Date: Wed, 01 Jun 94 18:08:24 EDT
From: RAKNGLTF@aol.com


NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE 
PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    
Contact: David M. Smith (202) 332-6483 ext. 3309,
pager (800) 757-7736, dmsngltf@aol.com or  
Robin Kane (202) 332-6483 ext. 3311, rakngltf@aol.com


NGLTF APPLAUDS ELDERS' COMMENTS
IN USA TODAY MAGAZINE INTERVIEW

 Washington, D.C. -- (June 1, 1994) -- Officials at the National Gay and
Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) today applauded Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders
for continuing to speak out against anti-gay prejudice.

 "I feel that sexuality is up to the individual," Elders said in an interview
to be published in USA Today Weekend magazine. "..I don't feel that policy
makers and decision makers should worry about anyone's bedroom but their
own."

 "The Surgeon General continues to be a strong advocate against
discrimination," said David M. Smith, NGLTF Public Information Director. "She
understands how anti-gay prejudice wreaks havoc on American lives, and she
has the courage and conviction to stand up and speak the truth about it."

 Elders was the target of right wing extremists after a similar interview was
published in the Advocate, a leading national gay news magazine, where she
was equally as outspoken against anti-gay discrimination.

- 30 -

[Editors note: The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is a Washington,
D.C.-based advocacy organization.]
 
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