Date: Thu, 10 Jul 1997 20:47:09 -0400 From: Jim Fagelson Subject: Press Release from GLPCI WE DESERVE A BREAK TODAY Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition International (GLPCI) is outraged at the patently homophobic and discriminatory actions of the McDonald's Corporation in denying Valuable Families the ability to participate in a fundraising effort by their local McDonald's facility. This is made even more abhorrent after they responded to an outreach effort made by that local McDonald's. Having been given permission by the local McDonald's to participate in a fundraising event, the National Office rescinded the offer, barring the children of lesbian and gay families from the event. The National Office of McDonald's deemed Valuable Families as controversial. What is controversial about a group of parents who come together to espouse family values such as love and nurturing, integrity and responsibility, acceptance, respect and inclusion? Sounds like the national corporate office is pandering to the conservative elite in picking and choosing who should fall under the moniker of family values. Who gets hurt here? Our children, of course. But GLPCI recommends that all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender families use this harmful, discriminatory action by turning it into an educational opportunity. We call on our families to explain to their children why they will not take them to McDonald's for a "Happy Meal." How can we be happy when one of the giants of corporate America is patently discriminating against us and our children? = = end = = Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition International provides advocacy, education and support for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender persons in child-nurturing roles and their families -- in all their diversity -- worldwide. GLPCI has thousands of members in over 250 affiliated parentings organizations and over 6000 individual members. For further information contact: Wayne Steinman 212/788-4766 or 718/987-6747