 |
Political Ads Attack Democrats Over Gay Military Issues Alienates Mainstream Voters Who Decide 2000 Election |
|
Compiled By GayToday
Washington, D.C.--- Newly-crafted Republican National Committee (RNC) TV ads supporting the military's flawed "Don't ask, don't tell" policy are showcasing the Republican Party's efforts to portray gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people as unworthy of equal rights, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force said Monday. According to recently published reports, the national GOP Committee plans to air TV spots on the issue in Iowa, New Hampshire, and other key primary states.A report recently released by the Policy Institute of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force shows overwhelming opposition to sexual orientation-based discrimination in the military, even among conservatives. The report, From Wrongs to Rights: Public Opinion on Gay and Lesbian Americans Moves Toward Equality 1973-1999, authored by Columbia University political scientist Alan Yang, reveals that American public opinion is more supportive of equality than are most lawmakers and politicians.
For example, a 1999 Gallup survey showed 70 percent of respondents favor the right of gays and lesbians to serve in the military. And a 1996 National Elections Studies survey showed 57 percent of conservatives, 70 percent of moderates and 91 percent of liberals support ending discrimination. "The anti-gay conservatives have not heard that it's a new millennium," Isaacs said. "These ads pander to the extreme right wing and risk alienating mainstream voters who will decide this election |
