Date: Tue, 2 Apr 1996 11:06:05 -0500 (EST) From: A Jay Eddy Subject: Pls.Circualte:Press Relesase - AmFedVets April 1, 1996 Release AmFed Vets P.O. Box 1281, Ft.Lauderdale, Fl 33302 Contact: Karl Clark, National President FAX/Phone: (954) 782-1059 E-Mail: KarlClark@aol.com "We Are One" AMERICAN FEDERATION OF VETERANS "An Alliance for Equality of Rights" CODIFIED BAN, A GAME OF HITS, MISSES, BALLS AND STRIKES! If it has not been said enough, we in AmFedVets wish to add our voices to those cheering the honorable and deserved retirement of Naval Petty Officer, Keith Meinhold. We are par- ticularly proud of his commitment to lifting the ban, and we are extremely pleased that he will continue the battle for minority equality of rights upon joining the ranks of the "Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN)." Like others who have not given up the battle, be they members within the military, volunteer veterans and veteran organization and/or ordinary citizens in support of equality and judgement based upon performance,we add our outrage at the treatment of Amy Barnes by her fellow shipmates. We condemn those in the Pentagon who allow the continued lack of moral and ethical responsibility -regarding the military witch-hunts - to continue as they do. Amy Barnes is a heterosexual victim of gender and "Don't Ask-Don't Tell" persecution based on discriminatory practices. We likewise applaud the efforts of Navy officer Tracy Thorne and pray for a successful outcome in his struggle. We applaud his mom, Mrs. Patricia Thorne, for her dedication and commitment to lifting this vale of undeserved discrimination. We also fully agree with Judge Wotman in dealing with Lt Andrew Holmes "the policy is a violation of equality of rights of gay and lesbian service people." Karl Clark, AmFedVets National President, noted that "we as citizens and good servicemembers have been utilized but brutal- ized. Look at the case of Navy Lt. (Dr.) John Rochat. Compare it it to so many others who face less tolerance. Those sentenced to solitary confinement, mental deprevation and brutal verbal threats because of their sexual orientation, so indicative of the twisting of the intent of Congress by the actions of a morally bankrupt military leadership that has forgotten the words and meaning of the "Golden Rule." Too many have been tricked and falsely inspired by a type of bigoted, anti-Christ religious- fundamentalist agenda, spearheaded by a federation of fear mongers bent on an intolerant inquisition. These zealots espouse a "Reclaiming America For Christ" when realistically their actions are nothing less than an outright denial of access to the table of compromise, tolerance, understanding and acceptance. They have abused our Constitutional rights and twisted the Scriptures to fit the Agenda of their 'Radical Evangelical Fundamentalist Inquisition.' "