A symbolic Jesus Christ and over 30 "disciples" marched through the Memorial Union yesterday in protest of a pamphlet distributed by a local religious group which, the protesters allege, defames homosexuals.
Persons from such groups as the Gay People's Liberation Alliance (GPLA) protested distribution of an illustrated pamphlet entitled "Gay Blade" at the I.S.U. Christian Fellowship booth in the Union.
The pamphlet is "Obnoxious" and presents a "very slanted viewpoint," according to Allen Bell, co-chairbeing of the GPLA. Bell referred to a passage in the pamphlet which stated: "Out of Satan's shadowy world of homosexuality . . . ."
Wayne Wolchek, campus minister of the Fellowship, said the pamphlet might not depict homosexuals in a totally accurate context, but does contain Biblical quotations referring to homosexuality.
After the march through the Commons, protesters exchanged words with members of the Fellowship.
A member of the Women's Coalition said, "I don't give a shit what the Bible says."
Wolchek said the pamphlets were distributed, along with over 20 others, because they dealt with a contemporary issue.
Others at the booth agreed the pamphlet would have higher reader interest than a blank sheet of paper listing the Biblical quotations.
Protestors hope to draw attention to "the fact that oppression against homosexuals cannot go on without a fight," Bell said, adding the method of protest was peaceful.
Wolchek said his group is entitled to freedom of expression and can distribute literature in the Union because they are a recognized student organization.
[If you did not arrive at this page via the newspaper image of this article, it is available here: ISU Daily: Gays Protest Pamphlet]