Date: Thu, 28 Sep 1995 20:20:42 -0700
From: aq981@lafn.org (Thomas Klem)

September 28, 1995

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact information: aq981@lafn.org or Thomas Klem (213) 667-0838 
(machine) or write to GALAH,
P.O. Box 15803, Los Angeles, CA 90015.


ANTI-GAY HEARINGS SHOW GROWING POWER OF
RELIGIOUS RIGHT

	Gay and Lesbian Atheists and Humanists seeks to inform the 
lesbian/gay/bi/transgender community as well as the freethought community 
of an example of the increasing power of the Christian Right within the 
Republican Party and of how that power is being used in the halls of Congress.
	The anti-gay hearings to be held on October 13, 1995 by the House 
Education Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations show the growing 
power of Christian fundamentalists within the Republican Party, and are 
an affront to the cherished American value of Separation of Church and State.  These
hearings, originally scheduled for mid-September, were a result of a 
campaign promise by Congressmember Newt Gingrich (Rep. GA) to Rev. Lou 
Sheldon, leader of the "Traditional Values Coalition,"  (TVC) a 
California based Christian fundamentalist organization which is primarily focused on
trying to deny lesbian, bisexual, and gay Americans equality, safety, and 
dignity.
	After a public uproar based on the nature of the hearings and the 
secrecy surrounding them, the hearings were postponed to the October date 
and the official focus expanded to include sex education, condom 
distribution, and abstinence.  According to Thomas Klem, Chair of Gay and Lesbian Atheists and
Humanists, "Subcommittee Chairman Peter Hoekstra is giving the Religious 
Right the opportunity to promote the fundamentalist agenda on every 
matter having to do with AIDS, homosexuality, and other issues involving human sexuality."
	The ability of Rev. Lou Sheldon to demand and receive a soapbox 
to promote his views in a taxpayer-funded forum represents an attack on 
the American value of Separation of Church and State. 
	"Thomas Jefferson would be appalled to learn that an ordained minister 
can receive this kind of government forum to attempt to impose his 
religious beliefs on others.  Jefferson's 'Wall of Separation' is
under siege," Klem said.



Gay and Lesbian Atheists and Humanists is an organization with four
main goals:
1. Support equal rights for lesbians, gays, and bisexuals.
2. Educate people about atheism and humanism.
3. Support separation of church and state.
4. Provide freethinkers with opportunities to get to know each other.
In the tenth year of its existence, GALAH has a rapidly growing 
membership of over 125.  Historically, GALAH has been a local organization 
in the Los Angeles area, but GALAH has just started outreach to
queer freethinkers nationwide.  To find out more about GALAH, see the 
contact information at the beginning of this release.