May 23, 2001: Anti-gay groups in public schools -
Needs Immediate Attention

Dear Friends,

As early as tomorrow (5/24/01), the Senate and the House could vote on an education bill amendment introduced by Rep. Van Hilleary (R-TN) and Sen. Jesse Helms (R-NC) that would take all federal funds away from public schools that prohibit the Boy Scouts or other groups that discriminate against gays and lesbians from using public school facilities.

Since it is already illegal for public schools to treat the Boy Scouts differently because of their beliefs, this legislation is unnecessary. Simply put, the Helms/Hilleary amendment is an endorsement of discrimination. It would also give the Boy Scouts and other anti-gay groups a unique new right, thus violating the constitutional prohibition on the government promoting or penalizing a specific viewpoint.

Please contact Sens. Frist and Thompson and your Congressional representative immediately.

Please let us know what you hear from your legislators.

Many thanks.
Hedy Weinberg, Executive Director