Date: 31 Dec 96 09:57:49 EST
From: Tom Hoemig <100522.30@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: ILGA Press Release

International Lesbian and Gay Association
Administrative Office
rue du Marche-au-Charbon, 81 - B-1000 - Brussels - Belgium
Phone & fax: + 32 2 502 24 71 - E-mail: ilga@ilga.org

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


December 31, 1996

	1996 - Continuing Success
	1997 - A Year of Renewal


The International Lesbian and Gay Association celebrates the arrival of 1997
with hope and optimism and looks back on 1996 with pride. We celebrate our
achievements in many parts of the world and resolve to work harder than ever to
restore the dignity, safety and rights of lesbians and gay men everywhere.

In 1996, South Africa protected us in its constitution. Hungary, the Czech
Republic and other countries moved forward in adopting legislation recognizing
our families and outlawing discrimination against us. A Hawaiian court
recognized our right to marry. At the same time, ILGA continued its grassroots
work in Eastern Europe, attended the World AIDS Conference in Vancouver, and
organized AIDS prevention workshops in Latin America.

"We start the New Year with a bang," said Jordi Petit, one of ILGA's Secretaries
General, "We're creating an up-to-date structure for ILGA, beginning with its
European membership."

"There was bad new, too, in 1996," added Inge Wallaert, ILGA's other Secretary
General. "We deplore the acts taken in too many countries. In Namibia, Romania,
Costa Rica and elsewhere, lesbians and gay men found their communities under
renewed attack. We hope this list will grow shorter in 1997."

Lawrence Aronovitch begins his position as ILGA's coordinator with the New Year,
as well. "My focus is the renewal of ILGA," he said. He is preparing for the
next ILGA World Conference in Cologne, Germany, where lesbians and gay men from
every continent will gather and work to continue removing discriminatory laws
and practices and increase resources in the fight against AIDS.

"Twelve months from now the world will mark the fiftieth anniversary of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and ILGA will mark its own twentieth
anniversary," said Aronovitch. "Let's spend 1997 making sure these anniversaries
are truly a cause for celebration."