Subject: GLAAD/SFBA denounces Phelps' homophobia at Shilts' funeral Date: Sun, 27 Feb 1994 14:51:41 EST Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation San Francisco Bay Area Chapter For Immediate Release: Contact: Al Kielwasser, 415-826-5203, 415-861-4588 February 21, 1994 Laurie Falik, 415-861-4588, 415434-5673 GLAAD/SFBA CONDEMNS HOMOPHOBIC PICKET OF SHILTS MEMORIAL SERVICE Rev. Phelps Engages in Hate & Violence Characteristic of Religious Right San Francisco [February 22, 1994] -- The San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD/SFBA) joins with numerous other individuals and community organizations in condemning the "Reverend" Fred Phelps of Topeka and his planned picket of Randy Shilts' funeral service today. GLAAD also reminds the press and the public that the rhetoric and actions of Fred Phelps are not as extreme as some think. Phelps is just one expression of the homophobia that is characteristic of the so-called "Religious Right." "What Fred Phelps does in public, Jesse Helms and Pat Robertson are applauding in private," said GLAAD/SFBA spokesperson Al Kielwasser. "Lou Sheldon in California and David Innes in San Francisco are pushing the same agenda of discrimination and intolerance." "All homophobia feeds the insane hatred and thoughtless violence practiced by Fred Phelps," Kielwasser added, "Today's picket by Phelps is just one example the vitriol that lesbians and gays experience every day." In a news release issued February 19, Fred Phelps' Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) called for the picket of Randy Shilts' funeral service. The WBC news release stated: "Another filthy media fag has died of AIDS. The fag dominated entertainment and media worlds are making a hero of this gerbil mongering moron, and touting his anal copulating lifestyle as a glorious thing to be emulated by American youth." WBC has also called upon "all local, state and Federal agencies" and "dyke Attorney General Janet Reno" for protection from "violent fag crimes." "Or will you kill us as at Waco?," the WBC new release asked of Janet Reno. In a letter to San Francisco Chronicle staff, WBC claimed that picket signs are to be carried by 30 members of this homophobic cult and will include such slogans as "God Hates Fags," "Shilts in Hell," "Fag God = Rectum" and "Get Back in the Closet." GLAAD/SFBA urges members of the press to report fairly and accurately on the hateful picket planned by Fred Phelps. We further call upon the media to continue investigating and reporting on the homophobic agenda of the Religious Right in San Francisco, California and the nation. As always, GLAAD stands ready to fully assist the press in that effort. Additional Contacts: John Woods -- Community United Against Violence (CUAV), 510-446-3921, 415-821-6108 Jason Bishop -- Fighting Intolerance, Scapegoating and Hatred (FISH), 415-431-0617 "Religious Right" Representatives: Fred Phelps -- Westboro Baptist Church and Library, 913-273-0325, 913-273-0338 Lou Sheldon -- Traditional Values Coalition, 714-520-0300 David Innes -- Hamilton Square Baptist Church, 415-673-8586 Pat Robertson -- Christian Coalition, 804-424-2630 [FAX/OCR done by Alan Batie ] - --- RON BUCKMIRE The Urvashi Vaid Fan Club 11 Colvin Circle, Troy, NY 12180 uunet!rpi.edu!buckmr||buckmr@rpitsmts.bitnet||buckmr@rpi.edu||+1 518 276 8910 ------- End of Blind-Carbon-Copy