THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Tuesday, August 2, 1994                TAG: 9408020522
SECTION: FRONT                    PAGE: A6   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS 
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                         LENGTH: Short :   40 lines

SENATE VOTES TO CUT OFF AID FOR SCHOOLS THAT OK GAY LIFESTYLE

The Senate voted Monday to cut off federal funds to any school district that teaches acceptance of homosexuality as a lifestyle.

The 63-36 vote on a proposal by Sens. Jesse Helms, R-N.C., and Bob Smith, R-N.H., came during debate on reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Act, which provides $12.5 billion in federal funds to the nation's public schools.

Smith said schools use the money to buy books and materials ``so graphic and so disgusting that I can't display them here on the floor of the United States Senate.''

But Sen. Paul Wellstone, D-Minn., said the provision would forbid counseling of gay students, who he said are up to three times as likely to commit suicide as other teenagers. He called the amendment ``very mean-spirited.''

The measure would cut federal aid to districts that ``carry out a program or activity that has either the purpose or effect of encouraging or supporting homosexuality as a positive lifestyle alternative.''

It includes distribution of instructional materials, counseling and referral of students to gay organizations. ILLUSTRATION: Graphic

HOW THEY VOTED

John W. Warner, R-Va. Yes

Charles S. Robb, D-Va. No

Jesse A. Helms, R-N.C. Yes

Lauch Faircloth, R-N.C. Yes

by CNB