So began the 56-page edition of Peninsula that appeared last week, sparking a debate about the sensitive issue of homosexuality and setting into motion some events that few could have predicted.

The dust finally began to settle in the last few days. But not before an act of vandalism rocked the community, several prominent University figure identified themselves as gay and free speech emerged as an important related issue.

Peninsula, the conservative journal that debuted last year, has consistently tackled what council member Roger J. Landry '92 called "social conservative issues." The edition focusing on homosexuality did not mark the magazine's first venture into a controversial topic.

Although Landry said that he has received much positive feedback, the magazine was the subject of harsh criticism from gays, lesbians and their supporters.

"We did accuse them of spreading misinformation, and it was a lot of misinformation that was potentially damaging," said Sandra Cavazos '92, co-chair of the Bisexual, Gay and Lesbian Students Assocation (BGLSA).

Cavazos's group responded to the issue in a number of ways, staging several "eat-ins" and a rally in the Yard last Friday that drew more than 200 people.

Landry called Cavazos's claim that Peninsula was spreading "misinformation" was "utterly untrue."

"I think that is a quintessential example of the types of misinformation, not that conservatives have put forth, but that which those who support the pro-homosexual ideology have put forth," Landry said.

But gay student leaders were not the only ones to object to the magazine. And "misinformation" was not the only charge against it.

Dean of Students Archie C. Epps III, who spoke last Friday at the BGLSA rally, blamed Peninsula for "rough treatment of a sensitive issue," and called for an end to "hate speech of any kind."

Members of Peninsula's council, and even critics of the magazine, said Epps added an unfair twist to the debate.

"Calling it hate speech,' I think, was way out of line," Landry said of Epps's remarks.

And in a letter that dealt specifically with the graffiti incident, President Neil L. Rudenstine also defended Peninsula's right to publish.

"Actions that are clearly in the realm of freedom of expression and speech...must be protected, even if they are offensive to some members of the community," the letter stated.

Peninsula editors denied from the start that their magazine constituted gay-bashing or prejudice. Rather, they said they were presenting the facts about homosexuality--with the intention of helping the gay community.