"ACLU Challenges Helms Amendment"

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1988. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

"ACLU Challenges Helms Amendment"

Gay Community News (10/30/88) Vol. 16, No. 16, P. 1
Bull, Chris

Abstract: The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) filed suit in federal court Oct. 20 on behalf of a coaliton of AIDS educators to challenge the so-called Helms amendment. The amendment says that funding cannot be used for AIDS education and other programs "designed to promote or encourage, directly, intravenous drug abuse of sexual activity, homosexual or heterosexual." The group, which includes several AIDS advocacy groups, claims in the suit that the amendment inhibits "the ability to promote and encourage healthy sexual alternatives for gay men." The suit asks that all restrictions be removed from AIDS education materials. CCR attorney David Cole said the amendment's ambiguity makes many groups self-censor materials. He cited other cases in which courts have ruled that Congress "cannot discriminate on the basis of viewpoint in allocating funds." ACLU AIDS Project Director Nan Hunter said, "When human life is at stake, materials targeted to the gay community should not be restricted becAUse they encourage people to opt for sexual practices which are healthy."
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