Guinn draws heat over denying Gay Pride proclamation

Thursday, Aug. 19, 1999 | 10:11 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn is embroiled in a controversy with his refusal to sign a proclamation in honor of a Gay Pride celebration and parade in downtown Reno this Saturday that is expected to draw several hundred participants.

Peter Ernaut, chief of staff for Guinn, said Wednesday the governor felt "uncomfortable" with some of the groups and the event itself. He said some participants were antagonistic to certain religions, but he declined to identify them.

"It's not something he (Guinn) wants to put the gubernatorial stamp on," Ernaut said.

Kendall Stagg, coordinator for the event, called it unfortunate.

"This is the third Gay Pride celebration (in Reno)," Stagg said. Gov. "(Bob) Miller always offered a proclamation in support."

Stagg said he was told by Guinn's staff that the governor objected to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a San Francisco group of men and women who dress as Catholic nuns.

"Guinn finds them offensive and in poor taste," Stagg said.

The Catholic Church doesn't approve of the group. But Stagg said, "I believe the organization is misunderstood." He said it does community work and raises money for charity.

Ernaut recalled that Guinn supported and signed a bill in the Legislature to outlaw discrimination in employment based on a person's sexual preference. He said some of the core groups in the Reno celebration applauded Guinn for his actions on the gay rights law.

"I hope Guinn is being honest when he says he supports gay rights," Stagg said. "But his refusal to sign the proclamation sends the wrong message to Nevada especially because of the recent hate crimes."

Ernaut said the governor's office probably turns down 40 percent of the requests for proclamations, partly because of the large volume and partly because some are not appropriate.

"The governor has a right not to put his name on this," he said.

Stagg said his group asked Guinn's staff Aug. 6 for a proclamation and were led to believe one would be issued. A press release was distributed by the Gay Pride group saying Guinn had signed the proclamation.

"They jumped the gun," Ernaut said. "They apologized. I'm surprised they're attacking us now."

The parade down Reno's casino row and the celebration in a nearby park can go on without the governor's proclamation, Ernaut said.

Assemblyman David Parks, D-Las Vegas, the only openly gay member of the Nevada Legislature, is scheduled to be honorary parade grand marshal. Parks said he will attend the event, but he is not involved in the planning and has taken "an arm's length" approach.

All is not lost, Stagg said. The group has asked for and received a proclamation from the White House signed by President Clinton declaring it Gay Pride Month.

"Regardless if the governor gives his blessing, this will be an outstanding event," Stagg said.