Date: 22 Feb 1994 11:24:10 U
From: "Case Doug" <case_doug%mailgw@sdsu.edu>
Subject: GLAAD Position Statement on NAMBLA

GLAAD/USA Position Statement Regarding NAMBLA

     The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation deplores North American Man
Boy Love Association's (NAMBLA) goals which include advocacy for sex between
adult men and boys and the removal of legal protections for children.  These
goals constitute a form of child abuse and are repugnant to GLAAD.

        GLAAD also supports the statements issued by other gay and lesbian
organizations supporting the International Lesbian and Gay Association's (ILGA)
call for NAMBLA's immediate removal from the international association.

   GLAAD concurs with the 1990 ILGA resolution based on the UN Convention on the
Rights of the Child, which states, "Major power imbalances create the potential
for child abuse.  ILGA condemns the exploitive use of power differences to
coerce others into sexual relationships.  All children have the right to
protection from sexual exploitation and abuse."

     Although statistics indicate that the vast majority of sexual abuse against
children is perpetrated by heterosexual men, it is imperative that child abuse,
in all forms, be condemned by gay men and lesbians.

        As a group of people who historically have not had legal rights and
protections, gay men and lesbians have always work with, and built coalitions
with, other whose rights are at risk.  The true gay and lesbian agenda is
ultimately about free human right for all people.

 --Adopted by the GLAAD/USA Board of Directors, January 16, 1994, San Diego, CA