Topeka, Kansas -
A national LGBT civil rights group is helping local gay activists in Topeka Kansas push for a city ordinance banning discrimination against gays and lesbians.
The NGLTF has earmarked Topeka as one of a number of communities it is targeting this year.
"We think what is happening here in Topeka is incredibly important for our movement for equal rights across the country," said Matt Foreman, executive director of the NGLTF.
But, Forman and local advocates acknowledge it will be an uphill battle. Topeka is not only one of the most conservative communities in America but also the home of the virulent anti-gay minister Fred Phelps, whose clan of followers demonstrate against gay rights across the country.
City council narrowly rejected a civil rights law last year, and shows no sign of wanting to bring the issue up again.
The ordinance's sponsor, council member Lisa Hecht, lost her seat in an April municipal election, largely over the gay rights issue.
Council member Duane Pomeroy, who voted for the ordinance last year, says activists should not bring up the subject again " unless you're fairly confident you have the votes or can get the votes."
Although few in the community support the methods of Phelps, who runs the God Hates Fags website, the majority of Topekans believe homosexuality is wrong and that the Supreme Court erred in striking down sodomy laws.
Dan Walker, spokesman for the Family Action Network, a conservative Christian group that rallied opposition to the last attempt to pass gay rights legislation says gays and lesbians are seeking special rights and are working toward legalizing gay marriages.
"The endgame in all of this is acceptance of homosexuality in Christianity," Walker said.
Local activist, Bill Beachy disputes Walkers claims. "It isn't about special rights, said Beachy, a spokesperson for concerned Citizens of Topeka, a group formed by gay and straight Topekans.
"Why should someone be discriminated against just because of who they are?" said Beachy.
©365Gay.com® 2003
The NGLTF has earmarked Topeka as one of a number of communities it is targeting this year.
"We think what is happening here in Topeka is incredibly important for our movement for equal rights across the country," said Matt Foreman, executive director of the NGLTF.
But, Forman and local advocates acknowledge it will be an uphill battle. Topeka is not only one of the most conservative communities in America but also the home of the virulent anti-gay minister Fred Phelps, whose clan of followers demonstrate against gay rights across the country.
City council narrowly rejected a civil rights law last year, and shows no sign of wanting to bring the issue up again.
The ordinance's sponsor, council member Lisa Hecht, lost her seat in an April municipal election, largely over the gay rights issue.
Council member Duane Pomeroy, who voted for the ordinance last year, says activists should not bring up the subject again " unless you're fairly confident you have the votes or can get the votes."
Although few in the community support the methods of Phelps, who runs the God Hates Fags website, the majority of Topekans believe homosexuality is wrong and that the Supreme Court erred in striking down sodomy laws.
Dan Walker, spokesman for the Family Action Network, a conservative Christian group that rallied opposition to the last attempt to pass gay rights legislation says gays and lesbians are seeking special rights and are working toward legalizing gay marriages.
"The endgame in all of this is acceptance of homosexuality in Christianity," Walker said.
Local activist, Bill Beachy disputes Walkers claims. "It isn't about special rights, said Beachy, a spokesperson for concerned Citizens of Topeka, a group formed by gay and straight Topekans.
"Why should someone be discriminated against just because of who they are?" said Beachy.
©365Gay.com® 2003
This article originally appeared on 365gay.com. Republished with permission.
