Date: Thu, 27 Feb 97 09:47:22 EST From: "Phil Attey" Subject: Ralph Reed Responds to HRC Letter on Atlanta Bombing ________________________________________________________ NEWS from the Human Rights Campaign 1101 14th Street NW Washington, DC 20005 email: hrc@hrcusa.org WWW: http://www.hrcusa.org ________________________________________________________ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, Feb. 27, 1997 CHRISTIAN COALITION RESPONDS TO HRC'S LETTER ASKING FOR CONDEMNATION OF LESBIAN BAR BOMBING Ralph Reed Calls the Incident An Act of Indefensible Terrorism and Cowardice' READ THE LETTERS AND STATEMENT ONLINE http://www.hrc.org WASHINGTON -- Ralph Reed, executive director of the Christian Coalition, has responded to a letter from the Human Rights Campaign asking him to speak out against the bombing of a lesbian bar in Atlanta, just as he condemned a similar bombing last month at a women's health clinic. "We commend Mr. Reed for speaking out in a way that is consistent with his response to other similar attacks," said HRC Executive Director Elizabeth Birch. "We hope this signals a willingness on his part to work toward protecting the sanctity of all American families, including gay and lesbian families." Reed issued a statement to the media Wednesday calling the bombing of The Otherside Lounge on Feb. 21 "an act of indefensible terrorism and cowardice. It is the very antithesis of our humane and compassionate stand on behalf of the sanctity of the traditional family." Reed went on to say that his organization has and will continue to speak "with words of reason and deeds of compassion against senseless violence and on behalf of the rights of all citizens to life. To commit such acts of violence in the name of God is rank hypocrisy." Reed's statement came the day after Birch sent letters to him and Gary Bauer, president of the Family Research Council. She pointed out that both men had immediately condemned a similar bombing at a family planning clinic in Sandy Springs, Ga. Bauer has not responded to Birch's letter. The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian and gay political organization, with members throughout the country. It 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 -