PROTEST WATCH : Act Right

Who can be against fairness and equal rights? That’s why gays got strong public support in their fight for a law that would have banned job discrimination based on sexual orientation. But who can sympathize with vandalism and physical attacks? That’s why some gay activists--through breaking windows and throwing food at the governor--threaten to erode support for their cause.

Their complaint is with Gov. Pete Wilson, who this week unwisely vetoed AB 101. This bill would have prohibited employers from discriminating against a person because of sexual orientation. AB 101’s author, Assemblyman Terry B. Friedman, had succeeded in allaying business fears about unnecessary lawsuits. Thus the gay community felt that by his veto the governor betrayed it to placate right-wing Republican elements.

Many gays were incensed. But what’s unfortunate is that much of that rage vented itself in unproductive ways--smashing glass doors, tying up traffic, disrupting a Wilson speech at Stanford by throwing eggs and paper wads. When an orange was hurled at Wilson, he caught it (nice catch, governor) and promptly lobbed it back at the protesters. Invited guests cheered. The public mood was shifting: Through their tactics, protesters had managed to twist the issue inside out--now Wilson started looking like the aggrieved party.

Friedman has asked protesters to channel their anger into another legislative run at this bill. That’s something many fair-minded people will embrace. Physical attacks and vandalism are unworthy of this cause.