Date: Mon, 30 Jan 1995 16:17:48 -0500
From: RAKNGLTF@aol.com

NATIONAL GAY & LESBIAN TASK FORCE

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Robert Bray, 415-552-6448, rfbnglt@aol.com
   Robin Kane, 202-332-6483, ext. 3311, rakngltf@aol.com
   800-757-7736


NEBRASKA SAYS GAYS AND LESBIANS UNFIT FOR PARENTING;
NEW STATE POLICY BANS FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION

LOCAL ACTIVISTS CALL FOR PRESSURE ON PUBLIC OFFICIALS


Washington, D.C., Jan. 27, 1995...A statewide ban on foster parenting for gay
and lesbian parents has been implemented in Nebraska, infuriating local
activist groups and sparking outcries of discrimination and prejudice.

 Mary Dean Harvey, Director of the Nebraska Department of Social Services,
this week released to state offices the new anti-gay policy, saying it was in
the best interest of the state to place children "in the most family-like
setting," and not with gay and lesbian parents.  The policy also bans gays
from operating foster care agencies, and prohibits unmarried heterosexual
couples from adopting.

 The directive, effective immediately, states, "It is the policy of the
Department of Social Services that children will not be placed in the homes
of persons who identify themselves as homosexuals.  This policy also applies
to the area of foster home licensure in that...no foster home license shall
be issued to persons who identify themselves as homosexuals.  It is also my
decision...that children will not be placed where unrelated, unmarried adults
reside together."

 Harvey released the new policy in conjunction with the introduction of state
Legislative Bill 255, by State Senator Kate Witek of Omaha.  That bill also
banned homosexual foster parenting.  Witek, described by local activists as
"far right" and extremely opposed to gay rights, withdrew her bill after
being assured the state social services policy was stronger.  Department
chief Harvey also has a history of anti-gay actions, and even canceled a
diversity training on gay, lesbian and bisexual issues for her department
recently after pressure from the Radical Right.

 "This is simply bad public policy," said Scott Winkler, legislative action
chair for Citizens For Equal Protection (CFEP), a statewide
gay/lesbian/bisexual/ transgender group.  "It is blatantly discriminatory and
is based on prejudice, bigotry and homophobia.  One's sexual orientation has
nothing to do with one's capability to provide a stable and loving home for
foster children."

 The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) Fight the Right project has
condemned the policy and is working with CFEP and local activists to
challenge the policy.  Public hearings on the issue are planned for the
department of social services, although no date has yet been announced.


 "The Radical Right is launching multiple attacks against the gay, lesbian
and bisexual community simultaneously, and in a sense is evolving their
anti-gay crusade," said Robert Bray, NGLTF Fight the Right organizer.  "First
it was 'no special rights' initiatives, then opposition to inclusive
curriculum, now foster care and adoption attacks, next will be proactive
anti-gay marriage measures.  We need to respond aggressively, fortify our
defenses against the Right and be prepared for future attacks whether they
are in Nebraska or New York City."

 Register your opinion on the Nebraska foster care issue by writing, faxing
or phoning Mary Dean Harvey, Director, Nebraska Department of Social
Services, P.O. Box 95026, Lincoln, NE 68509-5026, (402)471-9449 fax,
(402)471-3121 phone.  Copy Governor Ben Nelson, who has not been supportive
of gay rights issues and is anti-reproductive choice, at P.O. Box 94848,
Lincoln, NE 68509-4848, (402)471-6031 fax, (402)471-2244 phone.

 For more local information contact Scott Winkler, CFEP, P.O. Box 55548,
Omaha, NE, 68155-0548, (402)398-3027.  Contact NGLTF's Robert Bray at
(415)552-6448, rfbngltf@aol.com.  For more information about
gay/lesbian/bisexual foster care, contact Shannon Minter, National Center for
Lesbian Rights, (415)392-6257.
###