Date: Tue, 19 Nov 96 16:20:35 EST
From: ngltf@ngltf.org
Subject: NGLTF STATEMENT ON TEXACO

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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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NGLTF STATEMENT ON TEXACO:
"MAKE AMERICAN WORKPLACE SAFE FOR ALL WORKERS"

Washington, D.C., Nov. 19, 1996...The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force abhors
the reported incidents of racial defamation and discrimination at the Texaco
Corporation.  The pain, humiliation and injustice of bigotry have no place in
the boardroom or in the workplace.

    NGLTF is well-familiar with how workplaces that stigmatize any class of
employee create an unsafe environment that results in job discrimination,
harassment or worse.  The gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community has
worked tirelessly over the years to end discrimination and make the American
workplace safe for all people. 

    We call on the corporate leadership of Texaco to immediately investigate and
reprimand employees, in particular executives, who engage in bigotry against
workers.  It is incumbent upon them, and the Texaco Board of Directors, to set
an example that prejudice will not be tolerated at Texaco.   We stand in
solidarity with those in the African-American, women's rights, labor and other
communities that are pushing corporate America to be more responsible when it
comes to protecting the rights of all workers.

    Currently, more than 300 companies, colleges, universities, municipalities
and other employers have non-discrimination and/or domestic partnership benefits
for gay and lesbian employees.   NGLTF will continue to work on behalf of the
rights of workers to earn a living and excel in their jobs free of intolerance
and prejudice. 

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