wfn.org | NCCCUSA Head Condemns Gaither Murder

[CAROL_FOUKE.parti@ecunet.org (CAROL FOUKE)]

National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA
Contact: NCC News, 212-870-2227
Email: news@ncccusa.org  Web: www.ncccusa.org

25NCC3/8/99  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NCC GENERAL SECRETARY CONDEMNS MURDER OF GAY ALABAMA MAN

 NEW YORK, March 8 ---- National Council of Churches General 
Secretary Joan B. Campbell today expressed her shock and sorrow at 
the brutal murder of Billy Jack Gaither, a gay Alabama man, saying, 
"No person should fear for his or her life simply because of who he 
or she is."

 On Feb. 19, Mr. Gaither, a 39-year-old textile worker from 
Sylacauga, Ala., was beaten to death with an ax handle and his body 
burned atop two old tires doused with kerosene.  His remains were 
found the next day by a passer-by.

 Steven Mullins, 25, and Charles Butler Jr., 21, both 
construction workers from Sylacauga, were arrested March 4 and 
charged with the murder.  Police said they had told investigators 
they killed Mr. Gaither because he was homosexual.

 "The National Council of Churches long has spoken out for 
equal protection under the law for all who live in our nation, 
whatever their race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, 
disability or creed," Dr. Campbell said.  "All people merit full 
civil rights including protection from bodily harm, and from denial 
or loss of employment or housing.

 "Our outrage against hate crimes grows each time we add 
another example to the list: Matthew Shepard for being gay, James 
Byrd, Jr., for being black, and so many others whose names never 
make the national headlines."

 She urged people to speak out in their congregations and 
communities against hate crimes and hate group activities, and to 
press the U.S. Congress - and the 29 states, including Alabama, that 
afford no hate crime protections to homosexual people - to enact 
them. 

 "Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Gaither's family, 
friends and community," Dr. Campbell concluded, "with all who have 
suffered such loss, and all whose fear for life and safety is 
heightened by this crime."
 
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