PRESS RELEASE - PRESS RELEASE - PRESS RELEASE THE HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FUND News from the Nation's Largest Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Political Organization FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Gregory King (202) 628-4160 work (202) 547-4310 home LANDMARK STUDY ON ANTI-GAY EFFORTS DOCUMENTS NATIONAL THREAT WASHINGTON, DC (November 3, 1993) The Human Rights Campaign Fund, the nation's largest lesbian and gay polit News from the Nation's Largest Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Political Organization FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Gregory King (202) 628-4160 work (202) 547-4310 home LANDMARK STUDY ON ANTI-GAY EFFORTS DOCUMENTS NATIONAL THREAT WASHINGTON, DC (November 3, 1993) The Human Rights Campaign Fund, the nation's largest lesbian and gay political group, today praised a newly released report on anti-gay efforts in states and localities around the country. The report, entitled "Hostile Climate: A State-by-State Report on Anti-Gay Activity," was prepared by People for the American Way, a 300,000 member nonpartisan constitutional liberties organization. "People for the American Way has documented the far-reaching efforts of the radical right to deny lesbian and gay Americans our rights under the law," said Tim McFeeley, the Campaign Fund's executive director. "This report is a landmark study, providing state by state documentation of the radical rights agenda of intolerance, discrimination and violence." The report was released to the press one day after three local jurisdictions -- Cincinnati, Ohio; Lewiston, Maine; and Portsmouth, New Hampshire -- voted against discrimination protection for lesbian, gay and bisexual citizens by wide margins. "The votes last night are only the tip of the iceberg," McFeeley noted. "In at least nine states, organizers are collecting signatures for anti-gay ballot measures in 1994," he said. "'Hostile Climate' makes it clear that we have enormous work to do in order to protect our right to equal justice under the law," McFeeley said. "The Human Rights Campaign Fund is prepared to coordinate a national effort to defeat the state initiatives that threaten our community in 1994. We will work with People for the American Way, NGLTF, NOW, the labor movement, business groups and others in a broad coalition to defend this country from the extremist right." The People for the American Way report can be obtained through the organization's Communications Department by calling 202-467-4999. - 30 - The Human Rights Campaign Fund 1012 14th Street, NW Suite 607 Washington, DC 20005 Phone (202) 628-4160 Fax# (202) 347-5323