GAY AND LESBIAN ACTIVISTS MEET WITH PEROT REPRESENTATIVES FOLLOWING "INSULTING" COMMENTS Washington, D.C. June 10, 1992...Gay and lesbian activists met with representatives of the H. Ross Perot campaign in the nation's capital following the uproar caused by the potential presidential candidate's "insulting and offensive" comments on gays in the military and in the Cabinet. Representatives from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF), Queer Nation/National Capital Area and the Human Rights Campaign Fund (HRCF) met at the downtown District of Columbia Perot petition office on June 8. NGLTF fired off a letter to the office requesting a meeting following an earlier press conference organized by Queer Nation in front of the Perot office. During that event, Perot staffers locked out the activists, in the presence of national media, when they peacefully attempted to enter the office to discuss Perot's statements. On ABC's "20/20" show on May 29, Perot stated he would not hire openly gay or lesbian cabinet members and opposed gays serving in the military. "No, I don't want anybody there that will be at a point of controversy with the American people. It will distract from the work to be done," said Perot about hiring gays. Asked about overturning the military's ban on homosexuals, Perot said, "I don't think that's realistic." Activists at the meeting urged Perot to apologize within two weeks to America's estimated 24 million gay men and lesbians for his remarks, which, activists say, encouraged discrimination against gay people. In addition, they called on Perot to support the recision of the Department of Defense's ban on gay and lesbian servicemembers; publically condemn discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation and support the Federal gay rights bill; endorse the 5-point United For AIDS Action platform on AIDS leadership, care, research, education and discrimination, and review the AIDS Action Council's "Challenge to Presidential Candidates in Campaign '92" briefing paper. The activists cautioned the Perot campaign about appealing to arch-conservative voters at the expense of gay Americans by using political rhetoric that can be construed as anti-gay, such as "traditional family values." The Perot campaign officials were also given NGLTF and HRCF presidential briefing papers and questionnaires. "I believe Mr. Perot is very sensitive to this issue," said Jim Brown, regional Perot representative and liaison to the Perot Dallas headquarters. "Any effort to exclude anyone is wrong. We do not suggest discrimination and exclusion." Brown promised to hand-deliver the briefing papers and questionnaires to Perot headquarters in Dallas. The activists pointed out that it was Mr. Perot who first "excluded" gays and lesbians with his "insulting and offensive" comments. The Perot representatives stated on several occasions that they cannot speak for Mr. Perot, but offered assurances that the concerns of the gay and lesbian community would be carried forward to Perot headquarters. The activists insisted that Perot himself meet with representatives of the gay community to explain his positions and discuss civil rights and AIDS issues. Attending the meeting were Margaret Cantrell and other representatives of Queer Nation/National Capital; Robert Bray, NGLTF public information director; and Paul Cooper, HRCF presidential campaign coordinator. Representing the Perot Petition Campaign were Jim Brown, regional liaison; Gloria Borland, D.C. office director; and Linda De Pauw and Ronald Cocome, campaign volunteers. NGLTF is notifying its 18,000 members to contact the Perot Campaign office in Dallas and urge him to support gay and lesbian civil rights. Activists are urged to contact Perot at H. Ross Perot Petition Committee, P.O. Box 517025, Dallas, Texas, 75251-7025, phone 1-800-685-7777, fax 1-800-925-1300. CONTACT: Robert Bray (202)332-6483, Ron.DeVrou@f70.n109.z1.fidonet.org Margaret Cantrell, (202)546-4109, or Paul Cooper, (202)628-4160 NGLTF 1734 Fourteenth Street, NW-Washington, DC 20009-4309 (202) 332-6483 TTY-(202) 332-6219 FAX-(202) 332-0207