Date: Tue, 27 Oct 1998 08:16:57 -0500 (EST)
From: A Jay Eddy <ajayeddy@bc.seflin.org>
Subject: WHILE CRITICS DENOUNCE LCR -FONG REITERATES SUPPORT OF GAY ISSUES IN WRITING


Broward Log Cabin Club of FL (954) LCR-1995
E-B.B. 
---------- Forwarded message ----------

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE			CONTACT: Kevin Ivers
October 26, 1998			(202) 347-5306 X12

FONG REAFFIRMS SUPPORT OF KEY GAY RIGHTS ISSUES
Supports Hormel, ENDA, Domestic Partner Rights, Non-Discrimination in
Housing and Public Accommodations, and AIDS Funding Increases

(WASHINGTON) California Republican U.S. Senate nominee Matt Fong issued a
signed statement today to Log Cabin Republicans reaffirming his support for
an array of important gay and AIDS issues.  The statement reiterated Fong's
positions on issues which were discussed and agreed to in an August meeting
between LCR and his campaign, which led to LCR's endorsement of Fong for
Senate.

In the statement, Fong reaffirmed his suupportive positions on the following
issues:

--- Support for the nomination of openly gay nominee James Hormel to be
Ambassador to Luxembourg.

--- Support for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would ban
employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, as well as
his support for legislation to prohibit the same discrimination in housing
and public accommodation.

--- Pledged to consult with LCR on securing increases in federal AIDS
funding programs, a top legislative priority.

--- Support for a range of domestic partner benefits for same-sex couples,
including: hospital visitation rights, sick and berievement leave, health
insurance benefits, and retirement and survivor benefits.

"As much as the Democrats want to paint Matt Fong as an extremist, he
clearly is not and we urge the voters to remain focused on Matt Fong's
positions on the issues," said Richard Tafel, executive director of Log
Cabin Republicans.  "The reality here is that Matt Fong has as good or
better positions on gay and AIDS issues than many Democrats endorsed by the
Human Rights Campaign and other gay groups across the country.  So last
minute attempts to distort his positions on the issues won't work."

"We are opposed to everything Lou Sheldon and the Traditional Values
Coalition stand for, and that won't change no matter whom Sheldon chooses
to support for office," Tafel said.  "And as much as the Democrats want to
make Lou Sheldon the issue, he isn't.  It doesn't matter what Lou Sheldon
says -- it's Matt Fong's positions on the issues that matter, and Matt Fong
supports ENDA, supports Jim Hormel, supports a range of domestic partner
rights and benefits and supports AIDS funding.  That's why he earned our
endorsement."

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