Date: Mon, 3 Jun 1996 15:16:11 -0400 (EDT) From: A Jay Eddy Subject: LCR-TX President to answer question about law suit.... (fwd) A Jay Eddy ajayeddy@bcfreenet.seflin.lib.fl.us ********************************************* News Release For Immediate Release June 2, 1996 For more information, contact: J.C. Michelak, Public Relations Director Log Cabin Republicans of Texas (713) 729-5397 home (713) 618-5386 pager (Austin, June, 1996) -- The historic announcement that the Log Cabin Republicans of Texas have filed suit against the Republican Party of Texas over the decision to deny the group an exhibit booth at the state GOP convention has stirred considerable debate state wide. In lieu of this month's Supreme Court decision to uphold gay civil rights, it is certainly understandable why their is a compelling interest in the group's decision. The suit charges that the state GOP breached a contract to accept a booth and that denial of the application violates right of free speech, due process, and privacy under the state constitution. The suit was filed in Travis County court and seeks an injunction to require party officials to permit the booth as well as a full-page ad in the convention program. Log Cabin Republicans of Texas (LCR-TX) sought to have the booth to dispel anti-gay stereotypes among party members and to explain the group's goals. The group does not seek special rights or treatment, simply inclusion in the democratic process. In an effort to maintain a sense of clarity and reason in the ensuing talk radio, television and print media debates, Dale Carpenter, an attorney in Houston and president of LCR-TX, will be available for commentary or interviews as his schedule allows. Mr. Carpenter, 30, is a graduate from the University of Chicago Law School, a Republican chairman and a delegate to the state convention. Carpenter's experience as a civil rights leader and eloquent speaker would provide the debate with distinction, fair-mindedness and reasoning. To arrange a possible interview or obtain a comment from Mr. Carpenter, please contact our organization. Log Cabin Republicans is the largest gay Republican organization in the county, with more than 10,000 members in 55 chapters in 30 states. In Texas, the organization has chapters in Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio.