Date: Wed, 13 Nov 1996 11:33:59 -0700 From: Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation Subject: GLAADlines 11.12.96 GLAADLINES contact: Don Romesburg (415) 861-2244 romesburg@glaad.org http://www.glaad.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 12, 1996 News, Tips, and Breaking Stories about the Gay & Lesbian Community PROTESTERS FIGHT CHRYSLER FOR EQUAL RIGHTS: On November 14, activists in nearly 20 cities, including Boulder, Colorado, Boston, New York, and Toledo, Ohio, are organizing demonstrations at Chrysler dealerships to protest the corporation's refusal to add sexual orientation to their nondiscrimination policy. On November 4, Chrysler and the United Auto Workers (UAW) signed a new contract that still excluded protections for lesbian, gay and bisexual workers, despite the demand of UAW to add sexual orientation to the "Equal Application of the Agreement" section. While Chrysler claims that everyone is covered under their current policy, a host of lesbian and gay Chrysler employees have come forward with specific claims of discrimination, harassment and violence that have been not been effectively addressed. "It's a slap in the face," said Ron Woods, who drafted the petition that became part of the UAW's contract demands. "I've given this company more than ten years of my life." For more information contact Ron Woods (UAW) at (810) 545-7699 or pager (313) 609-1517; WWW: www.critpath.org/chrysler-campaign. TRUE LOVE TICKS OFF COLORADANS: A Colorado Springs, Colorado high school newspaper article devoted to the real-life issues of lesbian and gay teenagers is sparking controversy among religious radicals. Written by Mary Margaret Nussbaum, editor-in-chief of Palmer High School's monthly The Lever, "Finding True Love" probes the often torturous teenage coming out process. School Board President Kent Olvey has stated he has not read the article but still believes student newspapers should reflect "the traditional Judeo-Christian, heterosexual standard," and that this is not a First Amendment issue. The board is currently developing an editorial policy for the school district which is expected to be completed next month. For more information, contact Mary Margaret Nussbaum (Palmer High School) at (719) 520-2800. ANTI-GAY HATE CRIMES UP: The FBI announced November 4 that of 8,000 hate crimes reported last year, crimes involving sexual orientation numbered over 1,000 including 735 against gay males, 146 against lesbians and 18 against bisexuals. This substantial increase of hate crimes, an increase of almost 28 percent over 1994's statistics, reflects that more agencies are reporting the crimes, yet according to experts the number of cases are under-represented due to the reluctance of state and local law enforcement agencies to investigate such crimes. Jennifer Rakowski, anti-violence advocate at Community United Against Violence (CUAV), concurs, "The reporting procedure is completely inconsistent-our numbers double theirs. They want to turn a blind eye to the violence being perpetuated against our community." For more information contact Jennifer Rakowski (CUAV) at (415) 777-5500. DENTIST DECLINES HIV+ PATIENT: Sydney Abbot is suing Maine dentist Randon Bragdon after he refused to treat her upon learning she is HIV-positive. Abbot's lawyer, Bennet Klein of Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, explained Abbot is suing in federal district court under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Klein said, "Health policy should be based on science not fear." Although the Center for Disease Control said there has never been a reported case of a patient infecting a dentist with HIV, the American Dental Association, which has an official policy stating that it is unethical for dentists to withhold treatment from people with HIV or AIDS, is nonetheless siding with Bradgon. For more information contact Bennet Klein (Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders) at (617) 426-1350. GAY CANDIDATES BREAK THE LAVENDER CEILING: Newly elected Vermont State Auditor Ed Flanagan, the first openly gay person elected to a statewide office there, leads the pack of 21 openly gay and lesbian candidates who won their November 5 races. "Thanks to this courageous man, our community has finally broken through the lavender ceiling," said Kathleen DeBold, Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund Deputy Director. She notes, "Our candidates won because their personal and community values are consistent with those of the average American family. Putting exemplary gay people in the public spotlight is one of the most effective ways of destroying harmful stereotypes." For more information contact Kathleen DeBold (Victory Fund) at (202) 842-8679. To report events that merit media coverage, or news stories breaking in your area, please contact us. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is the nation's lesbian & gay news bureau and the only national lesbian & gay multimedia watchdog organization. GLAAD promotes fair, accurate, and inclusive representation as a means of challenging discrimination based on sexual orientation or identity. To subscribe contact Don Romesburg at (415) 861-2244 or at romesburg@glaad.org. 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