Published by: World Tibet Network News , Wednesday, June 18, 1997

THE OFFICE OF TIBET

241 East 32nd St., New York, NY 10016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 11, 1997

12:30 p.m. WST

On June 11, 1997, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in response to concerns raised by lay Buddhist practitioners, met with a group of gay and lesbian theologians, academicians, authors and activists to discuss issues concerning homosexuality and Buddhism.

His Holiness was greatly concerned by reports made available to him regarding violence and discrimination against gay and lesbian people. His Holiness opposes violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation. He urges respect, tolerance, compassion, and the full recognition of human rights for all.

His Holiness discuss issues relating to Buddhism and sexuality with the gay and lesbian participates. since these matters are complex and require careful consideration, His Holiness welcomes the invitation and suggestion for further study and discussion on human sexuality to be organized by some of the meeting's participants.

For further information, contact Dawa Tsering, Representative to His Holiness the Dalai Lama or Glen Kelly, Assistant to Dawa Tsering, Tel: 212/213-5010.