AFA of PA ACTION ALERT
October 6, 2011
Issues (check corresponding number in ‘Details’ and ‘Action’ Sections)
1.) Which Presidential Candidate(s) Will Enforce Obscenity Laws?
2.) Another ‘Gay’ Historic Marker in Philly!
Details
1.) The Coalition on the War on Illegal Pornography, of which the AFA of PA is a part, has started another initiative. We are seeking to know which presidential candidate will enforce the obscenity laws – something that has been missing in the past several administrations. Federal obscenity laws prohibit distribution of hardcore “obscene” pornography on the Internet, on cable/satellite TV, on hotel/motel TV, in retail shops, through the mail, and by common carrier. Pornography is causing great harm to America. It is causing addiction to children and adults and increasing violence against women. It is a contributing factor to sexual trafficking and causing an increase in child pornography. It is a leading cause of divorce and is harming many marriages.
2.) They were sneakier this time, but Philadelphia is set to get its second ‘gay’ historic marker! Last time the ‘gay media’ in Philadelphia began publicizing the attempt to get one approved to ‘commemorate the historic marches in Philadelphia between 1965 and 1969 which led to the gay rights movement” as soon as the application was sent to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC). Looks like they didn’t want a repeat of the uproar created by our exposure of that application and they kept this next effort under wraps until it was approved and the date set for its dedication! That date is October 9th during Outfest and it (the state – us) will recognize Giovanni’s Room as the “oldest, continuously operating LGBT bookstore in the country.” This historic marker places Pennsylvania’s stamp of approval upon what the bookstore stands for. This is what it says, “ One of the earliest gay book stores in the nation, and the oldest in existence. Giovanni’s Room provided not only reading material, but a refuge as a support center and gathering place for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals in the community. A true center of early activism for the gay civil rights movement.” Other historic markers approved this year include “Herman Herzog,” “Kinzua Viaduct,” “Parker Kidnapping and Rescue,” “Union Fire Company,” and “Sister Rosetta Tharpe.” Truly historic events or personages and it doesn’t seem Giovanni’s Room should have a place on this list.
Action Steps
1.) Ask the leading presidential contenders: “Will you agree to vigorously prosecute illegal adult pornography if elected president? Will you order your Attorney General to make adult obscenity prosecutions a priority?” You can call each of the front-runner Presidential candidates by calling 877-354-2951.
2.) The dedication of Philadelphia’s newest gay historic marker is set for October 9th at 2:00 p.m. at 345 S. 12th Street in Philadelphia. Remember the other historic marker is located diagonally across the street from Independence Hall! What would our Founding Fathers think? Contact Executive Director Barb Franco at 717-705-4266 or email at kgalle@pa.gov and express your concerns. Also, contact your State Representative and State Senator and inform them this is not a good use of the state’s resources. The PHMC website says, “Nominators should be prepared to cover the costs of their historic marker’s fabrication.” BUT “The PHMC maintains its historical markers on a cyclical basis through a contract.” So . . . who pays for that contract? You and I do! Here’s their mission statement, “The PHMC preserves the Commonwealth’s memory as a teacher and champion of its heritage for citizens of Pennsylvania and the nation.”
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