NATIONAL GAY & LESBIAN TASK FORCE
1734 14th St, NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 332-6483

NGLTF URGES PRESIDENT CLINTON NOT TO APPEAL TO SUPREME COURT FOR
"EXTRAORDINARY" STAY

Washington, D.C. -- (October 25, 1993) -- Responding to reports that
the Clinton Administration has decided to appeal to the Supreme Court
for an emergency stay of U.S. District Judge Terry Hatter's order
enjoining the Department of Defense from discriminating against people
based on their sexual orientation, the National Gay and Lesbian Task
Force (NGLTF) urged President Clinton today to reconsider that
decision.

In a letter faxed this morning to the White House, NGLTF Executive
Director Peri Jude Radecic said, "What is particularly problematic for
us is that as recently as October 3, your public statements indicate
that you do not support the ban (Sacramento, CA - televised town hall
meeting), and the new policy was the best that could be achieved
considering conservative Congressional opposition. Yet your
Administration continues to press for the anti-gay ban in court where
Congress has no jurisdiction."

"Even though a U.S. District Court Judge issued a broad ruling
enjoining the Department of Defense from 'taking any action
whatsoever' based on a service member's sexual orientation alone, your
Administration is reportedly going to take extraordinary steps to try
and block this order that enacts the very non-discrimination policy
that you promised to implement during your campaign.

"We ask you to reconsider the course the Administration has taken in
defending this unjust and destructive policy.

"The Department of Justice is already scheduled to argue for the
anti-gay policy  in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in December. We
respectfully urge you to instruct the Justice Department not to appeal
to the Supreme Court for an 'extraordinary' request to block Judge
Hatter's order," said Radecic in the letter.

Activists are encouraged to contact the White House and urge the
President not to appeal to the Supreme Court for an emergency stay
against Judge Hatter's order. The White House comment line is (202)
456-1111.