Task Force Calls for Thorough Probe into Possible Civil Rights Violations in Ferguson, Missouri

WASHINGTON, DC, Aug 15, 2014 —The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is calling on the President and the Justice Department to conduct a thorough investigation into the death of Michael Brown, who was shot and killed by police in Ferguson, Missouri, last Saturday. As a result of Michael’s death, local community activists initiated protests, in which local police responded with alleged excessive force and illegally arresting members of the media.

“I think I speak for millions of Americans when I say that this situation seems to be getting worse rather than better. Our country is faced is a real crisis when those tasked with protecting us, deny us our fundamental freedoms and rights, and when simply walking down a street in your neighborhood becomes a matter of life or death for young Black women, men, and children.

“The systematic targeting and murdering of African-American youth, particularly of young men, is abhorrent and has no place in our society. As a nation we can and must do more to protect everyone from being persecuted because of who they are or who they love.

“We share our deepest condolences with the family of Michael Brown, who remain in our thoughts and prayers. We ask that the FBI leaves no stone unturned when investigating possible civil rights violations by Ferguson police authorities and we ask elected and appointed officials at every level of government to use every tool in their discretion to bring justice to the family of Michael Brown.

“We cannot allow the murders of young Black men like Michael Brown or Trayvon Martin to continue. Nor can we wait any longer for justice because justice delayed is justice denied.”

— Rev. Darlene Nipper, Deputy Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

–30–

To learn more about the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, follow us on Twitter: @TheTaskForce.

Media Contacts:
Mark Daley
Chief Communications and Marketing Officer
(Office) 202.639.6325
(Cell) 202.379.8318
mdaley@thetaskforce.org

Jorge Amaro
Media and Public Relations Director
(Office) 202.639.6306
(Cell) 213.842.7564
jamaro@thetaskforce.org