Date: Mon, 12 Aug 1996 14:20:41 -0800
From: glaad@glaad.org (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation)
Subject: GLAADlines 08.12.96

GLAADLINES
contact:  Don Romesburg
(415) 861-2244
romesburg@glaad.org
http://www. glaad.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  AUGUST 12, 1996
News, Tips, and Breaking Stories about the Gay & Lesbian Community


LESBIAN AND GAY VOICES SPEAK OUT FOR JUSTICE: Today, in San Diego,
thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender activists are expected
to participate in a march and rally to challenge the hijacking of the
Republican National Convention by extreme conservatives. Beginning at
6:00pm, the march will head from Pantoja Park to the Protest Site at 4th
Avenue and "K" Street, where the rally begins. Speakers include Candace
Gingrich, Donna Red Wing, GLAAD's community affairs director,
activist/author Urvashi Vaid and Patricia Ireland, president of National
Organization of Women (NOW). For more information contact: Alan Klein
(GLAAD) or Brenda Schumacher and Tony Valenzuela (VOICES '96) at (619)
595-7949.

GAY GROUPS BREAK GROUND WITH G.O.P. CONVENTION MEDIA CENTER: As the
Republican National Convention unfolds, an unprecedented coalition of local
and national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered organizations
converge at the VOICES '96 Media Center. The Media Center, located directly
across from the Convention Center in San Diego at 327 4th Avenue, provides
lesbian- and gay-related news about the Convention as well as holding news
conferences to provide rapid response and insightful commentary on issues
and events pertinent to the lesbian and gay community. For more information
contact: Alan Klein (GLAAD) or Brenda Schumacher and Tony Valenzuela
(VOICES '96) at (619) 595-7949.

OREGON COURT MANDATES DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP: In a precedent-setting decision
August 9, a Multnomah County circuit judge ruled that Oregon Health
Sciences University discriminated against gay and lesbian employees by not
extending health and other benefits to their domestic partners. This
decision is the first in the country to require public agencies give
same-sex partners such benefits. In his opinion Judge Stephen L. Gallagher
said, "It is beyond debate that invidious and virulent discrimination has
been and is directed toward and suffered by the lesbian and gay communities
in this state. Constitutional law may mandate that customs change along
with an evolving social order." Legal experts suggest that the decision
could be binding on cities, counties and private companies throughout the
state. For more information contact Susanne Pharr (National Gay and Lesbian
Task Force) at the VOICES Media Center at (619) 595-7949.

GAY YOUTH TRAIN TO CAMPAIGN: Twenty-six lesbian, gay and bisexual youth
activists from around the country will descend on Chicago, August 13-18 for
the Human Rights Campaign's first-ever Youth College for Campaign Training.
The intensive six-day training covers crucial campaign skills, including
developing a campaign message, writing a field plan, financing a run for
office and a campaign simulation. After graduating, Youth College
participants will spend three months with political campaigns nationwide
leading up to the November elections. According to participant Heather
Hoell from Eugene, Oregon, "It is an incredible opportunity for me to take
part in real change and contribute to the fight against the religious
right." For more information contact David Smith at the VOICES Media Center
at (619) 595-7949.


To report events that merit media coverage, or news stories breaking in
your area, please contact us.
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation  (GLAAD) is the nation's
lesbian & gay news bureau and the only national lesbian & gay multimedia
watchdog organization. GLAAD promotes fair, accurate, and inclusive
representation as a means of challenging discrimination based on sexual
orientation or identity. To subscribe contact Don Romesburg at (415)
861-2244 or at romesburg@glaad.org.  "GLAAD" and "Gay & Lesbian Alliance
Against Defamation" are trademarks of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against
Defamation, Inc.


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Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)
glaad@glaad.org
VISIT OUR WEB SITE AT http://www.glaad.org

GLAAD is the nation's lesbian and gay new bureau and the only national
lesbian and gay multimedia watchdog organization.  GLAAD promotes fair,
accurate and inclusive representation as a means of challenging
discrimination based on sexual orientation or identity.
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