Date: Fri, 10 Oct 1997 08:23:20 -1000
From: lambda@aloha.net (Martin Rice)
Subject: SA 246:  STATEMENT BY DNC CHAIRS ON NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY

Aloha kakahiaka kakou.

Happy "Coming Out Day!"  Here's a poignant statement by my party.  Where's
the one from the other side?





DEMOCRATIC NEWS
Democratic National Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                  CONTACT:  Kim Rubey
October 10, 1997
202/863-8116


STATEMENT BY DNC CHAIRS STEVE GROSSMAN & ROY ROMER ON
NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY

Washington, DC:  "We join gay and lesbian Americans in celebrating the
ninth annual observance of National Coming Out Day to raise awareness
and remind us all that gay and lesbian Americans are our friends, our
co-workers, our children and our families.  Every American has the right
to live honestly and openly without fear of harm or discrimination.  We
must all work together to create a tolerant environment so that fear no
longer exists."

     "We extend our best wishes to everyone around the country
participating in activities surrounding National Coming Out Day.  We also
applaud and encourage gay and lesbian Americans who -- often with
courage and at personal risk -- come out quietly to their friends, families
and co-workers every day of the year."

     "The Democratic Party is committed to ensuring that every American
has the opportunity to achieve the American dream and we fully support
and endorse activities that promote tolerance, inclusion and
understanding."

     "Discrimination based on sexual orientation must end.  We celebrate
National Coming Out Day because the stain of discrimination in America
can only be erased when hatred and bigotry are replaced by tolerance
and understanding."


                                                   -- 30 --


 
  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  "How come the Baptists aren't boycotting '"Friends"?'"
                                                 --Ellen
                        ~~~~~~ 
                    Fred and Martin,
              strangers before all but 16.7%
                       of the law.
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