COSTA MESA : City May Declare End to Proclamations

By WILLSON CUMMER

March 9, 1994 12 AM PT

Mayor Sandra L. Genis, recently criticized when she used her office to dedicate a week to the concept of sexual abstinence, may hold a study session to consider an end to city proclamations and declarations.

The idea of banning proclamations was raised by speakers at Monday’s City Council meeting, which came two days after the controversial week came to an end.

“I’m wondering if these proclamations just have to go, period,” said resident John Feeney. “Maybe it’s time to get back to arresting the criminals, fixing the potholes.”

More than 50 people attended Monday’s City Council meeting to show their support for the mayor. “I want to congratulate the mayor on her Abstinence Week,” said Jim Meehan, who urged people to stand in support of the mayor. About 45 did.

Genis declared Abstinence Week at the request of resident Barbara Whitacre, who said she is concerned that people do not realize that abstinence is the best protection against pregnancy, and against AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

County health educators have lauded the idea of Abstinence Week, but some simultaneously criticized the mayor because supporters of the proclamation distributed a statement that some people believe was offensive to people with AIDS, their families and gays.

The statement began, “The red ‘AIDS’ ribbon is a lie,” and said the red ribbon is stained with deadly blood.

The criticism prompted Orange resident Clark Emerson to change the statement he wrote. The statement was distributed along with a white ribbon. Genis said she had endorsed the concept of sexual abstinence, but not any statement.

Resident Denise Heinrichs said she came to Monday’s council meeting to show her support when she heard “that the gay community was going to protest Abstinence Week.”

John Feeney’s wife, Ernie,, who frequently attends council meetings, asked the council to consider eliminating all declarations and proclamations. “If you keep proclamations, they must be approved by the whole council,” she said.

“Maybe it’s something that the city shouldn’t do,” Genis agreed after the meeting. “People who are determined to find something wrong with the way the city does stuff will use that as an excuse to pick on the city. Or pick on the mayor.”

Genis was also criticized in November by members of the arts community, who argued that she did not adequately proclaim A Day Without Art. Genis verbally declared that event, rather than issue a written proclamation.

Genis said she may ask next week for other council members to discuss the process of awarding declarations and proclamations at an upcoming study session. But she said she is proud that she declared Abstinence Week.

“To me, abstinence is an apple-pie issue,” Genis said. “It’s probably what most people want for their kids.”