THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, July 7, 1995 TAG: 9507070350
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: Short : 39 lines
The Christian Coalition has declined a request by a major gay and lesbian organization to allow its top executive to speak at the conservative organization's annual meeting.
A spokesman for the coalition said the request was a publicity stunt.
Elizabeth Birch, executive director of the Human Rights Campaign Fund, made the request in a letter Wednesday to Christian Coalition executive director Ralph Reed.
The HRCF, based in Washington, is the nation's largest national gay political organization.
Birch asked that she be allowed to speak at the Christian Coalition's ``Road to Victory'' conference this September.
The event draws thousands of social conservatives from around the country.
``The `gay agenda' that is often referred to in your organization's literature is the agenda of the average America - to live life free from discrimination and with equal opportunity to participate in the work of this great country,'' Birch wrote. ``I believe it is time to address our differences face-to-face, and work toward finding solutions that create the best life for all Americans.''
Mike Russell, spokesman for the Christian Coalition, said the organization did not consider the request ``a serious, genuine offer'' because the Human Rights Campaign Fund released the letter to the media before it was received by Reed.
``Clearly this is an act of grandstanding,'' Russell said.
``Ms. Birch is trying her best to create some kind of a media flurry.
``Frankly, given the state of their political fortunes on Capitol Hill these days, I can't blame her for trying.'' by CNB