INTEGRITY - ALABAMA

The Alabama chapter of the national organization
of lesbian and gay Episcopalians and their friends

PRESS RELEASE: March 8, 1999

INTEGRITY - ALABAMA
MOURNS ANOTHER DEATH
CALLS ON CHURCH TO ACT

Integrity – Alabama reacts with grief and outrage at the brutal murder of another gay man, the second within six months. Billy Jack Gaither was murdered here in Alabama on February 19, 1999. We ask the Bishop, clergy, and all members of our diocese, and people of goodwill everywhere to join us in prayer for him and for his family as they mourn his loss. We call on religious leaders of all faiths and denominations to not only make statements condemning this brutal murder, but also to take action to uphold, defend and protect the right of lesbian and gay people in our country to a life free from fear and hatred.

Specifically we ask the leaders of our Church and others actively to support Hate Crimes legislation on the local and national level. Such laws are needed, if for no other reason, than to send a clear message that violence directed toward gay and lesbian people is not acceptable in our society. Just one week prior to the murder, Integrity – Alabama had sponsored a resolution calling on the Diocese of Alabama to take a stand and urge lawmakers to pass the Hate Crimes Prevention Act that would include sexual orientation. Unfortunately the resolution was defeated in committee and never made it to the convention floor.

Billy Jack Gaither was killed at a place often used for the celebration of Holy Baptism. This evil juxtaposition only heightens our grief and outrage. We hope, however, that it is a further and final call to action for the Church to stand strongly for the fundamental right to life and the dignity of every human person. Integrity – Alabama will take a pilgrimage to the sight today to offer prayers.

CONTACTS:

Integrity – Alabama
Ron Gatlin phone: 256-512-9839
Convener e-mail: rgatlin@advicom.net