NGLTF "CRASHES" GOP PLATFORM HEARINGS; TASK FORCE PUSHES GAY/AIDS ISSUES AT PLATFORM MEETINGS Washington, D.C., June 11, 1992...A representative of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) pushed the national gay political agenda behind the scenes at the Republican National Committee (RNC) platform hearings in Salt Lake City last month after being denied a spot to testify. Earlier in May, NGLTF did testify at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) platform hearings held in Cleveland. The RNC refused to allow any gay and lesbian organization to testify before the platform committee hearings held May 26. Although denied a spot as a witness, NGLTF Deputy Director for Public Policy Peri Jude Radecic traveled to Salt Lake City to hand-deliver NGLTF's written testimony to the RNC. Radecic also attempted to educate Republican party members on the issues facing the gay and lesbian community. Upon arrival, Radecic battled heightened security measures at the meeting site in order to reach Republican officials. Along with other groups frozen out of the RNC hearings, Radecic was relegated to an "overflow" room, which was later closed to the public during the afternoon session. After spotting Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Radecic handed the Senator NGLTF testimony and expressed disappointment that NGLTF was unable to testify. "In 1990, openly gay activists were twice invited to bill signing ceremonies at the White House," said Radecic. "Earlier this year, NGLTF met with Bush/Quayle campaign chief Robert Mosbacher. Why can't the RNC find time and room for us when the President and his top strategists have? The GOP should recognize the importance of gay and lesbian voters instead of shutting us out." While in Salt Lake City, Radecic strategized with local gay and lesbian activists, including those from the Utah Stonewall Center, Queer Nation and the Gay and Lesbian Democrats of Utah. Prior to the RNC shut out, Radecic traveled to Cleveland May 18 to testify before the DNC platform committee. "Previous platform committees have responded to [gay and lesbian] concerns by recognizing our right to live free of discrimination," Radecic stated to the committee. "In 1992, the gay and lesbian community seeks more than simple recognition. We seek a platform that will lead the Democratic Party on all policy matters that affect the lesbian and gay community." Radecic's testimony demanded increased resources for AIDS care, treatment and prevention; repeal of the Pentagon's prohibition against military service by openly lesbian, gay and bisexual Americans; passage of a federal gay and lesbian civil rights bill; creation of programs to combat anti-gay/lesbian violence; protection of the right to privacy; freedom of expression and an end to censorship of gay and lesbian artists; legal recognition of lesbian and gay families; health care reform; and programs to address the needs of lesbian and gay youth. In addition to her oral testimony, Radecic presented the NGLTF Presidential Briefing Paper highlighting in detail the national gay and lesbian political agenda in this election year. Radecic noted several important difference between the Republican and Democratic party platform hearings. NGLTF was denied a witness spot at the RNC while granted a spot at the DNC; the public was not granted access to most of the RNC meeting, which was a "ticket-only" event, while the public was allowed to attend the DNC meeting; security people blanketed the RNC meeting while they remained more in the background at the DNC meeting; the RNC meeting was dominated by Far Right rhetoric, with only abortion as a contested issue, while debate was more free-flowing on a variety of issues at the DNC meeting. Contact Robert Bray or Peri Jude Radecic, (202) 332-6483 Ron.DeVrou@f70.n109.z1.fidonet.org NGLTF 1734 Fourteenth Street, NW-Washington, DC 20009-4309 (202) 332-6483 TTY-(202) 332-6219 FAX-(202) 332-0207