GIRL SCOUTS ATTACKED FOR INCLUSION OF LESBIANS AND GAYS

A group of religious extremists called the American Family Association, based in Tupelo Mississippi, is attacking the Girl Scouts because that organization refuses to discriminate against lesbians and gays.

Unlike the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts has always been inclusive. In the mid-90s, the organization went on the public record with a statement to the Associated Press that said it does not discriminate based on sexual orientation.

A few months ago, the Girl Scout national president, Connie Matsui, made favorable remarks about a video called "That's A Family," which positively depicts lesbian and gay family groups. (Ms. Matsui attended a screening at the White House during the final days of the Clinton Administration.) The bigots at the American Family Association have sent 10,000 letters of protest to the national Girl Scout organization, demanding that Ms. Matsui retract her statement and/or resign. In contrast, the Girl Scouts have receive only 5 -- that's right, five -- letters of support.

Please write to Ms. Matsui and let her know that we appreciate the Girl Scouts' stand on behalf of diversity and of gay and lesbian families. And please forward this message to all of your friends.

**Send messages to cmatsui@girlscouts.org**

It's important that the Girl Scouts hear from us, since they are beginning to equivocate on their stand. Let them know that they are doing the right thing!

Thank you

Shane Murphy
Goldsmith Housing Improvement Project Coordinator
Legal Aid Foundation of LA
1102 Crenshaw Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
Phone (323) 801-7952
Fax (323) 801-7921