From: listmgr@ngltf.org Subject: [NGLTF Press] RNC uses military issue to bash GLBT people Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2000 18:03:11 -0500 ********************************************************************** NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE PRESS RELEASE Contact: David Elliot, Communications Director 202-332-6483 ext. 3303 800-757-6476 pager delliot@ngltf.org http://www.ngltf.org 1700 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC ********************************************************************** REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE USES `DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL' AS A VEHICLE FOR MORE BASHING OF GLBT PEOPLE, NGLTF WARNS Jan. 10, 2000 - New Republican National Committee (RNC) TV ads on the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy are a continuation of the Republican Party's efforts to portray gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people as unworthy of equal rights, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force said Monday. According to recent published reports, the RNC plans to air TV spots on the issue in Iowa, New Hampshire, and other key primary states. "Don't ask, don't tell" is a flawed policy that has resulted in increased discharges of servicemen and women and, contrary to its stated goal, has led to well-publicized witchhunts against gay, lesbian and bisexual people. A report recently released by the Policy Institute of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force shows overwhelming opposition to sexual orientation-based discrimination in the military, even among conservatives. The report, "From Wrongs to Rights: Public Opinion on Gay and Lesbian Americans Moves Toward Equality 1973-1999," authored by Columbia University political scientist Alan Yang, reveals that American public opinion is more supportive of equality than are most lawmakers and politicians. *****Attention reporters and producers: Next week, NGLTF will release a brand new report detailing the presidential candidates' positions on issues of interest to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered voters.***** Both Vice President Gore and Bill Bradley have stated their intention to end "Don't ask, don't tell" if elected. Republican candidates, on the other hand, have expressed varying degrees of support for the policy. On Sunday, Senator John McCain said comments by the two Democratic candidates disqualified both of them from the presidency. Both McCain and George W. Bush have expressed support for the discriminatory policy. Rebecca Isaacs, NGLTF political director, noted that polls show both the Republican presidential candidates and the RNC to be clearly out of touch on the issue of ending discrimination. For example, a 1999 Gallup survey showed 70 percent of respondents favor the right of gays and lesbians to serve in the military. And a 1996 National Elections Studies survey showed 57 percent of conservatives, 70 percent of moderates and 91 percent of liberals support ending discrimination. "The anti-gay conservatives have not heard that it's a new millennium," Isaacs said. "These ads pander to the extreme right wing and risk alienating mainstream voters who will decide this election." ______________________________________________________________________________________ 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 Communications Department. If you have a question regarding this post, please direct it to the contact at the top of this message. To reach the NGLTF Communications Department at NGLTF, please call David Elliot, Communications Director, at 202-332-6483 x3303 or pager 800-757-6476. If you wish to UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, please send an email message with your request to listmgr@ngltf.org.