Date: Thu, 14 Aug 97 18:49:37 EST From: "NGLTF" Subject: Founder of Right Wing Group Apologizes NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE PRESS RELEASE Contact: Mark F. Johnson, Media Director mfjohnson@ngltf.org 202/332-6483 x3314 pager 1-800/757-6476 2320 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 http://www.ngltf.org ............................................................. FOUNDER OF RIGHT WING GROUP APOLOGIZES FOR ORGANIZATION'S BIGOTRY WASHINGTON, DC--Embargoed until August 15, 1997---A co-founder of Focus on the Family, the largest right wing organization in the United States, today apologized to women, people of color, gay men and lesbians, and non-Christians for the misleading and hateful words that are now the hallmark of the organization he helped to create. "I apologize to lesbian and gay Americans who are demeaned and dehumanized on a regular basis by the false, irresponsible, and inflammatory rhetoric of James Dobson's anti-gay radio and print materials," stated Gil Alexander-Moegerle, one of seven founders of Focus on the Family. He also urged fair-minded Americans to "report the truth about the threat [current Focus on the Family head] James Dobson and other religious extremists pose to the American tradition ... and the separation of church and state." "Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people have long been a favorite target of Focus on the Family," said Kerry Lobel, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. "Their politically charged rhetoric has become more forceful as James Dobson has increased the organization's reach and influence." Alexander-Moegerle made his statement at the Gay and Lesbian PrideCenter in Colorado Springs, CO in the offices of Ground Zero. While at Focus on the Family, Alexander-Moegerle was the executive producer of "Focus" radio and editor of "Focus" magazine. In addition to the apology, he called upon Dobson to step down from political activism. Of Dobson's political activities and continued misuse of his position, Alexander-Moegerle said "That is un-American" and "un-Christian." "James Dobson's entrepreneurial spirit and personal political agenda has turned racism, sexism, and homophobia into a profitable business," said Lobel. Focus on the Family, founded in 1977, has become the largest right wing organization in the United States. Their 30 state affiliates do grassroots political organizing on anti-choice, anti-gay, and anti-sex education issues. They have also become a Christian media empire, with magazines reaching over three million readers, a daily radio program reaching over 5 million people on 3,000 stations worldwide, television programs, and books. They have sponsored a number of organizing projects outside their organizational umbrella, including Promise Keepers. Their annual budget exceeds $110 million dollars and over 1,300 staff people. They are based in Colorado Springs, CO.  -30- The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has worked to eliminate prejudice, violence and injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people at the local, state and national level since its inception in 1973. As part of a broader social justice movement for freedom, justice and equality, NGLTF is creating a world that respects and celebrates the diversity of human expression and identity where all people may fully participate in society. _________________________________________ This message was issued by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Media Department. If you have any questions regarding this post, please direct them to one of the contacts at the top of this message If you wish to UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, please send an email with "UNSUBSCRIBE PRESSLIST" in the subject and body of your email message to .