For Springs, domestic partnership an issue in dog days of summer

Dick Foster, Rocky Mountain News

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

COLORADO SPRINGS - Norman vs. Sherman. It's a dogfight.

And the biscuit these two puppies are tussling over is public perception of gays and lesbians.

Last month, pictures of a little Brittany spaniel named Norman began appearing on Colorado Springs light posts, billboards and television ads, uttering a one-syllable "Moo" instead of a "Woof."

It was the Gill Foundation's campaign to boost its message that gays and lesbians are "born different" and don't really choose their sexual preference. That message is expanded on www.borndifferent.org.

No sooner had Norman mooed than the machinery of Focus on the Family whirred to life to counter the Gill message.

James Dobson's Colorado Springs-based ministry stands firmly against same-sex marriage, gay rights initiatives and, now, mooing puppies.

On Tuesday, Focus unveiled its new "straight" puppy Web site, www.no-moo-lies.com, featuring a basset hound named Sherman, who barks as biology intended. During a news conference, a Focus employee dressed in a dog suit, who serves as a mascot at the group's visitors center, made a brief appearance.

"Dogs aren't born mooing, and people aren't born gay," a Focus news release stated.

Focus psychologist Bill Maier told reporters that scientists had discredited several studies linking homosexuality to genetic causes.

And Melissa Fryrear, a Focus gender-issues analyst, said she herself had overcome lesbianism.

"I know first-hand that people are not born gay," she said.

Focus said the Gill Foundation is trying to influence public perception for a November domestic partnership ballot issue. "People who think gays and lesbians are born that way are more likely to support gay rights," Maier said.

Gill Foundation spokeswoman and former Colorado Springs Mayor Mary Lou Makepeace denied any ulterior motive, saying the Norman campaign was intended to start a dialogue.

"Our whole attempt was just to have a lighter touch and not to bring in religion or politics," Makepeace said.

"It's about stimulating people to think about the question that they might not have thought about before: What do you think? Are people born gay?"

The message was dropped into the city that gays and lesbians nicknamed "Ground Zero" for being the birthplace of Amendment 2, the 1992 measure that banned anti-discrimination laws for homosexuals.

The amendment was approved by state voters but declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Despite annual gay pride festivals, Focus on the Family and the city's conservative leaders still exhibit a coolness toward gays and lesbians, they say.

The City Council defeated a provision two years ago that would have extended health benefits to partners of gay city employees. And Mayor Lionel Rivera has refused to sign annual proclamations welcoming the gay pride celebration.

But Makepeace remains hopeful and saw the barking Sherman as an opportunity.

"I welcome Sherman on board," she said. "Maybe he'll increase the dialogue that's going on in Colorado Springs."

Tail of the tape

Norman

• Breed: Brittany spaniel

• Description: Energetic, intelligent, vigorous, easy to train.

• Physical characteristics: Mostly white, medium-length coat with orange, brown or black spots, 17 to 22 inches high at the shoulders, 30 to 45 pounds.

• Temperament: Considered sensitive and good-natured.

Sherman

• Breed: Basset hound

• Description: Short, descended from bloodhound.

• Physical characteristics: Smooth, short coat in combinations of white, brown and black, large head, long ears, short legs and stocky body. Usually 12 to 15 inches high at the shoulder, 50 to 65 pounds.

• Temperament: Mild-mannered, friendly, gentle.