On November 16, twenty TFP supporters together with their families rallied outside the Topeka City Hall.

Defending the Highest Law in Topeka

By Francis Slobodnik

On the evening of November 16, twenty TFP supporters together with their families staged a rally outside the Topeka City Hall where the city council was debating a proposed ordinance that would prohibit "discrimination" against homosexuals. The measure would have added sexual orientation - a changeable lifestyle -- to the list of race, religion, national origin and handicap as a class that must be accepted in business and housing.

This ordinance was voted upon before and defeated by one vote. However this time around, an appointed mayor and two appointed city council members brought the issue up again right after the November elections with little time for public debate. The proposed ordinance was sponsored by one of the appointed city council members, who identifies herself as a homosexual activist.

The group of TFP supporters and their families joined other concerned Topekans in a public protest. Many agreed that such a sensitive issue should be brought to a public vote where it would undoubtedly be overwhelmingly defeated. The passionate sentiments of the public could be seen in over 80 speakers, pro and con, who signed up to speak before the council that evening.

Many agreed that such a sensitive issue should be brought to a public vote where it would undoubtedly be overwhelmingly defeated.

Both sides held demonstrations. A pro-homosexual group rallied with a loud rock 'n roll band and loudspeakers blaring while the pro-family side was armed with rosaries, the TFP standard and signs peacefully and legally protesting in a well-mannered and dignified way. In fact, the police approached the TFP rally organizers later and complimented them on their behavior.

Those standing up for traditional morality did not enjoy a total victory. After much debate, the ordinance was watered down to the point that it applies only to city employees. Pro-family groups are resolved to continue the fight to get even this version overturned since they know that the opposing side will use this small concession as a means to continue their agenda to turn the changeable and permissive homosexual lifestyle into a civil right.