Date: Fri, 10 Mar 1995 15:02:35 -0500
From: RAKNGLTF@aol.com

NATIONAL GAY & LESBIAN TASK FORCE
NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Robin Kane, 202-332-6483, ext. 3311; rakngltf@aol.com

NGLTF STATEMENT ON THE MURDER OF A GAY MAN FOLLOWING HIS APPEARANCE ON A
CHICAGO TALK SHOW


Washington, DC -- March 10, 1995 -- The following statement was issued by the
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) in response to the murder
yesterday of Scott Amedure at his home in Michigan.  Three days prior to his
murder, Amedure appeared as a guest on a segment of the Jenny Jones Show
focusing on "Secret Admirers."  Amedure, who is gay, was invited onto the
show to reveal his "secret crush" on another man.  That man, who is
heterosexual, was apparently surprised by the public revelation and is
currently under arrest for murdering Amedure.  According to police, the
suspect bought a shotgun and ammunition yesterday, went to Amedure's mobile
home and shot him twice in the chest after a struggle.  The following
statement is attributable to Robin Kane, NGLTF spokesperson.


 This tragedy highlights the deadly nature of homophobia in our society.
 That anyone should be killed simply for being gay is deplorable. Sadly, this
is not an isolated incident.  Last year, 59 gay and lesbian individuals are
known to have lost their lives in bias-motivated murders.  Anti-gay violence
is a growing problem, and is frequently more severe and damaging to its
victims than many other forms of violence.  It is a dangerous threat to gay
and lesbian citizens, and must be aggressively condemned and confronted by
communities, elected officials, religious leaders and others.  

 In the case of Scott Amedure, sheriff's authorities seem to excuse the
murderous actions of the assailant because he was embarrassed to have it
publicly revealed that a man was attracted to him.  Embarrassment is no
excuse for murder.  This was a cold-blooded murder based in the suspect's
anti-gay hatred.

 Talk shows are increasingly exploitative, with each show upping the ante for
drama and surprises.  In their thirst for ratings, talk show producers often
ignore the real-life implications of the drama they help to create.  The
all-too-real drama of anti-gay bigotry led to Scott Amedure's murder.


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