Offering of truce extended in city

Lolita Harper

The hand previously used to slap the wrist of a fellow committee

member was extended in a show of tolerance as an unlikely pairing

recently emerged from the city’s Human Relations Committee.

John Rule, the committee’s former chairman, surprised his

colleagues last week when he nominated Allan Mansoor -- the man he

had previously asked to resign -- to the committee’s highest

leadership position.

Rule, who is openly gay, and Mansoor, who was recently accused of

spreading allegedly homophobic literature on a local Web site, have a

history of not seeing eye to eye on certain issues. Their

differences, however, did not stop Rule from nominating Mansoor as

his successor.

“After rethinking my reasons for being a member of the Human

Relations Committee, I decided to extend my hand of tolerance to

Allan,” Rule said.

As chairman, Mansoor would have the opportunity to address the

concerns of the community, Rule said, which he said he believes would

be an enlightening experience for all involved. Mansoor’s leadership

would add just another layer of diversity to the committee, Rule

said.

Rule’s nomination shocked fellow members, including Mansoor.

“It did surprise me, but I think that he realizes that I am fair

and open on this issue,” said Mansoor, who is also a candidate for

City Council.

Mansoor said he declined the nomination because he could not make

the required time commitment, in part because of his council

campaign.

Committee newcomer Sue Smith was ultimately voted chairwoman.

Rule publicly called for Mansoor’s resignation from the Human

Relations Committee in late June after learning of various posts the

council candidate had made on a community Web site that linked

readers to articles by conservative organizations that condemn

homosexuality.

At an explosive meeting in June, Rule questioned Mansoor’s

involvement with the committee and expressed his dissatisfaction with

the posts.

“Didn’t you know [the posts] would be hurtful?” Rule asked

Mansoor.

Mansoor has consistently defended his Internet postings and

membership on the committee, saying he offers a more conservative

view than someone such as Rule. While the Web site in question has

since been shut down, Mansoor offers links on his campaign Web site

to both the Family Research Council and Focus on the Family Web

sites.

* LOLITA HARPER covers Costa Mesa. She may be reached at (949)

574-4275 or by e-mail at lolita.harper@latimes.com.