Date: Fri, 06 Jun 97 18:52:47 EST From: "NGLTF" Subject: NH Governor Signs Bill 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 ................................................................. NEW HAMPSHIRE GOVERNOR SIGNS CIVIL RIGHTS BILL; MEASURE BANS DISCRIMINATION AGAINST GAYS AND LESBIANS Washington, DC---June 6, 1997---With Governor Jeanne Shaheen's signature, New Hampshire today officially became the 11th state to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Now, all New England states have laws that say it is wrong to discriminate against lesbians and gay men in employment, housing, public accommodations and credit. "The civil rights sweep of New England is now complete," said Kerry Lobel, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF). "Add Hawaii, Wisconsin, Minnesota, California, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia to the list, and nearly one out of four people in the country live where discrimination based on sexual orientation is outlawed." Wisconsin was the first state to ban discrimination against gays in 1982. Maine became the 10th state to outlaw discrimination three weeks ago. "The momentum has begun," Lobel observed. "The action for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender legislation has shifted from Washington, D.C. to the states. New Hampshire not only passed its civil rights bill, but trounced a hostile anti-marriage bill that would have banned recognition of marriages performed in other states as well." Eleven other states have defeated measures that would ban same-gender marriage. They are: California, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming and Colorado. Colorado Governor Romer vetoed the marriage ban legislation late last evening. He said that the bill was "unnecessary." -30- The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is the oldest national gay and lesbian group and 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. _________________________________________ 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 .