Date: Wed, 18 Feb 98 20:42:14 EST From: "NGLTF" Subject: NGLTF Denounces Christian Coalition Campaign 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 ................................................ NGLTF DENOUNCES NEW CHRISTIAN COALITION CAMPAIGN AS "SHALLOW FUNDRAISING PLOY" WASHINGTON, DC---February 17, 1998--- The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force today denounced plans by the Christian Coalition to recruit 100,000 "church liaisons" to push the group's agenda in the 50 states. The new campaign, designed to reach grassroots donors and activists, features state legislative attacks on gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people and their families. The group claimed to be emboldened by the recent repeal of a civil rights law in Maine, where they used the discriminatory ballot measure to add new members to their shrinking membership rolls. "The election results in Maine do not foreshadow the rest of the nation. The repeal effort was the result of a campaign of lies and distortions by its promoters. This is another shallow fundraising ploy to pad their coffers at the expense of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered community," said Kerry Lobel, executive director of NGLTF. "We will continue to work with our members, grassroots activists, and allies to secure civil rights laws in every state." Lobel was also critical of Christian Coalition executive director Randy Tate, who characterized the passage of the discriminatory ballot measure in Maine as "a clear victory for people of faith." She stated, "In every community there are people of every race, gender, and religion who stand for equality and know that discrimination is wrong. Randy Tate and the Christian Coalition have no right to speak for all people of faith." The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force monitors and tracks state legislative activity and coordinates the Federation of Statewide Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Political Groups. For updates on the 1998 state sessions, see NGLTF's legislative updates, issued periodically throughout the session, at http://www.ngltf.org. -30- The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has worked to eliminate prejudice, violence and injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people at the local, state and national level since its inception in 1973. 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 .