A10 - The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, July 23, 1997 “It’s war,” speaker tells more than 500 THE HOTTEST social issue in the pro- vince — homosexuality and public schools — drew more than 500 people to a rally July 15, But those who attended were told that the question of public schools teaching tolerance toward homosexuality is but a Small. part of a larger issue — control over who teaches what. cs 7 “This is not a complicated thing. It’s war. It’s simple,” guest speaker Kari Simpson told the crowd. “It’s a war on your rights as parents and concemed citizens.” Simpson of the Citizens Research .In- stitute of Langley was brought to town by the local chapter of the Active Citizens of B.C. - 7 The research institute acts on social issucs - while the citizens group is a new. creation, spurred on this. spring when the B.C. Teachers Federation said it would develop a program to eliminate homophobia in pub- lic schools. 7 , The BCTF also said it wanted the pro- gram to end what it says.is the assumption that heterosexuals ‘are superior - to homosexuals, Simpson ‘responded sharply to sugges- tions she and like-minded others are against homosexuals or are intolerant of them. “What I oppose is the duping of a pro- vince,” said Simpson in adding that there are forces. who want to use “‘the education system as a vehicie to deliver a political agenda.”’ , “That is what I will not tolerate,’’ she said, “When we start promoting or taking away the rights of-one group over another, we have problems.’’ Simpson said homosexuals have to be treated with compassion and kindness by others. - But that shouldn’t be regarded as ap- proval for what she referred to as a **dealhstyle.”? ‘I believe homosexuals are equal but +a Bee ce equality [s not the same as sameness,” Simpson said. Simpson, who spoke for more than two hours, referred several times to the main is- sue as being control over education, But she also pointed out the larger battle is one of traditional values. ** -“Tt’s a war for the identity of our nation and children,’’ she said. Simpson criticized The Terrace Standard for its coverage Which she described as ir- responsible. . . She said her work and that of her institute key on providing information and research to people who aren’t aware of events, ad- ding that there has to be a search for the truth. us , She said sexual orientation free of dis- crimination has been part of the: curriculum in public schools for 10 years, **But they didn’t tell the parents,’’ Simp- sonadded. > 0 7 -: She said. gay. and lesbian literature tells them they are important, “*Your importance. in society. is not de- pendent on who you’re screwing, but on what you contribute to socicty,’’ said Simp- son, She connected the move by the provincial NDP government to essentially place same- sex relationships on the same Jcvel with heterosexual marriage to’the BCTF cur- riculum move. ° oe : “This government thinks it can control every aspect of our lives,’’ said Simpson. “What we need is a pro-democracy movement in this country. Otherwise we're going to lose it.”” kak kk An offering taken by the Terrace chapter of Active Citizens of B.C. raised $3,600. Simpson's institute will get $1,500 of the amount and Active Citizens of B.C. $1,500. The remaining aniount will go toward ex- petises, Simpson's flight from Vancouver resulted from somebody donating from a credit card loyalty program. OFFICERS PACKING video and still cameras were prominently placed outside Kari Simpson's rally last week. As many as eight regular and RCMP auxiliaries at a time waiting for signs of trouble outside the arena. Officers drove past the arena in patrol cars, in police vans or peddled by on mountain bikes, Re Now at B.C. Automotive. SLTX: Ever dreamed you could fly? Well, it’s time SPEAKER AND social activist Kasi Simpson chats with one of those who attended a rally she addressed July 15, More than 500 people turned out to hear her case against the teaching of tolerance in public schools toward homosexuality. She was brought in by the local Active Citizens of B.C. chapter, “SELF EMPLOYMENT” Got Questions?? We’ve got Answers!! August 1 & 2 Friday, August 1st - 4 p.m. -9 p.m. Saturday, August 2nd, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Terrace Arena Featuring 40 of the Newest Businesses in the Northwest! Plus 715 Government Programs with answers about Self-Employment Admission: $2 per person or $5 per family by Toronto Dominion Bank) to wale up and smell the horsepower of this 3-up performer. * Powerful 1050cc 3-cylinder engine * 54.88 litre tank for longer rides *Sponsons and Full "V" hull design for unheralded stability * Splash deflectors « New hood design with built in mirrors * Multi-Function Display standard. POLARIS |. Summers Here a : Take Advantage. . SLT 700: Quite possibly, the most playful and versatile 3-Up on the water, AUTOMOTIVE & INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY _-AUTO PARTS & SERVICE CENTRE: 4641 Kelth Avenue, Terrace, B.C. » 635-6334 \ Ballave it. oRRTVil TERRACE Would Be A Crime Oo Miss fhis Years “JAIL & BAIL” FRIDAY, AUGUST 1 ‘97 , 12:00 Noon - 3 pm | (Corner of Lakelse Ave. & Emerson Don’t Miss Terrace Crime Stoppers 2nd Annual “JAIL & BAIL” FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL MARC LANDRY OR MIKE DUDAS AT 638-7400