The groups are deeply concerned that the campaign for equality is being stalled by recent set-backs in the British and European courts, and by the unwillingness of the new Labour Government to repeal discriminatory laws.

Two recent examples are the failed case of Lisa Grant and the prosecution of the Bolton 7. (See GayToday, World features, February 16 and February 23.)

The new Forum is drawing strong support from the community as it unites both small and large organizations from every corner of the British Isles.

The organizations will meet to plan the launch of a national offensive for gay rights on Saturday, 4th April, 1:30 p.m. at Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, London WC1, (Holborn tube).

The meeting will formulate campaigning priorities, strategies and methods, in order to maximize the pressure on the Labour Government to deliver homosexual human rights.

The new Forum 's objective is to give notice to the Government, all political parties, and all members of Parliament that the continuing denial of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender human rights is intolerable, and that we are no longer prepared to be treated as second-class citizens.

All local groups and campaigning organizations are invited to attend the Forum, strengthening the 40+ strong national network. Names must be registered (free) before 10 a.m., Saturday, 4th April.

For registration contact: Ian Farmer: 0171-231 5183.

The following groups have now committed to the Forum:

CHE - Campaign for Homosexual Equality,
Coventry and Warwickshire Coalition,
DNA,
Eddie Surman Trust,
GALHA - Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association,
GMFA - Gay Men Fighting AIDS,
GUYZ,
Independent Democrats,
Inside Out,
Labour Campaign for Lesbian and Gay Rights,
LAGER - Lesbian and Gay Employment Rights,
LAGPA,
LGCM - Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement,
Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Consortium,
Liberal Democrat Lesbian and Gay Action,
London Friend,
Midlands Publishing Group,
National Ass. of Citizens' Advice Bureau,
NUS LGB Campaign,
NUT - National Union of Teachers,
NIGRA - Northern Ireland Gay Rights Association,
OutRage!,
Outright Scotland,
PACE - Project for Advice, Counseling, and Education,
Pink Chalk,
Portsmouth NUS Lesbian and Gay Group,
Rank Outsiders,
Scottish Equality Network,
Silver March Group,
Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence,
Socialist Party Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Group,
Stonewall,
Stonewall Housing,
Stonewall Pensions,
Torche - Tory Campaign for Homosexual Equality,
Youthspeak;

The meeting will be attended by Lisa Grant and Jill Percey.

Thirteen additional organizations and charities are currently seeking a mandate from their respective committees to publicly release their involvement with the Forum after 4th April.

Please feel free to disseminate this message in furtherance of equality.

Further details are on the OutRage! web site: http://www.OutRage.cygnet.co.uk/FUKQ.htm