The Freedom to Decide

The local ballot question facing Irvine voters Nov. 7 is whether to remove from the existing city human rights ordinance the prohibition against discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Unfortunately, that is not the only issue before Irvine residents. Also in question is their freedom to determine for themselves what laws they want in their community.

Ever since the City Council in August of 1988 passed its ordinance against all kinds of discrimination in Irvine, including the denial of homosexuals’ rights, outside forces with a long history of gay-bashing have been meddling in city affairs that do not concern them.

Earlier this year it was conservative Reps. Robert K. Dornan (R-Garden Grove) and William E. Dannemeyer (R-Fullerton) and state Assemblymen Gil Ferguson (R-Newport Beach) and Nolan Frizzelle (R-Huntington Beach). Only Frizzelle represents a part of the city.

Now two of the five people who signed the ballot argument seeking to remove homosexuals from the city ordinance’s protection have been identified as non-residents. Joe Dallas is a Garden Grove counselor and Dr. Lawrence J. McNamee is a radiologist in Whittier who lives in La Habra Heights. McNamee also worked with Dannemeyer on state Proposition 102, which sought to have the names of AIDS patients registered with the state. California voters wisely rejected that measure.

Behind the scenes, virtually from the beginning, has been the Rev. Louis Sheldon, who so strongly opposed Santa Ana’s approval of a park permit allowing last month’s Gay Pride Festival. Sheldon, who heads the Anaheim-based Coalition on Traditional Values, is waging a recall effort against six Santa Ana council members for their refusal to sign his “pro-family” resolution that sought to ban the gay festival.

Sheldon, through the Citizens for Equal Rights that pushes the same so-called “family-oriented” platform, is now making Irvine his newest battleground.

The misguided crusades of these homophobics know no boundaries, but they should. The wording and protection of Irvine’s human rights ordinance is the concern of Irvine residents. Voters may differ on their opinions on the ballot measure, but they should be one voice in telling outsiders not to intrude on their city affairs.