PFLAG: Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays Celebrating Real Family Values Contact: George Neighbors, Jr. 202-638-4200 For Immediate Relesase Press Statement Families Find Defeat in Victory: Education 2000 Bill Demonstrates Congressional Homophobia March 25, 1994 - Washington, DC - The House of Representatives voted yesterday to amend HR6, the Education 2000 bill, to prohibit educational agencies from using money in the bill to distribute obscene material to minors on school grounds, but prohibit federal officials from controlling the curriculum of State or local educational agencies. It was adopted in the Committee of the Whole, 224-194. The Unsoeled [D-WA] amendment, prohibiting federal interference in state or local curriculum, was offered to diffuse the Hancock amendment, which would prohibit local educational agencies receiving money under the bill from carrying out programs that encourage or support homosexuality as a positive lifestyle alternative. The Hancock amendment was adopted 301-120. "It is a defeat in victory," said Sandra Gillis, executive director of PFLAG, Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, which alerted its nationwide grassroots network via the Internet. "The House voted to defund Hancock's amendment, yet endorsed its homophobic intent. The House has said it is o.k to discriminate- young people and their self-esteem are not valued. We, as families and friends of lesbians, gays and bisexuals, are dismayed at this turn in events. A positive sign for young people has been dashed." - 30 - PFLAG: PARENTS, FAMILIES AND FRIENDS OF LESBIANS AND GAYS 1012 14th Street, NW Suite 700, Washington, DC 20005 (202)-638-4200 F: (202)-638-0243 E-mail: PFLAGNTL@AOL.COM