Date: Wed, 16 Oct 96 19:25:13 EST
From: ngltf@ngltf.org
Subject: NGLTF ASKS CLINTON TO RESPOND TO AD

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National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
PRESS RELEASE

Contact:
Robert Bray  415/552-6448   rbray@ngltf.org
        pager 800/757-6476
Tracey Conaty 202/332-6483 x3303 tconaty@ngltf.org

2320 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
http://www.ngltf.org
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TASK FORCE ASKS CLINTON TO RESPOND TO RADIO AD

Washington, D.C. October 16, 1996...The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
today asked President Clinton to publicly repudiate a recent campaign radio ad
that raised the ire of many in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender
community. The 60 second radio ad promoted the President's support of the
Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The ad, targeted to Christian radio stations,
also promoted Clinton's opposition to late-term abortions.  The Task Force
learned today from campaign officials that the ad has since been removed.

In a letter faxed today to the President from executive director Melinda Paras,
the Task Force stated that the ad "contributes to anti-gay bigotry."  In
addition to requesting a statement disavowing the ad, the Task Force asked that
the campaign produce an ad highlighting the President's opposition to anti-gay
discrimination and violence.

NGLTF, a non-partisan organization, does not endorse political candidates. 
Below is the letter in its entirety.

Dear Mr. President:

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is greatly disturbed by your campaign's
airing of a radio advertisement promoting your support of the Defense of
Marriage Act (DOMA).  Proactively promoting your support of DOMA is an affront
to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.  It also contradicts your
administration's stated characterization of DOMA as divisive and "one more
attempt to divert the American people from the urgent need to confront our
challenges together."

It is our understanding that the ad has just been removed.   While we appreciate
the removal, we ask that you publicly issue a statement repudiating the ad.  As
the airing of the ad perpetuates anti-gay bigotry, we also ask that your
campaign develop and broadly air an ad highlighting your previously stated
opposition to anti-gay discrimination and violence.  Such actions would further
our mutual goal of a united America.   We look forward to your response on this
important issue.


Sincerely,
Melinda Paras, Executive Director

    
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is a progressive organization that has
supported grassroots organizing and pioneered in national advocacy since 1973. 
Since its inception, NGLTF has been at the forefront of virtually every major
initiative for lesbian and gay rights.  In all its efforts, NGLTF helps to
strengthen the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender movement at the state
level while connecting these activities to a national vision for change.

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