Date: Tue, 13 Oct 1998 14:29:06 -0500 From: PFLAG Communications Subject: NEWS ALERT: PFLAG President Statement on Matthew Shepard's Death PFLAG NEWS ALERT PFLAG NEWS ALERT PFLAG NEWS ALERT For Immediate Release Contact: PFLAG Pres. Paul Beeman (360) 866-2141 PFLAG Exec. Dir. Kirsten Kingdon (202) 638-4200 x211 Statement By PFLAG President on Matthew Shepard's Death "To the parents of Matthew Shepard, we - who are the parents and families of lesbians, gays, bisexual and transgendered persons - grieve with you in your tragic loss. "We understand that this horrible violence might have happened to our child instead of Matthew. We are deeply concerned about those who will be victimized next. Please know that the love of all PFLAG parents is with you in this time of incomparable loss. "And as the families of gays and lesbians, we call on the Christian Coalition to halt right now their new deceptive televised ads, falsely called 'Truth in Love.' "Their campaign of newspaper ads and TV spots depicts lesbian and gay persons as abnormal, sinful, and in need of change. This campaign creates a national climate which says that our beloved family members are morally inferior. And it tacitly sends the message that aggressive behavior against gays will not only be tolerated - but that they deserve it. "Our children do not deserve it. Get to know them and you will find a new revelation about lesbians and gays. You will find they are your teachers and physicians, pastors and coaches, and very often members of your own families. They are fine just the way they are. "We ask all Americans: Examine your own hearts. Like Matthew's parents, we say that the time is now to stop the violence against all of our loved ones - no matter what their race, religion or sexual orientation is. "We cannot let such horrible violence happen again to anyone's child or loved one. It should never have happened to Matthew." - (Rev.) Paul Beeman, PFLAG President and father of a gay son and lesbian daughter Note: Executive Director Kirsten Kingdon (Wash., DC) and PFLAG President Paul Beeman (Olympia, WA) are available at the numbers above. Also contact one of the 425 PFLAG chapters in your area. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons, their families and friends. PFLAG provides an opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity. PFLAG affiliates are located in 425 communities in the U.S. and abroad.