Date: Wed, 6 Nov 1996 00:58:38 -0500
From: ngltf@ngltf.org (NGLTF)
Subject: GAYS AND THE CLINTON RE-ELECTION


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National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Robert Bray or Tracey Conaty
703-931-4703 (Radisson Hotel, Alexandria, VA)
or pager 1-800-757-6476, or (202)332-6483, ext. 3303
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GAYS AND THE CLINTON RE-ELECTION:
Statement by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

Washington, D.C., Nov. 5, 1996...The first portion of this statement is
attributable to Melinda Paras, NGLTF executive director.  NGLTF is the oldest
national organization for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights.

***

"We welcome the opportunity to work with the Clinton Administration for
another four years to advance an agenda of equality and fairness.   The
relationship between the Clinton Administration and the gay, lesbian,
bisexual and transgender community has been mixed -- sometimes positive
and often strained.  There is no doubt that President Clinton has been the
most receptive president to gay issues in the history of our country.  At the
same time gay Americans have felt the sting of betrayal as the President
capitulated to Far Right rhetoric and endorsed the Defense of Marriage Act
and the "don't ask, don't tell" gays in the military policy.

        "We stand ready to engage the White House in ongoing dialogue
aimed at creating real change for gay Americans.  This means the President,
during his second term, must provide aggressive support for enacting
comprehensive anti-discrimination protections.  He must respect and support
gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender families and our loving relationships.
He must weigh in on Supreme Court cases that could affect gay people and
appoint justices that stand for fairness for every American.   He must
vigorously work to end the witch hunts of gay and lesbian service members
that have increased since the implementation of "don't ask, don't tell."

        "The President must demonstrate stronger leadership in the fight
against AIDS and HIV, including increased funding to make the latest life-
prolonging drug therapies available to everyone who needs them.  He must
hold the line against further cuts in Medicaid and Medicare and work to
make health care accessible to every American.  We call on the President to
reaffirm his commitment to providing a safety net to America's poorest
families.  He must set an example of tolerance, not scapegoating, of
disenfranchised communities."

[The following portion of this statement is attributable to Kerry Lobel, NGLTF
executive director-designate.]

        "The reelection of Bill Clinton caps what has been a roller coaster
year
of political highs and lows for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender
community.  Gay issues have figured prominently in the presidential and
congressional elections, for good and for bad.   For the Republicans, it seemed
their main concern was not to appear too "anti-gay."  For the Democrats, their
main concern was not to appear too "pro-gay."

        "Elections count, but they don't count for everything.  Regardless of
which party controls Congress, gay issues will only move forward to the
extent that we have a well-organized, easily mobilized independent
movement, with close ties with other constituencies who care about fairness
and social justice.  Neither party can be fully counted on to support our goals
without strong and steady pressure.  Our greatest victories during the Clinton
Administration -- in particular the defeat of anti-gay ballot measures
throughout the country -- were those we won with our coalition partners.
During his second term we expect the President to be help lead an agenda for
fairness.  Presidential fortitude will be imperative."
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