From: Date: Tue, 1 Nov 1994 14:37:41 -0500 Subject: Call For Justice in Miss. Update ************************************************* National Gay and Lesbian Task Force NEWS RELEASE Contact: Gregory Fisher (202) 332-6483 ext. 3309 (800) 757-7736 pager Beth Barrett (202) 332-6483 ext. 3215 2320 17th Street NW Washington, DC 200009 ************************************************* (Note: This release has been updated to include pricing information for Western Union Services) NGLTF ESTABLISHES A HOTLINE TO INCREASE PRESSURE ON DOJ TO INTERVENE IN MISSISSPPI SCLC Joins the Call for DOJ Investigation Washington, D.C. -- November 1, 1994 -- Representatives at the Department of Justice have said they cannot intervene in the murder investigation of two gay men in Laurel, Mississippi because the 1964 Civil Rights Act does not extend protection to people on the basis of sexual orientation. The legislation gives them no clear mandate to investigate possible civil rights violations of the murdered men because of their sexual orientation, according to representatives from Attorney General Janet Reno's office. NGLTF has repeatedly urged Attorney General Reno to step in but have not yet received her official reply. Meanwhile, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, in Atlanta, has joined the call for a "thorough and independent investigation of the murder case." The SCLC cited disparaging remarks made by Jones County Sherriff Maurice Hooks about homosexuals and a lack of accurate information about the suspect, a 17-year-old African-American male, as strong reason to enlist outside help. "In view of the history of race and the criminal justice system in Mississippi, we believe an outside, objective investigation is essential," said the Rev. Joseph Lowery, SCLC president. A 1-800-hotline with Western Union has been established to link local activist with Attorney General Reno's office, Radecic announced today. By calling 1-800-651-1417, for a small fee, individuals may speak to an operator who will add their name and address to a letter urging Reno to intervene in the matter and to further address the rising tide of anti-gay/lesbian murders across the country. "We must keep the pressure on the DOJ now," Radecic said. "The situation in central Mississippi is only a picture of the violence, intimidation and harrasment faced by gay and lesbian people throughout the United States everyday. We need a clear message from the DOJ whether we as citizens can expect to receive protection and assistance from the very agency created to do so. If the Civil Rights Act of 1964 does not include us as protected citizens, then the Clinton Administration is going to have to tell us who we can depend on when the lives and welfare of our people are at stake." Note: Western Union will charge $6.50 to your credit card or phone bill for this service. ---end---