Date: Tue, 26 Jul 1994 10:12:00 EDT From: Song Weaver This is crossposted from GAYNET--Julie ---------------------------------------------- Here is a press release from People for the American Way. I downloaded the press release from the PR On-Line BBS in Maryland at 410-363-0834. I do not work for the group. Helms Mounts 'Marathon of Vituperation and Obstruction' Aimed at Gays, the Arts and Public Education, Says People for American Way To: National Desk Contact: Carol Blum, Mary Conway, Peter Montgomery or Virginia Witt, 202-467-4999, all of People for the American Way WASHINGTON, July 22 -- As Congress attempts to wrap up major legislation, Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.) has begun an effort to sabotage the process with a series of obstructive tactics and vituperative attacks, the People for the American Way Action Fund said today in denouncing Helms' strategy. After using the Senate floor as a platform to attack gays and lesbians earlier this week, Helms is expected to take aim at the arts and public education next week. "Helms has launched a marathon campaign of vituperation and obstruction," said People for the American Way President Arthur J. Kropp. "His slash-and-burn style makes sane Congressional decision-making almost impossible, particularly with such a crowded calendar. It reflects very badly on the Religious Right that Sen. Helms carries their flag in Senate battles on school prayer, gay issues and the arts. His hateful tone certainly undercuts the Right's current efforts to reposition itself as basically reasonable and well-meaning." Here is a sampler of Helms' current targets: -- Gays and lesbians. Earlier this week, Sen. Helms used an improbable vehicle -- an agriculture appropriations bill -- to launch a lengthy broadside from the Senate floor aimed at gay and lesbian Americans. During the floor debate over his anti-gay amendment, Helms lashed out at "special rights" for gays and so- called "twisted values." -- Government-mandated school prayer. Sen. Helms is expected to offer a school prayer amendment to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which is expected on the Senate floor next week. The amendment, which would cut off federal assistance to school districts that do not allow school prayer, is a key legislative goal of the Religious Right. -- Content restrictions on the arts. When funding for the National Endowment for the Arts comes to the Senate floor, probably early next week, Sen. Helms is expected to renew his years-long attack on the agency and the arts community. He is expected to propose amendments that would weaken the NEA and restrict artistic freedom of expression. ------ The People for the American Way Action Fund is a 300,000-member nonpartisan constitutional liberties organization.