Protesters and supporters turn out for viewing of same-sex marriage documentary

Thursday evening, 28 homosexual men and women and about eight heterosexuals joined together at the McAlester Public Library to discuss non-heterosexual marriages and watch the documentary film "Tying the Knot."

The movie addressed the issue of whether or not homosexuals have the right to legally claim money and land left to them after their life mate has died.

As people gathered inside to watch the film, some gathered outside to protest.

"Gay and lesbians want minority status," said Tim Owens, McAlester.

Lonnie Lue Anderson, of Crowder, also protested the film. "I'm here because I think they're going to try to teach it to our kids," she said.

"I'm tired of people not understanding that there is no cure for AIDS," said Allen Williams, McAlester. "Gays and lesbians contribute to the spread of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases."

But at least one protestor went into the library to watch the film and stayed for the entire showing. Anderson even participated in a discussion session after the film was over.

Sam, who asked that his last name not be printed, is an Oklahoma rancher and one of the main characters in the documentary film. He is actively seeking an inheritance left to him by Earl, his mate of 22 years.

"As soon as Earl died, his estranged family came out of the woodwork to claim the inheritance that he left to me," Sam said. "They sued me and when we went to court, they were given my inheritance, my home and all of the land that I had worked so hard for all of my life."

Sam appealed and asked that the Oklahoma Supreme Court retry the case, but the court refused. So Sam took the case to the United States Supreme Court. Today, Sam will know if the Supreme Court has decided to hear his appeal.

"Tying the Knot" also dealt with the issue of federal pension checks and whether a homosexual mate has the right to claim a pension check after a mate has died.

Tuesday, voters will have the opportunity to vote on State Question 711. These votes will determine if homosexuals should be allowed the right of marriage and if these unions should be legally recognized.

Paul Prichard, president of McPride, a local support group for homosexuals, believes that what they are asking for is something that is an inherent right.

"We are just asking for the same rights as any other human being," Prichard said. "We want homosexuals in this area to realize that they are not alone.

"Tying the Knot" was sponsored in part by McPride. Currently, the group is meeting at Prichard's house, but members say that the group is growing so fast that they will need to start meeting at another location soon. For more information about McPride call (918) 452-3184.

Contact T.C. Gilman at tgilman@mcalesternews.com.