Date: Thu, 26 Mar 1998 23:02:30 -0500
From: glaad@glaad.org (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD))
Subject: GLAAD OUTRAGED AT COMMENTS OF GREEN BAY PACKER REGGIE WHITE

MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Cathy Renna, GLAAD
Phone: (202) 884-7346
Pager: (301) 215-1354
E-mail: renna@glaad.org


GLAAD OUTRAGED AT COMMENTS OF GREEN BAY PACKER REGGIE WHITE
National Media Advocacy Group Demands Apology From Football Star for
Homophobic Comments

NEW YORK, MARCH 26, 1998-The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
(GLAAD) is calling a speech delivered by Green Bay Packers player Reggie
White "shocking and appalling."  White spoke before the Wisconsin State
Legislature yesterday, where he accused the United States of "going away
from God" by "allowing homosexuality to run rampant," called homosexuality
"a decision," and applauded various races for their "gifts" based upon
stereotypical traits. To an audience of political leaders stunned into
silence by the hour-long diatribe, White made comments about gays,
African-Americans, Asians, Latinos, and others.

"I'm absolutely appalled that someone of White's stature would be so
insensitive to a group that has faced so much discrimination and bigotry,"
said openly gay ex-Green Bay Packer Dave Kopay.

GLAAD Executive Director Joan M. Garry said, "White's stardom gives him
influence over millions of youth and adult fans. I am shocked that he would
irresponsibly use his voice in such a damaging manner. White's assertion
that being lesbian or gay is a malicious 'lifestyle' akin to dishonesty and
cruelty is bizarre, wrong-headed and factually inaccurate. GLAAD calls upon
him to apologize for his divisive and hurtful comments and asks the
National Football League and the Green Bay Packers to separate themselves
from White's prejudicial views."

In addition to demanding an apology, GLAAD will urge all of its GLAADAlert
subscribers to contact the Green Bay Packers and the NFL to voice their
concern. More than 70,000 people receive the weekly online publication,
which is available at http://www.glaad.org.

GLAAD is a national organization dedicated to promoting fair, accurate and
inclusive representations of individuals and events in the media as a means
of challenging discrimination based on sexual orientation or identity.


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