WHEREAS, President Clinton has taken the first steps toward ending
discrimination against lesbians and gay men in the military; and
WHEREAS, the response to this modest initiative has included
a vitriolic, mean-spirited smear campaign designed to foster the impression
that lesbians and gay men are undeserving of basic human rights and simple
dignity; and
WHEREAS, this shameful assault is directly linked to the continuing
oppression of women, members of racial and ethnic minorities, and others
viewed as being outside of the mainstream; and
WHEREAS, the actions of the administration and Congress on this
issue will provide a clear indication of the depth of their commitment
to fundamental justice.
THEREFORE, the National Organization for Women demands that
President Clinton and Congress support an unequivocal ban on discrimination
against lesbians and gay men in the military and that they reject such
insulting alternatives as segregated units and restricted duties. Nothing
less than full equality is acceptable.