Date: Wed, 18 Jun 97 17:58:39 EST From: "NGLTF" Subject: Disney Boycott Will Mean "Tragic" Kingdom NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE PRESS RELEASE Contact: Mark F. Johnson, Media Director mfjohnson@ngltf.org 202/332-6483 x3314 pager 1-800/757-6476 2320 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 http://www.ngltf.org ................................................................. DISNEY BOYCOTT WILL MEAN "TRAGIC" KINGDOM Washington, DC---June 18, 1997---The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force today said that this morning's decision by members of the Southern Baptist Convention to boycott Disney will mean that the Magic Kingdom will become the tragic kingdom. The religious organization announced yesterday that it would urge its 15.7 million members to boycott Disney theme parks and all other Disney products because of the company's "gay- friendly" policies. The nation's largest Protestant denomination warned the Disney company a year ago that it had 12 months to change its policies and programming toward one that celebrates more traditional family values. The Southern Baptist Convention specifically opposed Disney's "Gay Days," the extension of health benefits to partners of gay employees and the recent coming out episode of "Ellen" on Disney-owned ABC television. In a nationally televised news interview yesterday, Kerry Lobel, executive director of NGLTF told Reverend Richard Land, president of the Convention's Christian Life Commission that "Disney is modeling good citizenship and good citizenry through its policies. Walt Disney and his characters taught us that it's a small world after all, where every person is welcome." Southern Baptist Convention members met today in Dallas and voted to boycott the Disney company. "I had hoped they would vote for America's children to have a safe-haven free from politics, fear and ignorance," Lobel said. "They can keep their children from Disneyland and Disney World, but they can't keep Disney characters from the hearts and minds of children. Characters like Dumbo, Pinocchio and Tigger have taught us that there is a welcoming family for every child and the Disney company's policies have demonstrated that this is the case." --------- TAKE ACTION: Thank Disney for their support of equality for all! Michael Eisner Chief Executive Officer Walt Disney Company 500 South Buena Vista Street Burbank, CA 91521-1010 Feedback line: 818-560-2413 WWW feedback: http://www.disney.com/mail -30- 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. _________________________________________ 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 .