From: Hrccomm@aol.com Date: Tue, 15 Oct 1996 18:31:23 -0400 Subject: Clinton Anti-Gay Marriage Ad 'A Mistake' And Political Miscalculation, HRC Asser ________________________________________________________ NEWS from the Human Rights Campaign 1101 14th Street NW Washington, DC 20005 email: communications@hrcusa.org WWW: http://www.hrcusa.org ________________________________________________________ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, Oct. 15, 1996 CLINTON ANTI-GAY MARRIAGE AD 'A MISTAKE' AND POLITICAL MISCALCULATION, HRC ASSERTS Ad Contradicts Clinton's Previous Statements, Birch Says WASHINGTON -- The Human Rights Campaign slammed a radio ad created by the Clinton-Gore campaign boasting that President Clinton signed the anti-gay "Defense of Marriage Act." "This ad is a mistake and a serious political miscalculation," said Elizabeth Birch, HRC's executive director. "It was designed to pander to a segment of the electorate that isn't going to support the president under any circumstances. It completely contradicts the president's past statements." The White House has complained in the past that the so-called Defense of Marriage Act was nothing more than "gay-baiting" and "a classic use of wedge politics that are designed to provoke anxieties and fears." The president signed the bill in the middle of the night, minimizing media attention. The Clinton ad was a calculated response to a recent Bob Dole ad titled "Moral Crisis," which scapegoats gay people and grovels for the votes of extremists. The Clinton spot, which was running on many of the same Christian radio stations, sought to counter the Dole ad by promoting Clinton's work to protect religious freedom. "Signing the unconstitutional Defense of Marriage Act' is nothing to be proud of, and Bill Clinton knows this," Birch said. The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian and gay political organization, with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that lesbian and gay Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community. - 30 -