Coming Out, Moving Forward by R. Richard Wagner

Author:R. Richard Wagner
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wisconsin Historical Society Press
Published: 2020-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Conservative Opposition

Conservative opposition based on Governor Earl’s pro-gay stance was a constant during his tenure, starting from day one. One of the conservative criticisms of the Earl administration labeled it a “granola” administration composed of “fruits, flakes, and a few nuts.” Of course, gays and lesbians were the fruits. In his first months of office, Republican candidate Terry Kohler pointed out, “He promised to appoint queers and he has.” When a reporter suggested the public did not seem bothered by the issue, Kohler came back with, “Maybe in your social circle it doesn’t.” Elaborating, Kohler proclaimed gays were “sick” and “immoral” and “aberrant.” Letters to the editor in May 1983, the month the Governor’s Council on Lesbian and Gay Issues was created, were often critical. One suggested a recall election. Another denounced the “appeasement of gays and surreptitious condoning of a lifestyle condemned by Scripture.” The governor’s prepared response letter asserted his belief: “I am confident the Council will provide an important communication link between the Executive Office and the gay and lesbian communities throughout the state. As Governor of all Wisconsin’s citizens, I believe this communication is vital.”55

The drumbeat against Earl for his supportive stance was persistent. A preacher wrote to the Shawano Evening Leader complaining, “Our governor boldly appointed to a highly visible position one whose lifestyle is morally malignant in the extreme.” In February 1984, the Dodgeville Chronicle headlined a viewpoint, “Dump the Gays, Support Families,” calling Earl’s creation of the council his “ultimate degradation.” It continued, “It is outrageous that Earl has lent his endorsement to a group that carries AIDS.” On April 10, 1986, the South Milwaukee Voice, faulting the liaison position, gave voice to the anti–“fruits and nuts crowd.” It took exception that Earl encouraged “fruits to flaunt it in the face of taxpayers.” The Oshkosh Northwestern lambasted Earl for creating “a forum for the public proclamation, rather than the private practice, of their particular orientation.”56

Earl was not unaware of the attacks on his pro-gay policy. In 1985, he accepted a Torchbearer Award from the gay Cream City Business Association for “advancing understanding and acceptance of the gay community.” Speaking on harassment, the governor told the group, “People have said they had to change their behavior to avoid being beaten up. The fact that this exists is totally unacceptable.” Among his remarks, Earl noted a shift to the right, stating that “it clearly was not a political benefit to be seen as supportive of gay and lesbian issues.” But Earl believed it morally right and that “it was intolerable that homosexuals were still subject to harassment and beatings.” With an eye forward to reelection, Earl said, “The day will come when gay support will be a political plus. It will be a much healthier society when that day arrives. I hope it arrives soon.”57

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