Date: Fri, 5 Jun 98 16:44:57 -0400 From: NGLTF Subject: Newt Refutes NGLTF Auction Item ****************************************************** NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE PRESS RELEASE Contact: Tracey Conaty, Communications Director tconaty@ngltf.org 202/332-6483 x3303 800/757-6476 pager 2320 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 http://www.ngltf.org ****************************************************** AUCTION ITEM SPAWNS NEWTıS REFUTE "Newt Gingrich has been trying the turn back the clock. Now he wants to take back the whole calendar." Kerry Lobel, Executive Director National Gay and Lesbian Task Force WASHINGTON, DC---June 5, 1998--- The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) today received a fax from the office of House Speaker Newt Gingrich denouncing the organization and claiming his autographed calendar was donated to the organization without his knowledge or consent. "Newt Gingrich has been trying to turn back the clock. Now he wants to take back the whole calendar," said Kerry Lobel, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. "We were originally dubious of the worth of such a liberally distributed item, but the Speaker has just significantly increased its value." Coordinators for NGLTFıs second annual Capital Pride Auction, being held tomorrow, sent hundreds of donation requests for the event to celebrities and political figures. More than 600 items have been received from notables such as Oprah Winfrey, Elizabeth Taylor, and Rosie OıDonnell. Gingrich, one of the most homophobic members of Congress, routinely sends autographed "Friends of Newt" calendars to charitable organizations. Brooke Ransom of Gingrichıs office sent the autographed calendar to NGLTF on March 12 with a letter stating, "I hope the event is a great success!" Today, Ransom sent another letter saying, "Šthe calendar was sent to you without the Speakerıs knowledge or approval" and "Šanyone who has followed his career knows that he is not supportive of the Gay and Lesbian Task Force [sic]." "We actually have been following the Speakerıs career but were not aware that he had a specific position on the Task Force," continued Lobel. "We will be requesting a meeting to brief him on our agenda of fairness and equality for all people." -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 .