By Linda Taaffe

When it comes to sexual orientation, the Los Altos City Council is minding its own business. The council last week rejected a request from a group of local high school students to proclaim June 7 the city’s second annual Gay Pride Day, calling the topic too politically divisive and outside of the council’s jurisdiction.

“The proclamation indirectly asks those who have opinions that homosexuality is wrong to keep quiet, and allow those who consider it correct to be the sole voice,” Councilman Ron Packard said. “Whether it is wrong or not, to silence one side of all public dialogue on this social and religious issue or to discourage an open discussion between parents and children, provides a compelling reason why such a politically charged proclamation is inappropriate under our amended council procedures. We should make it clear that this council does not desire to become entangled in extremely partisan issues that do not directly affect city government.”

Packard said he received three e-mails opposing the proclamation for every e-mail he received supporting it.

The council voted 3-1 against the proclamation, with Councilman Curtis Cole the lone supporter. Councilman King Lear, who was on vacation, had requested that the council consider the proclamation and wrote a letter in support of Los Altos High School’s Gay-Straight Alliance - the group that asked for a Gay Pride Day.

Group adviser Ruth Gibbs said she was disappointed by the council’s decision.

“This is a human rights issue. This

is not a politically divisive one. It’s about a group of young students,” she said. “They very much are the business of the council.”

Those who spoke in favor of the proclamation said a piece of paper would be symbolic of the gay community’s acceptance within the city.

Others viewed that piece of paper symbolic of partisan ties that shouldn’t involve the city.

“This is a constitutional issue. It is not the job of the council to endorse sexual preferences. You are here in a fiduciary role,” said resident Ted Forsman.

The council last year initially rejected a similar request in favor of a less controversial Tolerance Day, but later added Gay Pride to the proclamation after students convinced the council that merely tolerating gays in the community was not enough.

Same request, different rules

When the topic came up again this year, students found themselves back in the council chambers facing new guidelines put in place earlier this year that prohibit the city from making proclamations that the council considers too politically divisive or that could promote racial, sexual or religious discrimination.

Mayor David Casas said the intent of the new guidelines was to prevent exclusion or proclamations that promote intolerance.

Proclamations are ceremonial documents acknowledging a particular organization, event or person on a specific date that has citywide significance.

“The request is consistent with our guidelines. It doesn’t promote intolerance; it’s not of political nature,” Cole said. “This is a very personal issue requested by individuals.”

A parade in the making

Gibbs said the students plan to celebrate Gay Pride Day on June 7 every year, with or without the council’s support.

She said the group is considering applying for a permit to hold a parade in town for Gay Pride Day next year.

“We are going to keep coming back and demanding our rights. There’s a place for us in this town, and if you don’t help us find it, we will find it ourselves,” said Los Altos graduate Leyna Lightman.