FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 15, 2012

Contact: Elizabeth Ray or Jen Campbell (703-683-5004)

"Today's attack is the clearest sign we've seen that labeling pro-marriage groups as 'hateful' must end."—Brian Brown, NOM president—

Washington, D.C.—Today, the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) immediately condemned today's attack upon the Family Research Council (FRC) and offered its "heartfelt prayers" for the heroic security guard who apprehended an armed assailant expressing disagreement with FRC's positions before opening fire, shooting the security guard in the process. The FBI is investigating the incident as a case of domestic terrorism.

"Today's attack is the clearest sign we've seen that labeling pro-marriage groups as 'hateful' must end," said Brian Brown, President of NOM. "The Southern Poverty Law Center has labeled the Family Research Council a 'hate group' for its pro-marriage views, and less than a day ago the Human Rights Campaign issued a statement calling FRC a 'hate group'—they even specified that FRC hosts events in Washington, DC, where today's attack took place."

"NOM has always condemned all violence and vilification connected to our ongoing national debate about the meaning and definition of marriage," Brown stated. "For too long national gay rights groups have intentionally marginalized and ostracized pro-marriage groups and individuals by labeling them as 'hateful' and 'bigoted' -- such harmful and dangerous labels deserve no place in our civil society and NOM renews its call today for gay rights groups and the Southern Poverty Law Center to withdraw such incendiary rhetoric from a debate that involves millions of good Americans," added Brown.

Brown concluded: "Violence is never the answer, and on that we all must agree, or risk the consequences."

###

To schedule an interview with Brian Brown, President of the National Organization for Marriage, please contact Elizabeth Ray (x130), [email protected], or Jen Campbell (x145), [email protected], at 703-683-5004.

Paid for by The National Organization for Marriage, Brian Brown, president. 2029 K Street NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006, not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. New § 68A.405(1)(f) & (h).