N E W S For Immediate Release National Gay & Lesbian Task Force Human Rights Campaign Fund 1734 14th Street NW 1012 14th Street, #607 Washington, D.C. 20009 Washington, D.C. 20005 Contact: David M. Smith Contact: Gregory King (202) 332-6483 ext. 3309 (202) 628-4160 pager (800) 757-7736 Representative Barney Frank Representative Gerry Studds Contact: Robert Raben Contact: Mark Agrast (202) 225-5931 (202) 225-3111 STUDDS & FRANK TO INTRODUCE EMPLOYMENT NON-DISCRIMINATION BILL Washington, D.C. -- (April 21, 1994) -- Representatives Barney Frank (D-4th MA) and Gerry Studds (D-10th MA) will introduce federal legislation to outlaw anti-gay discrimination in the workplace, the Human Rights Campaign Fund (HRCF) and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) announced today. The legislation is expected to be introduced within the next month. "The right to be secure in one's livelihood is a bedrock principle with which every American can identify," said Congressman Studds. "Millions came to these shores in search of opportunity -- the opportunity to build a decent life through their own hard work and ingenuity. I believe that when our fellow Americans learn how frequently lesbians and gay men are denied that basic promise of the American dream, they will agree that something must be done. That is what our bill is all about." "I believe the time has come for Congress to put into law a very simple principle: individuals have a right to be evaluated in the workplace based on the quality and quantity of work they do, and not be disadvantaged because someone doesn't like what they do in their private lives," said Congressman Frank. "Discriminating against honest, hardworking people because they are gay or lesbian makes no sense -- morally, socially, or economically. I believe the American people will support appropriately drafted legislation that embodies this principle." "The time is right for federal legislation to end discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in the workplace," said Tim McFeeley, Executive Director of HRCF. "Several recent national polls make it clear that Americans by large margins oppose workplace - more - Page 2 - April 21, 1994 Studds/Frank Introduce Employment Non-Discrimination Bill discrimination against lesbians, gay men and bisexuals." McFeeley also noted that more than 230 members of the U.S. House have issued non-discrimination policies with regards to sexual orientation in their own employment practices. The strategy for this bill includes Congressional hearings on job discrimination against people based on sexual orientation that could take place within the next two months. Each year since 1974, a Gay and Lesbian Civil Rights Bill has been introduced, but each time died in committee. "We will effectively communicate to the American people the ugly reality of discrimination that gay people face everyday and how it negatively impacts the entire country," said Peri Jude Radecic, NGLTF's Executive Director. Radecic and McFeeley also noted the value of educating the public about anti-gay bias during the critical 1994 election cycle, during which up to 9 states are facing anti-gay ballot measures. A broad-based coalition of organizations led by the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, NGLTF and HRCF is forming to organize support for the bill. - 30 -