From: HRCFCOMM@aol.com
Date: Fri, 30 Jun 1995 13:06:47 -0400
Subject: REPUBLICAN CAMPAIGN ORG. INCLUDES GAYS & LESBIANS IN 
         NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

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PRESS RELEASE            PRESS RELEASE            PRESS RELEASE

               THE HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FUND

The Nation's Largest Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Political Group
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To contact the HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FUND, please call us at (202)628-4160, 
fax us at (202) 347-5323 or write to us at PO Box 1396  Washington, DC  
20013.  WE CANNOT RESPOND TO E-MAIL.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 1995

 REPUBLICAN CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATION INCLUDES LESBIAN AND GAY PEOPLE
                 IN EMPLOYMENT NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

     WASHINGTON  -- The campaign arm of the Republican party largely 
responsible for the GOP takeover of Congress includes lesbian and gay 
employees in its personnel policy against job discrimination, according to 
information provided this week to the Human Rights Campaign Fund (HRCF).  
After HRCF representatives met with U.S. Rep. Bill Paxon (R-N.Y.), chair of 
the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), NRCC staff provided 
HRCF with a copy of the NRCC's equal employment opportunity policy, which 
prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

     "It's good to see that the Republican party's campaign arm has taken a 
step toward recognizing the fundamental value of fairness.  We hope to see 
more Republican candidates support the same values," said HRCF Executive 
Director Elizabeth Birch.  "We had a productive meeting with Chairman Paxon 
that set a positive tone for a dialogue on these issues.  Non-discrimination 
is an area where we can find common ground with Republican, Democratic and 
Independent voters."

     HRCF staff met with Paxon last week to discuss campaign activities for 
the upcoming election cycle.  HRCF, the nation's largest lesbian and gay 
political organization, runs a nonpartisan political action committee that 
supports candidates who oppose anti-gay discrimination and favor a strong 
federal effort against HIV/AIDS.

     The NRCC's employment policy is similar to policies in most Congressional 
offices.  HRCF has lobbied every Member of Congress to include lesbian and gay 
employees under their office non- discrimination policies.  Currently, 229 
U.S. Representatives and 64 Senators -- a majority of the 104th Congress -- 
prohibit anti- gay discrimination in their offices.  No federal law protects 
people from being fired, refused work or otherwise discriminated against on 
the basis of sexual orientation.

     The Human Rights Campaign Fund (HRCF), the nation's largest lesbian and 
gay political organization, works to end discrimination, secure equal rights, 
and protect the health and safety of all Americans.  With a national staff, 
and volunteers and members throughout the country, HRCF lobbies the federal 
government on lesbian, gay, and HIV/AIDS issues; educates the general public; 
participates in election campaigns; organizes volunteers; and provides 
expertise and training at the state and local level.

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     1101 14th Street, NW  Suite 200  Washington, DC  20005
          phone:(202)628-4160      fax:(202) 347-5323