Date: Wed, 6 May 98 11:36:57 -0400 From: NGLTF Subject: Victory in Ypsilanti Civil Rights Measure ********************************************************* 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 ********************************************************* YPSILANTI, MICHIGAN VOTERS UPHOLD CIVIL RIGHTS WASHINGTON, DC---May 6, 1998----The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) hailed yesterday's victory for gay and lesbian civil rights in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Ypsilanti voters upheld a city ordinance banning discrimination based on sexual orientation, race and other characteristics. The Task Force considers the vote a significant setback for right-wing groups and their latest strategy of undoing civil rights at the ballot box. "This is the new trend in anti-gay organizing -- to attack city ordinances and local measures when they are passed with the threat of repeal or referendum," stated NGLTF executive director Kerry Lobel. "Ypsilanti demonstrates that this strategy failed. Our civil rights will not be so easily undone." Last December, the Ypsilanti City Council passed the ordinance unanimously. The ordinance bans discrimination in housing, employment and city contracts and includes race, disability, and other classifications, along with sexual orientation. It was stayed in February when opponents collected signatures to hold a voter referendum on repeal of the ordinance. The Task Force expects this trend will continue but that it will not be the silver bullet anti-gay groups expected. The Task Force criticized the organization that led the repeal campaign for their efforts to define equal rights with so-called "special rights." "The opposition called themselves Citizens Opposing Special Treatment, and the people of Ypsilanti didn't buy it. They know that there is nothing special about being treated equally," said Lobel. According to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, there will be at least one other local civil rights ordinance voted on this year. The South Portland, Maine City Council decided to put the issue directly before voters rather than approve it themselves. The vote will be held later this year. In Fort Collins, Colorado, right-wing groups have collected signatures in an effort to undo that city's recently passed ban on anti-gay discrimination. -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 .