Date: Wed, 8 Mar 1995 16:35:18 -0600 (CST) From: Kevyn Jacobs To: "Kansas Queer News [KQN]" Subject: NEWS-TELEGRAPH: FLINT HILLS MAINSTREAM COALITION FORMS FROM THE NEWS-TELEGRAPH FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 9, 1995 REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION =========================== MANHATTAN KS-Concern over the stealth tactics of theocratic right-wing candidates determined to take over local school boards and other elective offices has fueled the formation of the Flint Hills Mainstream Coalition. The first Mainstream Coalition was formed last year in suburban Johnson County (Kansas), near Kansas City, to monitor local elections for candidates who package themselves as "conservatives" to get votes, only to advance their religious agenda when elected. About fifty people met February 5 to form a local organization to resist the encroachment of religious fanatics into local politics," according to organizers. A questionnaire is being sent to each of the candidates running for local school board and city commission positions. A candidates forum was also planned. School board candidates will be questioned on their views concerning school prayer, the teaching of creationism and sex education, outcome based education, censorship and vouchers. Results from the questionnaire and forum will be publicized, though the group will not endorse candidates. The group's statement of principles support individuals' freedom to their personal religious beliefs; requires candidates for public office to disclose their goals and positions on issues, as well as their association with groups that are supporting them; and denounces candidates who "promote prejudice or hostilities based on race, religion, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation. The Flint Hills Mainstream Coalition can be contacted by calling 913/539-3828. ========================================================== Permission granted by the News-Telegraph for distribution to the KQN email list (KQN@vector.casti.com), and archiving in the Queer Resources Directory (QRD) on the Internet (http://www.qrd.org/QRD). For News-Telegraph subscription information (published twice a month), please call 1.816.561.6266, or email: newstele@aol.com ==========================================================