
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, December 11, 1993                   TAG: 9312110096
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Los Angeles Times
DATELINE: SAN FRANCISCO                                LENGTH: Short

FBI ENDS DISCRIMINATION AGAINST GAY AGENTS

Reversing a longstanding policy that effectively barred openly gay men and lesbians from its ranks, the FBI pledged Friday not to discriminate against applicants and employees on the basis of sexual orientation or conduct.

The change in policy, heralded as a major victory by gay rights advocates, was announced as part of an agreement to settle a class action lawsuit brought by former FBI agent Frank Buttino, who was fired after his supervisors received an anonymous letter informing them that he is gay.

While not admitting wrongdoing, the FBI agreed to adopt guidelines barring discrimination against homosexuals and to hire a lesbian applicant who was rejected for a job in 1987.

The settlement still must be approved by Assistant Attorney General Frank Hunger and U.S. District Judge Saundra Brown Armstrong, who was hearing Buttino's case. But representatives of both sides said they consider it a done deal, noting that Attorney General Janet Reno last week ordered all branches of the Justice Department to cease discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Spokesman Joe Krovisky said the Justice Department is "satisfied with the proposed settlement."

Buttino, a decorated 20-year veteran of the FBI, called the agreement "a victory for all Americans" and said it would "give hope" to the numerous homosexuals who have contacted him and shared their stories of fear and discrimination.

"I think this settlement is reflective of a new attitude in Washington," said Buttino, 48, who lives in San Diego. "It's a credit to the [Clinton] administration that they didn't fight us all the way."

by CNB