NLGJA Praises Reporter Judith Miller

WASHINGTON -- The National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA) today praises the integrity of New York Times journalist Judith Miller -- who has rightly refused to disclose a confidential source -- and strongly condemns the misguided contempt ruling that has subsequently sent Miller to a federal detention center for her professionalism.

After refusing to bow to months of pressure to divulge her source, Miller was jailed Wednesday.

"The ability of journalists to deliver essential information to the public -- and to get all of the facts of a story -- is at stake," said Eric Hegedus, NLGJA national president. "Confidential sources are not taken lightly and are, at times, an important way of guaranteeing the evolution of the truth. When the courts wrongly strip away this essential freedom of the press, the public's right to know is the eventual victim."

The National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association is an organization of journalists, media professionals, educators and students who work within the news industry to foster fair and accurate coverage of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues. NLGJA opposes all forms of workplace bias and provides professional development to its members.