sanctuaries-disgorge slanderous and libellous offal upon the homosexual who helps to pay their salaries. Nor is there any reason in law or morality why homosexual American citizens should sit idly by and permit their elected officials, judges, congressmen or others to ventilate twisted prejudices upon the public while hiding behind the cloak of official privilege. The simple legal fact is that homosexuals are neither criminals, undesirables or perverts by reason of being homosexual. No court ever has or can prove such a charge. The legislature of Illinois is the first in the United States to recognize this simple constitutional principle and to acknowledge the moral standards placed upon the states by the prestigious American Law Institute which recommends putting homosexual acts between consenting adults on precisely the same legal footing as heterosexual acts between consenting adults.

By so doing Illinois has placed the legislatures and the courts of all other states in the unenviable position of supporting law which is both unconstitutional and immoral. Upon such sound legal premises notice is served upon public figures and especially the press, to mind its language or to risk action for slander or libel. Citizens and taxpayers have no obligation to endure silently the smears upon their characters and status which have for so long been considered the perfect right of every blatant attention-seeker, confident that no homosexual would ever dare strike back. Civil rights are not Christmas presents someone gives you. They are ours by natural inheritance.

It is unfortunate that human nature is such that rights must not only be demanded but taken forcefully, in so many instances. This is exactly what homosexuals are prepared to do these days and will continue to do with increasing insistence in all cases of published falsehood or other irresponsible behavior directed against themselves. And this is our holiday message. Richard Conger, Editor

(Reprinted from ONE Magazine, November, 1963)

ANNOUNCING THE MIDWINTER INSTITUTE SESSIONS The Education Division of ONE, Incorporated

To be held in Los Angeles January 28-30, 1966. Three days of highest quality speakers, panels, round-tables (and some lighter fare) presented by America's oldest and largest homophile organization. Plan to come to California for this outstanding event-get away from winter for a few days. Announcements of further details available later.

ONE, Incorporated, 2256 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, Calif. 90006

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