CNN May 15, 2007 - Rev. Jerry Falwell Dead at 73 [ watch ]

Sample of Anti-Gay Comments by the Rev. Jerry Falwell [ watch ]

New York, May 15, 2007 -- Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) President Neil G. Giuliano today expressed condolences to the family of the Rev. Jerry Falwell, who died today at age 73, and urged media reporting on the death of the evangelical leader to explore in full the legacy of his public comments regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and families.
 
"The passing of as public a figure as Jerry Falwell naturally garners intense media attention," Giuliano said. "Our condolences are with the Rev. Falwell's family and loved ones during this emotional time.  And as the nation's media examine Falwell's life and legacy, it is important that they focus attention on the damaging impact of his rhetoric and advocacy on millions of gay and lesbian people and families."
 
For decades, Falwell was one of the leading voices of the extreme right, routinely sought out by the media to debate LGBT civil rights from the perspective of anti-gay fundamentalism.  
 
GLAAD is encouraging media outlets to report on Falwell's history of denigrative comments and examine the cultural progress toward inclusion, acceptance and respect that he fought against. Video clips of some of Falwell's media appearances are available at www.glaad.org.

"As they look back on the life of the Rev. Falwell, media have an opportunity and a responsibility to reflect on the outdated, hurtful attitudes and beliefs he embodied," Giuliano said. "It's an important opportunity to take stock of how far our nation has come in moving toward a more respectful and inclusive society, and how far we still have to go."

About GLAAD

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org.

###