EDITORIAL

San Francisco's Challenge

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The attack on homosexuals at olo cti on time is not a new thing to San Francisco. The "climate" has always been "hot" prior to November in ele cti on years regardless of who held the reins at City Hall. However, this year there was a slight turn of event s instead of raids on "gay bars" and police round-ups of known homosexuals in order for the incumbent to back his claim of a "olean city", we have an attack on "organized sex deviates" by the opposition.

The facts, of course, have been twisted to arouse the public to righteous indignation and condemnation of two San Francisco organizations dealing with the problems of homosexuality and sex variance. The se organizations, the Mettachine Society, Inc., and the Daughters of Bilitis, Inc., (two independent and distinct groups, the latter being a women's group) have undertaken to solve this long neglected civic-social problem. They recognize that the problem of sex deviation cannot be solved through legislation and whole sale raids, that homosexuality has existed in the past and will continue to exist despite such tactics. So they have undertaken a program of "enlightenment" for knowledge instead of wild accusati on.

the search

With the help of professional persons in the fields of psychology, sociology, law, anthropology, relition and philosophy the se organizations have sought to bring understanding to the problem of homosexuality. What is it? Why does it exist? Is it a diseas? Can it be cured? How can we best help the individual to make his adjustment and become a productive citizen of the community?

Because this ambitious and controversial program has been fosterod within its boundaries, a city has been challenged.

How will San Francisco react?

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Del Martin