Date: Thu, 2 Jul 1998 13:52:36 -0400 From: NGLTF Subject: NGLTF URGES LOG CABIN TO RECONSIDER HONOREE ================================================================= PRESS RELEASE NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE http://www.ngltf.org CONTACT: Tracey Conaty tconaty@ngltf.org 202-332-6483, ext. 3303 Pager: 800-757-6476 ================================================================= TASK FORCE URGES LOG CABIN TO RECONSIDER CHOICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS FOE AS HONOREE Affirmative Action is an integral part of the cause for equality of people of color and women. Honoring Mr. Connerly's work divides our community by race and sexual orientation. --- Kerry Lobel, NGLTF executive director WASHINGTON, DC---July 2,1998--- The National Gay and Lesbian Task urged the Log Cabin Republicans to reconsider its decision to honor civil rights foe Ward Connerly. Log Cabin announced this week that Connerly will be presented with its Spirit of Lincoln Award for his support of same-sex domestic partnership benefits. Connerly is scheduled to receive the award at Log Cabin's national convention next month. In a letter to Log Cabin executive director Rich Tafel, Task Force executive director Kerry Lobel urged Tafel to reconsider the choice of Connerly. Connerly led California's Proposition 209, which was passed by voters in 1996. Prop 209 effectively dismantled all affirmative action programs in the state. Many civil rights groups charged Connerly's campaign as a campaign of intentional misinformation and deception. Connerly has since spearheaded similar efforts in a number of other states. "Mr. Connerly's support of domestic partnership for same-sex couples does not mollify me. Domestic partner benefits are of little value to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) people of color who cannot get a job or admission to a university where such benefits are offered," said Lobel. "To applaud those who would grant us rights while they actively strip civil rights away from others is to buttress the divide and conquer strategy of our enemies," she added. Lobel further stated, "The gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender movement often calls on our allies to support our cause for equality. For reasons of conscience and reciprocity, we have a responsibility to honor the cause for equality of our allies. Affirmative action is an integral part of that cause for equality of people of color and women. Honoring Mr. Connerly's work divides our community by race and sexual orientation. We believe the GLBT movement has a responsibility to support equality for all people. " -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 .