From: Hrccomm@aol.com Date: Tue, 21 Nov 1995 16:13:20 -0500 Subject: HRC's Presidential Hopefuls Press Release ________________________________________________________ NEWS from the Human Rights Campaign 1101 14th Street NW Washington, DC 20005 email: communications@hrcusa.org WWW: http://www.hrcusa.org ________________________________________________________ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, November 20, 1995 NEW REPORT PROVIDES FIRST GLIMPSE AT WHERE 1996 PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFULS STAND ON ISSUES OF FAIRNESS FOR LESBIAN AND GAY AMERICANS GO TO HRC'S WEBSITE FOR THE COMPLETE REPORT. http://www.hrcusa.org BUCHANAN, DORNAN, AND GRAMM DESIGNATED AS "EXTREMISTS" Washington -- The Human Rights Campaign, the largest national lesbian and gay political organization, released a new report today that offers a first glimpse of where the 1996 presidential hopefuls stand on issues of fairness for lesbian and gay Americans. The group examined public comments, positions, and, when applicable, the voting records of Lamar Alexander, Patrick Buchanan, Bill Clinton, Bob Dole, Robert Dornan, Steve Forbes, Phil Gramm, Richard Lugar, Arlen Specter, and potential candidate Ross Perot. The analysis officially designates three of the candidates -- Buchanan, Dornan, and Gramm -- as "extremists" who have gone out of their way to attack lesbian and gay Americans. "As we enter this crucial election year, it is important for voters to begin thinking about where the candidates stand on issues of fairness for lesbian and gay Americans. The American people need to know who has worked to ensure that gay people are treated fairly, and who has made it their mission to single us out for special discrimination," said Human Rights Campaign Executive Director Elizabeth Birch, announcing the release of the report at a press briefing in Washington. Birch noted that the majority of voters support basic equal rights for lesbians and gay men, citing a poll showing that 74 percent of Americans favor preventing job discrimination against gay people. "While the extreme words and actions of some of these candidates may help them pander to the extreme right, the politics of division will not inspire mainstream American voters." The organization did not make an endorsement of any candidate at this time, choosing instead to familiarize voters with the candidates' records on issues such as ending anti-gay job discrimination, ensuring a strong national response to AIDS, and combatting anti-gay hate legislation. Candidates' public statements, campaign literature, and, for those who hold elective office, voting records, were used to compile the report. The Human Rights Campaign, the largest national lesbian and gay political organization, with members throughout the country, effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support, and educates the public to ensure that lesbian and gay Americans can be open, honest, and safe at home, at work, and in the community. - 30 -