Date: Tue, 14 Jul 98 19:12:00 -0400 From: NGLTF Subject: NGLTF CONDEMNS ANTI-GAY ADS AS POLITICAL PLOY ********************************************************* NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE PRESS RELEASE Contact: Tracey Conaty, Communications Director tconaty@ngltf.org 202/332-6483 x3303 800/757-6476 pager http://www.ngltf.org 2320 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 ********************************************************* TASK FORCE CONDEMNS ANTI-GAY ADS AS POLITICAL PLOY "Šhomosexuality is not the problem; bigotry and the discrimination and violence it fosters are the problem." ­ Rebecca Isaacs, Political Director, NGLTF WASHINGTON, DC---July 14, 1998--- The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) today sharply criticized the latest attack by right-wing groups against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. This week, right wing groups have full page newspaper advertisements featuring individuals who claim to have "converted" from homosexuality. "We are not fooled by this 'kinder, gentler' bigotry. This is not about religion and healing. Itıs about politics and intolerance," stated Rebecca Isaacs, NGLTF political director. "The ad states the truth will set you free. We agree, and we think itıs time the Christian Coalition and these other anti-gay groups start paying attention to the truth. The truth is homosexuality is not the problem; bigotry and the discrimination and violence it fosters are the problem." added Isaacs. In the advertising campaign this week, right wing groups such as the Christian Coalition, Family Research Council and Concerned Women of America have paid for full-page advertisements in the New York Times, Washington Post, and USA Today. The ads claim that "homosexuals can change." According the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the premise of the "ex-gay" movement has been repeatedly negated by organizations such as the American Psychological Association. "This slick packaging of politicians like Trent Lott and celebrities such as Reggie White and the Winan sisters is transparently political. Itıs a campaign to raise money and mobilize their voters by appealing to and fostering anti-gay zealotry," said Isaacs. "We believe this tactic will ultimately backfire and be rejected by the American public," added Isaacs. -30- _____________________________________________________________________ Founded in 1973, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force works to eliminate prejudice, violence and injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people at the local, state and national level. As part of a broader social justice movement for freedom, justice and equality, NGLTF is creating a world that respects and celebrates the diversity of human expression and identity where all people may fully participate in society. _________________________________________ 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 .