A Firestorm of Controversy in Monroe, WA
Quite the controversy erupted when a ad paid for by the Monroe Valley Church Church of Christ called "Ask Your Preacher" in the style of a Dear Abby type column was printed by the local Monroe Monitor paper. The ad and the church's stand in summary is that one is not born gay, that it is a choice to behave in a "sinful homosexual relationship", we are not born to be tempted beyond control and therefore we do not need to act on our homosexual impulses, and homosexuality is like all sins as we are acting on lust.
Holly Teige saw this ad and took immediate action. She stated on her facebook page that "paid advertisements are *not* the same thing as free speech. The paper had a choice and they made the wrong one." Holly further requested people to "please send your support to editor@monroemonitor.com to express how inappropriate it is not only to run this ad, but to defend it under the the pretext of free speech. Had the word 'homosexual' been replaced with 'blacks' or 'Jews' or 'Muslims' I'm fairly sure this ad simply would not have been run."
On October 10th, Editor Polly Keary printed an article Three Reasons why I ran that ad. She understood that the community was "indignant" that she ran the ad. Polly ran the ad as she felt that it did not meet the legal definition of hate speech, the belief in freedom of speech and that the paper is a mirror of the community. Her article was interesting as she seems to be understanding and supportive, yet perhaps misguided.
Holly continued her campaign and posted the following on her facebook page:
This is an amazing example of what can happen when one person has commitment and passion! Holly was relentless! Furthermore she created The Sky Valley GLBTQ Alliance monthly meeting that is having it's first meeting this Saturday November 19th. Take a few minutes to read these articles as they are worth the time as I feel a little history was made.
10/10/2011 Monroe Monitor Why I ran that ad
10/17/2011 Monroe Monitor About that ad
11/14/2011 Monroe Monitor Rainbow in the Valley: Gay community and allies forming alliance in Monroe
Thanks to the Monroe Monitor for all this information and for stating they would not run the ad (in hindsight)! Bravo to Progress!
Holly Teige saw this ad and took immediate action. She stated on her facebook page that "paid advertisements are *not* the same thing as free speech. The paper had a choice and they made the wrong one." Holly further requested people to "please send your support to editor@monroemonitor.com to express how inappropriate it is not only to run this ad, but to defend it under the the pretext of free speech. Had the word 'homosexual' been replaced with 'blacks' or 'Jews' or 'Muslims' I'm fairly sure this ad simply would not have been run."
On October 10th, Editor Polly Keary printed an article Three Reasons why I ran that ad. She understood that the community was "indignant" that she ran the ad. Polly ran the ad as she felt that it did not meet the legal definition of hate speech, the belief in freedom of speech and that the paper is a mirror of the community. Her article was interesting as she seems to be understanding and supportive, yet perhaps misguided.
Holly continued her campaign and posted the following on her facebook page:
It's working!!! The Monroe Monitor editor has posted a reply to the response against the discriminatory ad. Needless to say it is insufficient and continues to rely on the protection of "free speech".The Monroe Monitor printed a "we would not have run the ad" retraction on October 17th following what they called a "firestorm of controversy". They were slammed with letters to the editor that were angry with the paper's choice and they heard the outcry. Sometimes even as adults we get a "do over". My new nickname for Holly is Firestorm, and yes...you may quote me on that.
>>>>>PAID ADVERTISEMENTS ARE NOT FREE SPEECH<<<<<
This "column" was paid for. The Monroe Monitor accepted money for it and after reviewing the content decided it was not hateful and printed it anyway (see editor's response via link below). It contained NO FACTUAL INFORMATION. It was ALL OPINION and based on theology and narrow-minded perceptions.
Would they have done that if it was aimed at African American's and the long-disproved theory they lack sufficient intelligence to hold jobs, vote, or drive? What if it was about Jews, Mexicans, Disabled, Whites, Arabs, or any other portion of our population?
Look, I have met Polly. She is nice, kind, and I'm sure put a lot of thought into this. That doesn't mean she (or they) made the right choice. We need to stand together to change the policies so the Monitor will commit to not printing any ads that contain derisive information about ANY portion of humanity. In the effort to continue to promote discussion and drive accountability I am including her reply to OUR ACTIVE RESPONSE below:
Stand up for safety, support, equality, and acceptance. Email editor@monroemonitor.com NOW!
This is an amazing example of what can happen when one person has commitment and passion! Holly was relentless! Furthermore she created The Sky Valley GLBTQ Alliance monthly meeting that is having it's first meeting this Saturday November 19th. Take a few minutes to read these articles as they are worth the time as I feel a little history was made.
10/10/2011 Monroe Monitor Why I ran that ad
10/17/2011 Monroe Monitor About that ad
11/14/2011 Monroe Monitor Rainbow in the Valley: Gay community and allies forming alliance in Monroe
Thanks to the Monroe Monitor for all this information and for stating they would not run the ad (in hindsight)! Bravo to Progress!
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