Sheldon, Dannemeyer and Gay Pride Festival

The Rev. Louis P. Sheldon and Rep. William E. Dannemeyer (R-Fullerton) must be licking their wounds after the gay and lesbian community and its supporters emerged victorious on two fronts last weekend. Orange County’s first gay pride festival went on as scheduled in Santa Ana and was more successful than its organizers had expected. At the same time, delegates to the state Republican convention in Anaheim were rejecting resolutions that would have banned gay Republicans from party affairs.

Festival president Janet Avery and her board reached a milestone for human rights and overcame political objections, logistical problems, financial risks and even skepticism within their own community. At the state GOP meeting, the gay-oriented Log Cabin Republican club members, who constantly fend off Dannemeyer at state party gatherings, deserve credit for defeating him once again, and in his own back yard.

Santa Ana residents should be proud of Mayor Daniel H. Young and his council colleagues for upholding the Constitution by permitting the festival to proceed, rather than kowtowing to Sheldon’s recall threats. City leaders set an example of tolerance for diversity that only complements their achievements in economic development over the last decade--hallmarks of an All-America City and of a county seat that Orange County residents can take pride in.

The “Orange Curtain” lifted last weekend and let some sunshine in. I guess we’re finally moving into the 20th Century. Now, if we could just get a decent transit system.

M. DAN WOOLDRIDGE

Laguna Beach