTSDOCUMENTED "It is a major discovery surfaced that Ritter gave Accounts from former because nobody had ever more than $200,000 in POWs since the book's before looked at the Covenant House contracts to publication detail gruesome treatment of the Germans his niece and her husband to conditions and agonizing when they surrendered," decorate and furnish deaths, raising the specter said Stephen Ambrose, Covenant House centers of mass ki 11ings kept quiet Eisenhower's biographer throughout the country. In for 44 years. Ernest Fisher, (The Houston Chronicle, addition, Ritter's niece's a retired Army colonel and 3/10/90). husband, Tandy Lolland, was former Army historian, hired to manage wrote in the book's RITTER CONTINUES TO multimillion dollar foreward, "Eisenhower's REEL AND ROCK remodeling and construction fierce and obsessive hatred In the past severa 1 projects for Covenant House not only of the Nazi regime months since Bruce Ritter, shelters. Ritter also used but indeed of all things the founder of Covenant the $900,000 trust fund to German...produced the horror House, has been accused of extend loans to nts sister of death camps unequaled by frolicking with some of the and two Covenant House anything in American young men his Covenant board members. military history." House shelters were set up A COVERUPOFMURDER? The term "other losses" as a means of helping them The latest development is a category listed in Army escape the rigors of the in the continuing Ritter saga POW reports. Bacque and street, donations are deals with a report from Phllip tauoen, a retired reported to have plummeted New York Newsday cit1ng Army colonel in charge of almost as fast as Ritter's internal memos indicating prisoner transfers, said reputat ion. that Covenant House had -----~------~~------~----~~-~- --~~---~~---~-.,~--~-~-----'

Page 9 Newsletter

impeded an investigation of ACT UP ZAPS ANOTHER American Atheist National the brutal murder of one of CHURCH Chapter Coordinator, for a its clients by denying that Reports have surfaced one and a ha1f hour tri p from it had any connection with that ACT UP/Kansas City Houston to College Station, the victim. and the Choice Coalition of Texas, to represent According to the report, Greater Kansas City will American Atheists at the Newsday claimed that join in a demonstration Political Awareness Day Covenant House officials outside the Cathedral of the he1d each year at Texas A&M covered up the death of Sean Immaculate Conception on University. Russell, 23, a shelter client Sunday, March 25, at 11:30 For many years, American who was murdered last AM., as churchgoers begin Atheists has sent a October 20 because Russe11 arriving for the noon mass. representative to this knew too much about some The action, reminiscent annual affair where we join very shady activities .of the ACT UP/WHAM! other mainstream and not- occurring at Covenant Protest at New York's st. so-mainstream groups at the House, including the Patrick's Cathedral of mid- conservative state-run operat ion of a prost itut ion December, is being billed as university, known for its ring being run out of an "educational action" militaristic Corps of Cadets, Covenant House's New York focusing on challenging Southwest Conference headquarters. It has a1so official Roman Catholic football, cowboys, and been suggested that stances on abortion, AIDS stupid Aggie jokes. However, Russell's murder occurred education, condom use and this year would prove to be a because he knew too much homosexuality. The planned unique one where militant about "a very prominent action will also include a Atheism met military official" at Covenant House. "die-in" in which tradition. At this time, that very demonstrators' bodies wi 11 On that springlike prominent official's identity be traced in cha1k on the morning in early March, has not yet been disclosed, sidewalk along with the Monika House and I arrived although there is some names of Catholic priests at Texas A&M at 9:30 AM., speculation that it might be who have died of AIDS and unloaded the boxes of Ritter himse If. written inside the outlines. American Atheist books, One thing is for sure is The American Gay Atheist magazines, and brochures that more information on hopes to give a follow-up from my car. Inside the this murder case wi 11 be report in its next issue massive student union evolving as time goes on. (OutWeek Magazine, building was a table waiting We will be keeping our eyes 3/28/90). It is time that for us with a sign reading open as th1s latest story churches were protested! "Amer1can Atnetsts.' Ours unfolds about the dealings was one of about 50 groups of the closet-case Ritter DON SANDERS TAKES represented, among whom and the sordid affairs at the ATHEISM TO TEXAS A&M were several "right to life" Covenant House shelters On a Tuesday in early (antt-chotce) groups, the (The New York Times, March, Monika House, National Organization for 3/6/90; The New York Daily American Atheist Houston Women, the National Rifle News 3/7/90; The Los Chapter and AGA member, Association. the sociaust Angeles Times, 3/15/90). joined Don Sanders, AGA Worker's Party, and even the National Director and Gay Student Services group. Pace 10 Amerlcan Gay Athelsts

AGA, Inc. or one of their corporate who was dressed in the Nat i ona 1 Headquarters posters attached thereto. University's military P.O.Box 66711 One poster was that of uniform asked to speak to Houston, TX 77266-7611 Madalyn Murray o+afr and me privately. I walked to (713) 862-3283 her famous quote, "Religion the side of the table. AGA New York has caused more misery to whereupon he proceeded to P.O.Box 248 all men in every state of whisper in my ear, "Sir,· I Village Station human history than any genuinely wish that you New York, NY 10014-0248 other single idea." The would take down that poster. (718) 565-0098 second poster was that of a It really hurts me to see AGA Phoenix bedraggled and tired looking this sort of thing displayed." 3003 North. Central Avenue Uncle Sam being topped by With a puzzling look on my Suite 121- 211 an unclothed, lonq-natreo face and tone 1n my voice, I Phoenix, AZ 85012-2903 giant of a man, representing asked him to elaborate. He (602) 264-7432 god, with the caption went on to say, "Well, you AGA Memphis reading, "One Nation Under see, that poster represents P.O.Box41371 God." Little did Monika and I two men having sex, but not Memphis, TN 38174-1371 rea1ize that the 1atter only that, that's my father poster would become the up there." I realized that the Our table was situated center of attent10n at young Corps member was a between a "right to 1tre" Political Awareness Day. thoroughly brainwashed group and a Black alumni Students and members of Christian who was referring association organization. the Corps ("brownshirts" to the caricature of god in Before we could was the name appropriately the poster as being his completely arrange the given them by Ms. House) "heavenly father." display material on our began gatheri ng 'round our After explaining nicely table, two student visitors tab 1e to try to assess the that the poster would not be approached and said, "Do you meaning of the poster. One taken down until the end of mind if we take all your student, wearing a Campus the day, he countered by material?" "Sure," I Crusade For Christ T-shirt, saying that if I would not replied, "as long as you pay insisted that the poster was voluntarily remove it he for it." "Oh, no," one said, blasphemous and that it would have no other "we want you to donate it should be removed alternative but to ask for our bonfire." This would immediately. After I University authorities to prove to be the beginning of patiently explained to the have it removed on the a very unforgettable day for crowd that the poster grounds that it was the both of us. clearly demonstrated the offensive to nts reuqious Since we did not bring a length to which religion has beliefs. I told him that it sign identifying our encroached upon our secular was his right to do so, but I association to post on the government, defying the would continue to display wall behind our table, I "establishment clause" of the poster to demonstrate decided to tape two the First Amendment of the American Atheists' First American Atheist posters U.S. Constitution which Amendment right to freedom there since many of the calls for a wall of of expression. other groups had either a separation between state Approximately a half sign identifying their group and church, one young man hour passed before a Page 11 Newsletter

University representative importance of American Atheists, and we must not came by our tab Ie and Atheism today and pass up such an opportunity explained to me that there tomorrow," etc. Throughout whenever it comes along. had been several (about 50) the speech and ever-growing What I saw and heard at complaints lodged against student crowd, I received a Texas A&M on that early the "One Nat ion Under God" number of applauses, while spring day frightened me so poster on the grounds that it one young man rushed from much that I am now even was not only blasphemous, the crowd and ran toward more committed to but that it was also the elevated podium behind Atheism, for it is evident "pornograph ic." AIthough which I was standing. that unless each of us gets the University Campus police quickly into the fight for freedom of representative agreed with apprehended him as he was the mind, the entire battle me that he saw nothing making his approach. will be lost completely "obscene" about the poster, Apparently, he took issue within the next ten to he explained that several with something I had said. twenty years. Each of us members of various The day was fi lled with must act before it's too late! Christian student groups had students coming by and threatened to sue the praying for us on the spot. MOV lET ALK by Gaylord University and me (as an A number wanted our names Lovett American Atheist so that they could continue "The Handmaid's Tale" representative) if the to include us in their The setting for "The poster was not removed. I prayers to god. Despite the Handmaid's Tale" is a police stood firmly, telling the harrassment, the prayers, state where the oppressed representative that by and the threats, we people, which includes removing the poster I would managed to hand out a practically everyone except be completely obstructing tremendous amount of free WASPish males, are trained the intended meaning of the literature, ta 1king about to utter such phrases as "In university's Political Atheism the entire day. the name of god," and "We Awareness Day. Therefore, I Our presence there got the faith." said, "The poster remains." demonstrated to me the The film's central At 1:30 that afternoon, I necessity of Atheists to characters are the one per was scheduled to speak reach out to the young cent of all the country's before the student body people. We must not be women who are fertile, about the group I was afraid to speak out, appear known as handmaids. representing. Upon being at public events, and openly Naturally, in a totalitarian introduced to the crowd by a and proudly display Atheist state, these precious University hostess, the materials. I plan on breeders are enslaved. group got larger and larger returning to Texas A&M The viewer's attention is throughout my 15m inute University for a campus focused upon Natasha talk which dealt with such speaking engagement, for Richardson who reluctantly things as "what is an now I see the abso1ute complies to become a Atheist?," "what is necessi ty to reach out to handmaid, but who soon American Atheists?," "how the next generat ion with rebels. Her Lesbian and when ,was Amertcan Reason and sanitv. We must accuaintance, tuzaoetn Atheists founded and for make everyone aware of the McGovern, works cleaver what purposes"," "the existence of American angles, yet misses escape Pace 12 Amerlcan Gay Athelsts when male soldiers refuse support. All gifts and invited to attend. AGA to perform "forbidden sex" membership renewals are Houston also conducts with her. She says of her tax-deductible. So, please reqular monthly brunches on failure to escape, "They may be generous and don't forget the last Sunday of each have been Gay," -- one of American Gay Atheists. month. The next scheduled the funnier 1ines in this Your financial assistance, brunch will take place on Orwellian nightmare. no matter how great or how Sunday, April 29, at On The "The Handmaid's Tale" is small, is needed to help us Border Restaurant located at a well made parable of how continue reaching out to the 4608 Westheimer. Please total repression in the name world with the Gay Atheist arrive by 11:30 AM. of god can wreck a nation. message. NEW YORK CITY Take a fundamentalist GOODTHOUGHTSALONE At this time, there is no along! DON'TPAYTHEBILLS scheduled activity here. If this organization could However, if you live in or CHECK YOU MAILING get by only on your good near New York City, you are LABEL thoughts, we would be the urged to contact Dominic Please check you mail ing most powerful organization Florio at (718) 565-0098 to label to see' if your name, in the world. However, the check on any brunch or other address, apartment number, fact is that Atheists need activity which may occur. and z1p code are correct. money too ln order to AlSO, the New York Clty The mailing label also tells operate an organization such Chapter of American your membership status and as this one. Please send any Atheists had a the all-important gift today. Thank you for reorganizationa1 meeting on expiration date. If your caring! Sunday, Apri I 1. As soon as membership or subscription this group starts holding its is about to expire, please do MEET INGS AND BRUNCHES regular meetings, all AGA not delay in filling out the HOUSTON members and supporters are attached membership Houston area AGAers encouraged to attend. app1icat ion and send AGA meet the 2nd Monday of each PHOENIX your payment by check or month with the Houston At production time of money order so that you do Chapter of American this Newsletter, Douglas not miss a single issue. Atheists at 7:30 P.M. at #4 McNeil, Phoenix Coordinator, AGA needs your financial Chelsea Place. You are is planning a coordinating meeting in the city of Tucson in order to possibly POETRY by Steven Finch instigate the formation of The Crucifix and the Collar an AGA Chapter here. You wi 11 be informed of the With a golden crucifix success of this meeting in hanging from your collared neck, the pages of the fo1lowing you thrust seven full inches Newsletter. Anyone of manhood deep inside me, interested in the activities grin and grunt "So now you got of the Phoenix Chapter of what you want," while deeper I AGA should contact Doug know you know it's just a tithe McNeil at (602) 264-7432. As with the other chapters Page 13 Newsletter of AGA, AGA Phoenix holds newspaper as well as the joint meetings with its date of the release. We can DON'T FORGET TO RENEW local American Atheists not use the information YOUR MEMBERSHI P ON Chapter as well as separate from any clipping for the T IME AND SEND functlons. Please get Newsletter wtthout its DONATIONS involved in your area. source and date. THE NEXT ISSUE WI LL CONTAIN FULL COVERAGE NEWS CLIPS LESB IAN CONFERENCES OF THE CONVENTION. We rely heavily on IN TEXAS AND MASS. DON'T MISS ITI clippings and news articles Lesbians in the '90s, which you send from your May 18th-20th, 1990. 1oca1 newspapers and Wri te TLC3, POBox 12327, magazlnes for our Dlal A Gay San Antonto, Texas 78212. Atheist programs as well as (512 )828-1761 for news stories presented within this publication. Golden Threads Celebration, Please do not hesitate to June 22nd-24th 1990. send any article which you Write Christine Burton, think might be of interest to Golden Threads, PO Box our readers. Please 3177, Burl1ngton, VT remember to identify the 05401-0031.

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I am an atheist and uphold the aims and principles of AGA. I uphold the right ofevery individual to live the life of their choice, in a secular society, free from religion. Signature MAY 1990 NEWSLETTER VOL. 8, NO.5

The American Gay Atheist D EDUCATING THE LESBIAN AND GAY COMMUNITY SINCE 1983

THE AGA NEWSLETTER IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY AT HOUSTON, TEXAS AND IS INCIDENTAL WITH MEMBERSHIP

ATHE IST OF THE YEAR GOES TO AGA MAY'S CONDENSED VERSION DIRECTOR Before getting along with the newsletter, I It was a pleasure meeting and seeing many wish to explain that this issue is deliberately of you at the 20th Annual Convention of brief due to a complete shortage of time to American Atheists during weekend of April 13 devote to researching, compiling, and through 15, in St. Petersburg, Florida. All who ed1tor1al1z1ng. Mark and I essent1ally lost a attended will agree that this year's Convention good two weeks out of the month of Apri 1 was one of the best ever. because of preparation for the Convention and I was most honored to have been the in travelling to and from. We both helped to recipient of not one but two major awards from drive the American Atheists' company vehicles American Atheists this year. The first award from Austin, Texas, to St. Petersburg, Florida. was that of "Atheist Of The Year." A beautiful Prior to actual departure, I spent an extra three plaque reading, "Atheist Of The Year 1989 , Don to four days helping Jon Murray "get it Sanders, who has placed nts concern for together" at the AAGHQ. Atheism above all other interests and as a Therefore, I know you will understand the volunteer is now the National Chapter reason that you are not receiving a twelve- Coordinator (for American Atheists), from grateful American Atheists." IN THIS ISSUE The second award received was the coveted "Most Hated Atheist of the Year Award," given SANDERS HONORED BY AMERICAN each year by Arnold V1a. Th1s award 1s g1ven to ATHEISTS AT NATIONAL CONVENTION the person who has been the victim of Christian intolerance. I was specifically targeted this STUDENT ATHEISTS BURN FLAG (ALMOST) year because of my arrest and subsequent harassment for protesting the Harris County REASON FIGHTS RELIGIOUS TAKEOVER Bible monument which sits in front of the Harr1s County (Houston, TX) Ctvt 1 Courts AGA BRUNCH Butld1ng. I am deeply honored to have been recogn1zed by Amer1can Atheists as the ATHEISTS PLAN PRIDE WEEK FUNCTIONS recipient of these awards. PITCHING FOR DOLLARS

AMERICAN GAY ATHEISTS P.O. BOX 66711 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77266-6711 Pace 2 AmerIcan Gay AtheIsts

-pager this month. an Atheist, suggested the THE AMERICAN GAY However, we are planning use of MCC's tax-exempt ATHEIST for a full-Size June Issue -- number. our special Lesbian/Gay At an Apr115 meeting of Ed1tor Pride issue. Please Parade 90, three members of DonSanders remember to continue Reason walked out in protest Managing Editor sending those news Clips. over the decision to allow Mark Franceschini A REMINDER:Please follow their community's parade to Non-Resident Staff up on the request of last fall under the watchful eye Dominic Florio month to write letters to of the local Masochistic Gaylord Lovett the National Gay and Lesbian Community ChurCh. James McClain Task Force, the Human "InVOlving MCC would make DougMcNeil Rights Campaign Fund, and th1s a reuqrouslv-arttttated Steven Finch the editor of The (event)," said Stephen and other AGA'ers Washington Blade, Maclejewskl, one of the concerning their recent AGA Reason members who walked Amencan Gev Atheists, Inc., is I non- profit 501(c) (3) orQInizetion bash1ng. PIease send cop1es out In protest. "We are for a 'ti00se purposes are to promote a of your letters. secular event." posit1ve lmeoe of GeV men and It seems that at the IMbien '&IOmen,end spectficallV of GeVmen and Lesbian '&IOmen'tiho are PHILADELPHIA ATHEIST bottom of the turncoat Athetttt; to promote end edYencethe GROUPFIGHTS FOR Atnetsrs reasomnq for scientific concept of matenalism; ATHEIST RIGHTS selling out a secular and to educate the public Q8nerellV Local NCCextends tax- community event to the and GeU men and Lesbian \IOmen exemption for Philly Parade grovelling apologists of the spectficallV, in reoerd to human teXU81itU and the vel us of human Reason, the local MCC was communlty Interperaonel relationshi pa. Gay/Lesbian Atheist group politics. Falgle, serving as based In Phl1adelphla, PA, Parade 90's finance chair, CoPunght 1990 bU Amencan GeV Atheists, Inc. All nghts reserved. has been asked by their Gay was asked by Maclejewsk1 Reproduction in 'tihole or in pert and Lesbian community to whether other tax-exempt 'tiithout vrttten permission Is abandon their Atheist groups were contacted as a prohibited. principles during this year's conduit organization for Hln t nl Idd resl: upcoming Gay Pride Week tax-exempt purposes. Faigle P. O. Box 66711 Houston# TX 77266- 6711 because of a decision by is reported to have replied Telephone: (713) 862- 3283 Parade '90, the local that "tt was the rtnance coordinators of committee's prerogative not Henuacn pta lubmttted mutt be tuped, double-spaced, and Phlladelphla's Gay Pride to look Into th1s option" It eccompen1ed bU a stamped, aelf- Parade, to accept the offer seems that Penguin Place, addressed envelope. The editors by the local Metropol1tan Phl1adelphla's Gay and eaaume no responsi bilttU for Community Church to extend Lesbian community center, unsol1cited manUscnpts. All Iubmtiltons Ire lubject to editonel Its tax-exempt status to the was suggested as a tax- revisions for reesons of space organlzatlon which conducts exempt sponsor for Parade considerations and cllntv. All the parade. Perhaps the 90 but was not contacted by eentrt but10ns are the optMona of the most alarming aspect of the Faigle due to a personal authorl and do not necessanl V reflect the posIt1on of Amencan Gey matter Is that Parade 90's gr1evance aga1nst the Athe1sts# Inc. Finance Committee Chatr, organization. So, like any Ted Falgle, who claims to be uneducated, phony liberal Newsletter

Reason, of which we at Dallas County judge which DIAL -A-GAY American Gay Atheists are forced the religious bigots -ATHEIST fully supportive, local to allow Atheists to march. commun1ty newspapers have We have urged Reason to act run eottortals and letters 1n tn s1ml1ar fash1on. RECORDED MESSAGE support of and in opposition 24 HOURS A DAY to our Atheist friends in the UNI VERSITY STUDENT "City of Brotherly Love:' ATHEISTS MAKE HOUSTON Reports in the Philadelphia HEADLINES (713) 880-4242 Gay News have shown a Flag buming at UT biased slant against Reason, misunderstood NEW YORK CITY whl1e Au Courant has been Last month we reported (718) 899-1737 mostly support1ve. the format1on of the University Student Atheists CHICAGO We urge you to get in on (708) 255-2960 the act. The addresses for on the campus of the both community newspapers University of Texas at Atheist, he openly embraced are being included herein so Austin. Little did we the MCC so as to earn that you may immediately suspect that shortly less brown1e points from the fire off your letters in than a month after official community as be1ng "open- support of Reason. There is formation, these young minded." not a lot of time left, as the Atheists would be making Maciejewski stated in a Philadelphia parade ts national headline news Philadelphia Gay News schedu1ed for June 2. In carried by the Associated report, "They wouldn't ask a your letter, please urge Mr. Press. lesbian to join and give up Faigle to stop assaulting the Newspaper accounts her feminist issues, they Atheist community by described an "angry mob" of wouldn't ask an Afr1can labeling himself an Atheist. up to 400 students American to join and give up It is obvious that he hasn't confronting a handful of the issue of racism, they the slightest idea of what University Atheists trying wouldn't ask a PWA to give being an Atheist is. to burn an American flag. up the issue of health but Campus police said that 10 they are asking us to give up PHILADELPHIAGAYNEWS to 15 Atheists were our commitment to a 254 South 11th Street surrounded by 300 to 400 secular event." Maciejewski Phl1adelphia, PA 19107 students, many armed with also polnteo out that h1s fire extinguishers and water group 1s work1ng for the AU COURANT bottles. The crowd complete and absolute P.O.Box 42741 encircled the protesters, separat ion of state and Phl1adelphia, PA 19101 shouting abuse and wresting church, and that Reason the flag from their hands. should not be placed in a You will recall AGA's Incredibly, no one was hurt position to defend its reltqtouslv-based fight over in the melee. principles. "This would our right to participate in Derek Robert, AGA never occur if the event (the the Dallas Freedom Day member and founder of parade) were allowed to Parade dur1ng 1988 in which University Atheists, told the remain secular," he added. we obta1ned a Temporary Dally Texan, the campus Since the walk out by Restraining Order from a newspaper, that his purpose Pace 4 Amer1can Gay Athe1sts in participating in the NEXT AGA BRUNCH reason we will not march in protest was to support the AGA Houston's May Houston's parade th1s year 1s First Amendment right to Sunday Brunch is scheduled the lack of physical support burn the flag as part of h1s to be held on Sunday, May from our Houston AGA personal right to Freedom of 27, at Baba Yega's Cafe, members. We don't Expression. His other and 2607 Grant st., in the heart understand why the Atheist more important reason was of the Montrose. Attendees closet door is so tightly to confront peopte's are requested to begin secured. We have paved the attachment to symbols and meeting at around 11:30 AM. way so that you can come Objects. Reports from Derek Baba Yeqa's is located just out without fear from the have confirmed that he now around the corner from the community, but... I have said reauzes how consumed w1th Pac1f1c Street bars. The enough! Nevertheless, we do object-worship people are. pri ces are very reasonab1e plan on having an Campus police stood by while the food is of information/sales table at and watched the disturbance consistently good quality. Star Night '90 on Saturday grow into near riot Seeyou therel and Sunday, June 23 and 24. conditions before they PLEASE,PLEASEvolunteer to escorted the Atheist A PITCH FOR FUNDS help us staff this function. protesters away from the There is one thing of The AGA office number is danq~r. The counterprotest wh1ch we never seem to a~t (713).862- 3283. was organized by the enough of -- M-O-N-E-Y I Our New York group does campus group Young No, it's not that we're plan to participate in the big Conservat ives of Texas and greedy or that we're the last march down 5th Avenue was joined by fratern1ty of the big-time spenders. again this year on June 24. members, College The fact is that it takes New Yorkers are urged to Republicans, and at least every bit of what is sent us call Dominic Florio at (718) one ex-Marine. to make everyth ing happen. 899-1737. Your t1me and Derek Robert has June is an especially talent are also needed to reported to AGA News that tmportant month since AGA help staff an tnrorrnatton since the demonstration he must sponsor Gay Pride table on the day of the has been forced to move events and activities in march. We do need you. from his apartment and several cities. Don't th1nk someone else change his telephone number In Houston, we are will do the job. Please due to numerous terroristic bringing in an volunteer. notes being left on h1s mternatlonally known AGA member, Karen apartment door, attempted author and eloquent Sundberg of netrcit, MI, w1ll break-Ins dur1ng the n1ght, spokesperson on Gay and be staff1ng an tnrormanon and abusive and life- Atheist issues. We have tab 1e for AGA dur1ng that threatening telephone calls decided NOT to participate city's Gay Pr1de festival on at a11 hours. Derek is a in this year's Houston June 3. This will be the brave and solid Atheist who parade due to several years second year that Karen has has promised to assist your of withering attendance and joined the M1chigan Chapter AGA officers whlle on leave the massive amount of of American Atheists at the from the university this effort which is required to Detroit GayPride activities. summer. participate. We must also Thank you, Karenl be honest in that another Although we haven't yet Paco 5 Newsletter heard any requests from All this activity in the considering donating to any Phoenix, we assume that various cities requires group. We are unique in Doug McNell wlll be needing additional fund1ng for such every way. This some AGA rnatertals for th1ngs as sh1pp1ngcharges, organ1zation does not that city's acttvtttes. Doug entry fees, reqtstratton operate on good thoughts. has formed a new Phoenix fees, car rental fees for the We know it takes money. We Chapter of AGA recently and New York parade, sign must have capital above and he certa1nly needs your materials, pr1nting, travel beyond membersh1p fees. assistance. His contact expenses for AGA Houston's All contributions are tax- telephone number is (602) guest, etc., etc. In addition, deductible, so take 264-7432. we must continue to operate advantage of this. We AGA member, Mark the nattorrs only D1al-A- worked hard to obtain tax- Overton of Kent, Ohio, has Gay-Atheist telephone lines, exemption so that AGA could been sent AGA brochures and pay long distance telephone grow. Please send an newsletters for distribution bills which average between additional contribution now at an Aprll 28 affair on the $70 and $100 per month, so that we can afford to be campus of Kent State postal fees, printing, well represented at the Univers1ty. Our thanks go to stationery, advertising, many Gay Pride functions Mark for his efforts. We office and computer discussed above. look forward to report1ng suopltes, etc., etc. Please back to you on h1ssuccess. remember AGA when you are

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