HRC’s Changing Roles
The Community’s Political Action Committee (cont’d)
HRCF often fought to defeat anti-gay candidates by publicizing their homophobic stance on particular legislation and by supporting their political opponents. In 1987, HRCF ran a series of advertisements against Senator Jesse Helms, R-NC, and against his hostile amendment to the Federal AIDS Research, Information and Care Act. In Senator Helms’ own words, the amendment, which did pass:
“simply stipulates that federal dollars cannot be used to promote or encourage homosexual sexual activity (sodomy) and that all AIDS education, information and activities must emphasize abstinence from sexual activity outside a monogamous marriage, including abstinence from homosexual sexual activity.” (November 3, 1987 letter to HRCF)
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HRCF advertisement. “Jesse Helms is Prepared to Sabotage the Nation’s First AIDS Research and Education Bill.” November 1987. HRC Records. [zoom] |
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Human Rights Campaign Fund. Memorandum, “Senator Jesse Helms has...” November 1987. HRC Records. [zoom] |
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Senator Jesse Helms. Letter to Human Rights Campaign Fund. November 3, 1987. HRC Records. [zoom] |