Date: Thu, 07 Nov 1996 00:11:40 -0500
From: ngltf@ngltf.org
Subject: SUPPORTERS OF GAY MARRIAGE REELECTED

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National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
PRESS RELEASE

Contact:
Robert Bray or Tracey Conaty
(703) 931-4703 or Pager (800) 757-6476
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SUPPORTERS OF GAY MARRIAGE REELECTED;
POLS STAND AGAINST DOMA AND HOLD ON TO THEIR SEATS


Washington, D.C. November 6, 1996...The anti-gay, political ploy known as the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) proved a
failure against those members of Congress who refused to take the bait.  All 61 House members up for reelection who opposed
the anti-gay marriage bill were victorious.  John Kerry, the one Senator voting against DOMA and up for reelection
yesterday, also held onto his seat.  

	DOMA, introduced in Congress in July and signed by the President under the cover of darkness in September, was
characterized by gay activists, Congressional leaders, and even President Clinton, as an election year ploy by right-wing
members of Congress.  The President and many members of Congress who endorsed DOMA justified their support by claiming
DOMA was a political arm twisting not of their doing.  Yesterday's results prove such justification unfounded.

	"The victory of all congressmembers up for reelection who voted against DOMA proves that principle pays," stated
Kerry Lobel, NGLTF executive director designate.   "DOMA succeeded not because it actually posed a threat to the reelection
of normally fair-minded congressmembers, but because they took the bait."

	"We hope President Clinton and the leadership of the Congress will take this
lesson to heart:  Even in an election year, they can stand up for democracy and fairness. 
Scapegoating gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people doesn't pay," added Lobel.  

	Notably, even those members who knew they were going to be in tight races and
still stood up against this gay baiting were not hurt politically.  "These courageous and
principled congressmembers proved that a vote against discrimination is not a losing
vote," stated Lobel. 

(For a list of Congressmembers who opposed DOMA, contact NGLTF.)


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