Laura Montgomery-Rutt Founder and Executive Director Alliance for Tolerance and Freedom

Lancaster Sunday News -- October 20, 1996 A barefoot Laura Montgomery Rutt, wearing jeans and "Promote Tolerance" T-shirt; sat cross-legged in her Manheim Township home. Down time is rare for this busy suburban wife and mother, who has also become a vocal social, political activist for the left in conservative Lancaster County. Taking the road less traveled she is a vocal supporter of family values, multiculturalism, gay rights and public education -- is no easy task. But she seems to thrive on the challenge, following issues on the Internet, networking with organizations. Her dad, Floyd C. Montgomery Jr., is a retired negotiator for the Pennsylvania State Education Association. She credits her brother's homosexuality for helping spur her activism. She bristles at some people's notion that he is less a person, or should be denied rights, because he is gay. The late Rev. Kit Howell, who died of cancer earlier this year, and the Lancaster Unitarian Universalist church also fostered her social involvement. She had been drawn to Howell's letters to the editor because they took home grown intolerance to task. Montgomery Rutt, 36, a member of this year's Leadership Lancaster class, is also on the boards of the Pennsylvania Alliance for Democracy and the local chapter of the National Conference of Christians and Jews. Through it all she tries to remember Howell's advice: "Stay Spiritual".

Birthplace / Hometown:		Born in Rockford. IL, moved to Atlanta, Harrisburg and Lancaster, having attended five schools by the sixth grade. I consider Lancaster my home.

Education:		B.S. in business; alumnus of Manheim Township High School and Millersville University.

I'm a political activist because:		I want to make the world a better, more loving place for our children. I have a dream that America will learn to embrace all of its children - black, Hispanic, Jewish, Muslim. Christian, gay and straight.

Three things I'd like people to know about liberals:		We have strong family values, are compassionate and believe in Amencan ideals like freedom of religion, democracy, liberty and justice for all.

Being a liberal in conservative Lancaster County is:		A constant opportunity to learn and practice tolerance.

The Alliance was formed to:		Provide a voice for people who disagree with the intolerant rhetoric coming out of Lancaster County and instead, promote diversity and equality for all.

The Alliances biggest achievement has been:		Drawing together 23 groups and 250 people to the SpeakOut 1996 for Tolerance, Diversity and Equality.

The person I most admire is:		Martin Luther King, because he had a vision for the way America should be and stood up and spoke out for his vision, an America where all people were equal.

When I was growing up, I wanted to be:		A minister. I thought they only worked one day a week.

My pet peeve:		Homophobic, judgmental and self-righteous people who use religion to justify bigotry, fear, intolerance and hatred.

Three words that best describe me:		Spiritual, enthusiastic, compassionate.

Some causes I wholeheartedly support:		A pluralistic society, separation of church and state, and equal rights for all.

One gadget I couldn't live without:		A coffee maker.

When I want to relax I:		Meditate.

A book I'd recommend:		"The Road Less Traveled," by M. Scott Peck, M.D.

One movie I'd see again:		The Birdcage

The best advice I was ever given:		You always have choices, but you must be willing to pay the consequences of your actions.

I always tell my kids:		You are wonderful, you are special, and you are loved.

My kids always tell me:		I don't have any homework, Mom! And, I love you.

Ten years from now, I'd like to be:		A graduate from seminary, working in interfaith dialogue regarding justice, tolerance and diversity.

When I want to indulge myself I:		Sleep in till 7 am.

For exerise I:		Walk briskly in the early morning.

When I die, please put this on my tombstone:		She made the world a better place.