Date: Sun, 26 Jun 94 20:13:17 
Subject: Action alert: queer unions


     *URGENT ACTION ALERT *  *URGENT ACTION ALERT *

TEXAS NEWSPAPER BEGINS NEW POLICY OF INCLUSION & EQUALITY
Gay Weddings to be Run Alongside Heterosexual Announcements

(Please distribute as widely as possible.)


El Paso, TX  (June 26, 1994) - What some have called "a huge
victory for queer equality and inclusion in mainstream
media," the El Paso Times, a member of the Gannett Group,
has begun including same-sex couples alongside heterosexuals
in their wedding announcements.  The Times, is believed to be
one of only a handful of daily papers in the nation to do
so.

The first gay couple to be included was Alex Herrera, 23,
and Rob Knight, 28, who were joyously married on April 22,
1994.  Their union announcement was published on Sunday,
June 26, 1994, coincidentally just two days before the 25th
anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion.

Supportive calls and letters to the newspaper are URGENTLY
needed to help offset negative reactions to their new
non-discrimination policy.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT THE PAPER RECEIVE POSITIVE
COMMENTS RIGHT AWAY.  Please CALL TOLL-FREE or write and
thank the El Paso Times for recognizing that gay couples
deserve to be treated equally and fairly.  Tell them that
you applaud their responsible decision to include
same-gender couples, and encourage them to continue to
represent queers in an unbiased and accurate manner.

Contact Dionicio "Don" Flores, Publisher & Editor, toll-free
(800) 351-1677 or (915) 546-6149.

The El Paso Times accepts letters to the editor dictated
over the telephone, by mail or facsimile.  Outside El Paso
County, callers may call toll-free (800) 351-6007, ext.
6420.  By mail: Letters to the editor, El Paso Times, P.O.
Box 20, El Paso, Texas 79999.  FAX: (915) 546-6415.

Herrera & Knight may be contacted by calling LAMBDA
Services, (915) 562-GAYS or 562-4297.


** Excerpts of commentary in the Times' Issues section **

"Today, the Times published the couple's announcement of its
union along with other weddings and engagements.

"Clearly, we understand this is not going to be popular
among some of our readers and in our community.  But we know
it is right and fair."

	       - - - - - - -

"In making the decision [to run a gay union announcement],
we considered the ramifications of publishing the
announcement, knowing well it would be unpopular in some
circles.

"Ultimately, the discussion focused on our views on
individual rights and the newspaper's responsibilities to
protect those freedoms.

"The El Paso Times' editorial policy is built on the
principle that we are all equal, and we should all enjoy the
same privileges.  Each day, our staff works diligently to
make that happen.

"As we produce the Times, we strive to be fair and inclusive
to people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual
orientation, physical disability, age, or economic standing.

"On most days we succeed.

"I strongly believe the Times succeeds today.  If we erred,
it was that we did not respond in a more timely fashion.

"I recognize that many of you have an opinion on the action
we took.  I encourage you to write me, whether it is for
publication or not.  If you choose, you can call me.  Either
way, I welcome your thoughts."

-- Dionicio "Don" Flores, editor and publisher of the El
Paso Times

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