From: PFLAG@aol.com Date: Mon, 20 May 1996 15:36:49 -0400 Subject: Amendment 2 Release PARENTS, FAMILIES AND FRIENDS OF LESBIANS AND GAYS (PFLAG) 1101 14th Street NW Suite 1030 Washington, D.C. 20009 202-638-4200 EMAIL: PFLAGTNL@aol.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAY 20, 1996 CONTACT: ROB BANASZAK, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR 202-638-4200 PARENTS, FAMILIES AND FRIENDS OF LESBIANS AND GAYS (PFLAG) PRESIDENT MITZI HENDERSON ISSUES STATEMENT ABOUT SUPREME COURT RULING ON COLORADO'S AMENDMENT 2 We are pleased that the Supreme Court has affirmed equal access to our nation's political process for all Americans, including our lesbian, gay and bisexual family members and friends. American families with lesbian or gay members remain "houses divided." Some of us in our families enjoy equal opportunities and rights, and some continue to be discriminated against. But the Court has determined that the civil rights of a minority will not be held hostage by the prejudices of a majority. Gay and straight Americans will have equal access to the democratic process. While true equal rights still do not exist for lesbian, gay and bisexual Americans, this decision affirms their and their straight family members' and friends' right to continue the fight to secure those rights. The prejudice and bigotry of the majority towards lesbian, gay and bisexual Americans will be eliminated only through education. PFLAG will continue to fight the lies and myths perpetuated about our lesbian, gay and bisexual family members and friends. We will continue to tell the truth about who they -- and we -- are. We will continue to expose the violent, often tragic consequences of hate speech, and the toll it takes on our entire society. And we will look forward to the day when the majority of Americans will recognize the true worth of our lesbian, gay and bisexual family members and friends, and will find any form of legal discrimination against them unconscionable. ###