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Attorney General Ashcroft Meets with Log Cabin

First Meeting with Civil Rights Organization, New Attorney General Reaches Out to All Americans

February 22, 2001

(WASHINGTON, DC) – In his first meeting with a civil rights organization, Attorney General John Ashcroft met today with the leadership of Log Cabin Republicans, the nation's largest gay Republican organization, at his office in the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.

"This meeting was another step in solidifying a working relationship with the Attorney General and the Department of Justice on civil rights issues and matters of concern to gay and lesbian Americans," said Rich Tafel, executive director of Log Cabin Republicans, who attended the meeting. "The Attorney General made clear again that he will enforce the law equally for all Americans, and that equal protection under the law means that no one will be left out."

Log Cabin Republicans officials and the Attorney General discussed ways to work together on issues in the purview of the Attorney General, who acts as the nation's top law enforcer. In his confirmation testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Ashcroft stated repeatedly that sexual orientation will not be a consideration in Justice Department employment or appointments, that he would enforce all laws and regulations protecting gay and lesbian federal workers from employment discrimination, that the gay and lesbian DOJ Pride employee organization would continue to meet and organize in the Department under his leadership, and that federal civil rights laws will be vigorously enforced.

"We look forward to being an ongoing resource to the Attorney General and his staff on a range of issues of concern to the gay and lesbian community, and the civil rights community," Tafel said. "This ongoing relationship sends a message to the nation that the Attorney General and the Bush Administration are serious about a commitment to equal protection under the law."

Those attending the meeting with Attorney General Ashcroft from Log Cabin Republicans, in addition to Tafel, were: Robert Stears, Chairman of Log Cabin Republicans; Bill Brownson, Vice Chairman of Log Cabin Republicans; Robert Kabel, Chairman of the Liberty Education Fund; and Kevin Ivers, Log Cabin Republicans Director of Public Affairs.

Log Cabin Republicans is the nation's largest gay and lesbian Republican organization, with state and local chapters nationwide, a full-time national office and a federal political action committee.