minority groups-the same rights, provided in the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, as are guaranteed to all citizens. These include the rights to the pursuit of happiness, and to equality of opportunity; the right, as human beings, to develop and achieve their full potential and dignity; and the right, as citizens, to be allowed to make their maximum contribution to the society in which they live-rights which Federal policy and practice now deny them.

The society feels that prejudice directed against an individual, for no cause other than an unconventional sexual preference, is unwarranted, and that harsh, discriminatory action taken on the basis of such prejudice, with its incident waste of useful talent and manpower, is not consistent with the national welfare. It is felt that personal and popular prejudice cannot be eliminated as long as oficial prejudice exists and is indulged.

For this reason, the society's primary effort will be directed to four main areas: First, the clearly improper, discriminatory policies of the U.S. Civil Service Commission, policies which are plainly unconstitutional, and which operate against the best interests of the country, in that they act to deprive the Nation of the services of many clearly wellqualified citizens who have much to offer. That these policies are quite needless is demonstrated by the fact that, despite them, there are at least 200,000 homosexuals in the Federal service, and have been for many years, with no ill effects.

Second, the Armed Forces' needless and harshly administered policies of exclusion. The present practice of giving less than fully honorable discharges to homosexuals is unnecessarily vicious. In view of the fact that the Armed Forces also presently include at least a quarter-million homosexuals in all ranks, without ill effects, and that over a million served well and honorably in World War

II, present policy seems open to serious question.

Third, the illogical policies of our securityclearance system for civilian and military Government personnel, and for those in private industry, under which all homosexuals, as a group, are regarded as security risks, without consideration of the merits of each individual case. Despite the continuing presence of some quarter-million homosexuals with security clearances, at all levels, and within the cognizance of all agencies, the number of breaches of security resulting from homosexuality is' virtually, if not actually, nil. Examination will show that present policies foster just that susceptibility to blackmail against which these policies are supposed to protect.

Fourth, the area of local law, both its provisions and its administration and enforcement. The society feels that the example of the State of Illinois should be followed, in legalizing private relations.on the part of consenting adults, but that, in any case, action must be taken against existing, often flagrant and shocking abuses and violations of due process and of proper rights, liberties, and freedoms in this area.

The organization seeks a reassessment and reconsideration, of present, totally unrealistic Federal policy and practice, law and regulation, on homosexuality. A New Frontier approach to official policies and practices which relegate over 15 million Americans to second-class citizenship is long overdue and badly needed. The Government, hitherto, has attempted to sweep this problem under the rug and, ostrichlike, has refused to face the situation or to deal with it' in a logical fashion.

The Mattachine Society of Washington is confident that all intelligent, informed, public-spirited citizens will join them in their efforts to achieve a fresh and reasonable approach to this problem.

FOREIGN PUBLICATIONS

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Published monthly since 1932 in French, German, and English (no transla. tion duplications) Contains photos, illustrations, and art reproductions. Rolf, editor. Annual subscription $11 first class sealed. Rank draft or cash to Lesezirkel Der Kreis, Postfach $47, Fraumunster, Zurich 22, Switzerland. Arcadie

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mattachine REV

Unpopular Causes

A House District subcommittee is to hold a hearing this morning on an unfortunate bill introduced by Rep, John Dowdy of Texas. The bill would amend the District of Columbia Charitable Solicitation Act in two ways. First, it would forbid the issuance of a certificate of registration to any organization soliciting charitable contributions in the District unless the District Commissioners find that "the solicitation which would be authorized by such certificate will benefit or assist in promoting the health, welfare, and the morals of the District of Columbia." The second amendment would revoke a certificate of registration already issued to the Mattachine Society of Washington.

To make the solicitation of funds for an organization concetried with ideas dependent upon official approval of the purpose for which the funds are to be used would be to put a very serious crimp in the right of expression and petition. There is little need for a constitutional guarantee of free speech for ideas which already enjoy majority acceptance. The First Amendment was added to the Constitution to protect the advocacy of unpopular and unorthodox ideas. Mr. Dowdy's first section would violate the First Amendment.

There is little doubt that the attachine Society espouses an unconventional cause. It is a social action group dedicated, according to its constitution, "to improving the status of the homosexual in our society, in the interest both of that minority group and of the Nation." It aims, in short, to protect the rights of homosexuals and to promote understanding of them. It does not function in any way, of course, to promote homosexual activity.

We think that the organization has a clear right to make a plea for public support. The law under which it was licensed to do so is simply a law which recognizes that right. Mr. Dowdy's second section, revoking the license, looks to us very much like a bill of attainder-a legislative act inflicting punishment without judicial trial. The Constitution flatly forbids Congress to pass a bill of attainder.

Editorial from The Washington Post, August 8, 1963