September 1996
The decision by the Mall of America's
"Camp Snoopy" amusement park to host a "gay night" is "a slap in the
face of Minnesota's families, which up until now viewed Camp Snoopy
as a family friendly place," said Tom Prichard, executive director of
the Minnesota Family Council.
Camp Snoopy was rented for an after-hours party by a gay and lesbian organization. The organization advertised the night as a special event for homosexuals.
Prichard added, "It's terrible that the camp, which makes a lot of money from families and holds out a family frindly image, is willing to turn the mall into the 'World's Largest Gay Bar' for an evening. They can't have it both ways--either they're family friendly or they're not. A gay bar is a hostile atmosphere for families and children."
A spokesman for Camp Snoopy contacted the Minnesota Family Council and explained that the amusement park doesn't treat any group seeking to rent the camp differently from any other group. If they're a "legitimate organization" willing to abide by the rules and pay the fees, the group can rent the facilities, because the camp does not wish to get involved in judging lifestyles.
Prichard said camp managment is fooling itself. "The problem with this perspective is that you can't remain neutral. By not discrimination based on 'lifestyle choices,' the camp has made a decision in favor of associating with homosexuality."
The spokesperson did say this inciden will lead the camp to change its contracts to prohibit groups from advertising their events or using the "Camp Snoopy" name without prior approval.
The Catholic Defense League called the event "a direct affront" to families and family values, and "a truly regrettable decision."
In a letter to the management of the Mall of America and Camp Snoopy, Peg Cullen, president of the league, wrote, "Your recent decision puts you at odds with many families and their values. Why would the Mall of Averica so openly confront families' sensibilities by making Camp Snoopy a gay bar, when other mall spaces such as bars and certain restaurants closed off from the public could have been used instead? Can it be that families do not provice the financial gain that a gay bar can? If so, then for a few pieces of silver, the Mall of America has forgotten how important the protection of families and family values is for the community."
Cullen added, "Families reading about this turn of events may, in the future, think twice before heading again for Camp Snoopy."
Prichard agreed, "The decision to host and publicize this event will hurt the Mall and the Camp's attempt to maintain a family friendly image. It will cause many families to think twice fefore they go to the Camp and Mall in the future."
Action itemTo express your concerns about "gay night" at Camp Snoopy, call the Mall of America at (612)883-8810 or Camp Snoopy at (612)883-8512. |