The following is directly quoted from Tsongas campaign literature. (except typos, which are probably mine). I am not associated with or paid by the Tsongas campaign. The following opinions should in no way be attributed to Hewlett Packard. ---------------- campaign literature follows ---------------------- PAUL TSONGAS LED THE SENATE IN THE QUEST FOR FAIRNESS FOR GAY MEN AND LESBIAN WOMEN at a time when many progressive legislators remained silent on the issue of gay rights. Today, Paul Tsongas continues to be a strong advocate of gay rights and of non-discrimination measures that affect the gay and lesbian community. Sexual orientaion is a private matter that has nothing to do with job performance, choice of housing, distribution of federal benefits, or any number of other issues. Every American must have an equal right to a job based on his or her ability. Every American must have an equal right to live where he or she chooses, and to live free of harassment, discrimination and intimidation. Every year, thousands of Americans are denied opportunities for jobs and housing because of their sexual orientation. Currently, they have inadequate recourse under federal law, or under the constitution as it has been read by the courts. These Americans deserve the same lega protection from discrimination that is now extended to other individuals who have historically been denied equal opportunity. All Americans should be welcome to participate fully in the life of our nation, including involvement in government and in military service. Paul Tsongas supports S. 574 and H.R. 1430, the Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights Bill, introduced in Congress this year by Senator Alan Cranston and Rep. Ted Weiss. This bill prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation in jobs, housing, public accommodations and federally-assisted opportunities. It is a fundamental safeguard for the estimated 25 million Americans who are gay and lesbian. THE TSONGAS RECORD * In 1979, Paul Tsongas introduced the very first National Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights Bill in the U.S. Senate. The bill, S. 2081, sought to prohibit employment discriminal based on sexual orientation. * Paul Tsongas reintroduced the bill in two subsequent congressional sessions and persistently sought out co-sponsors for the bill through "Dear Colleague" letters and personal lobbying. * As a Senator, Paul Tsongas lobbied to defeat the McDonald Amendment to the Legal Services Corporation bill, which threatened gay and lesbian citizens' access to that taxpayer-funded government program. The measure passed in the House, but Tsongas helped defeat it in the Senate. * Paul Tsongas opposed President Reagan's appointment of anti-gay Rev. B. Sam Hart to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission; Har's nomination was ultimately withdrawn. * Paul Tsongas assisted in the successful effort to add a Lesbian/Gay Civil Rights Plank to the 1980 Democratic National Platform.