Date: Thu, 03 Apr 97 11:15:52 EST From: "NGLTF" Subject: Task Force Endorses March for Jobs and Justice ********************************************************************* National Gay and Lesbian Task Force PRESS RELEASE Contact: Mark Johnson 202/332-6483 ext. 3314 mfjohnson@ngltf.org Pager 800/757-6476 2320 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 http://www.ngltf.org ngltf@ngltf.org ********************************************************************* NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE ENDORSES MARCH FOR JOBS AND JUSTICE Washington, DC---April 2,1997---- The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) today announced its endorsement of the National March for Jobs, Justice, and People's Needs, to be held on April 27, 1997 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The March, coordinated by the National People's Campaign, calls upon the Clinton Administration and Congress to strengthen social programs and the federal safety net. The March is being held on the same day as the "Summit for the American Future" which will be attended by President Bill Clinton and former Presidents George Bush, Jimmy Carter, and Gerald Ford. Former First Ladies Nancy Reagan and Lady Bird Johnson, General Colin Powell, and others will also attend. The Summit promotes "community volunteerism" as an alternative to the federal funding of social programs. "In this period of conservative ascendancy, the federal government is pulling back dramatically in its historical role as guarantor of equal democratic rights and provider of a basic social welfare safety net," said Kerry Lobel, executive director of NGLTF. "We must stand up against this abandonment of the basic principles of fairness and compassion." More and more activities are devolving from the federal sector to the states, a place where Right wing forces that seek to suppress dissent, equality, and freedom are increasingly well organized. NGLTF's own survey of state legislative activity showed a rise in anti-gay activity during the 1996 legislative session, and 1997 so far has proven to be even more hostile. "Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people continue to be a target for the Radical Right in state legislatures across the country," continued Lobel. "NGLTF urges its members, allies, and all fair -minded Americans to join us in Philadelphia on April 27." For more information on the National March for Jobs, Justice, and People's Needs, please contact the National People's Campaign at 212/633-6646, or visit their web site at http://www.peoplescampaign.org. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is the oldest national gay and lesbian group and is a progressive organization that has supported grassroots organizing and pioneered in national advocacy since 1973. Since its inception, NGLTF has been at the forefront of virtually every major initiative for lesbian and gay rights. In all its efforts, NGLTF helps to strengthen the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender movement at the state level while connecting these activities to a national vision for change. -30- _________________________________________ This message was issued by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Media Department. If you have any questions regarding this post, please direct them to one of the contacts at the top of this message If you wish to UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, please send an email with "UNSUBSCRIBE PRESSLIST" in the subject and body of your email message to .