RESPONSE TO ROSS PEROT COMMENTS ON GAYS IN MILITARY, GOVERNMENT

Washington, D.C., May 29, 1992...The following statement is attributable to
Urvashi Vaid, executive director, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.  The
statement is in response to comments made by Ross Perot to ABC News' "20/20."

Ross Perot's comments about gay people are extremely disturbing because they
condone employment discrimination.  It is outrageous that Perot is willing to
sacrifice principles of equality and fair play for the sake of political
expediency.  His comments are frighteningly similar to those of extremists on
the Right such as Pat Buchanan.  These politicians would deny gay and lesbian
Americans equal opportunity under the law for no reason other than our sexual
orientation.

Perot is out of touch with the American mainstream.  Polls show that the
American people do not support discrimination based on sexual orientation.  Most
Americans believe the military policy should be eliminated.  The consensus from
conservatives like Newt Gingrich to the military's own consultants has been
growing against this policy.

Perot's comments are an insult to thousands of lesbian and gay public employees,
veterans and to all gay people in this country.  We are alarmed at Perot's
double standard.  He would deny equal opportunity and fairness under the law to
openly gay and lesbian people, but considers "what people do in their private
lives is their business."  The message from Perot -- like the message from the
extremist Right -- is that gay people are acceptable as long as they remain
invisible and in the closet.

It is interesting to us that some of Perot's first public position statements
should deal with gay and lesbian civil rights.  With these statements, Perot
reveals himself to be no different from the status quo.  We call on Ross Perot
to meet with gay and lesbian advocates, and to educate himself about the
discrimination that he has made a political decision to condone.                


Ross Perot's comments on gays and lesbians:
     Should homosexuals be allowed to serve in the military?
          "I don't think that that's realistic."
     Would you hire gays for Cabinet-level jobs, including Secretary of Defense?

          "I don't want anyone there that will be a point of controversy with
the American people...It will distract from the work to be done."

CONTACT:  Robert Bray,(202) 332-6483
Ron.DeVrou@f70.n109.z1.fidonet.org

NGLTF
1734 Fourteenth Street, NW-Washington, DC 20009-4309
(202) 332-6483