Date: Tue, 09 Nov 1999 01:49:42 -0500 From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Birmingham Shepard, Byrd, Gaither letter November 9, 1999 Birmingham Post-Herald 2200 N. 4th Avenue Birmingham, AL 35202 Dear Editors: We are completely appalled that you published both an editorial against hate crime laws that called "the beating death of a gay man in Wyoming" and "the dragging death of a black man in Texas" "anecdotal outrages" and a letter that called for people of faith to unite and wipe out "nonconforming behavior." The names of those men were Matthew Shepard and James Byrd. And have you completely forgotten that Billy Jack Gaither was murdered eight months ago? Is it too much to ask that we honor the memory of the dead? The reduction of human beings to labels and behaviors is exactly what inspires the kind of violence that killed the people you're trying to forget. Back in March you published a letter from us that concluded "Religious people need to stand with those who are systematically oppressed and speak out against violence and discrimination and for equality and inclusion of all people." Apparantly that thought requires repeating. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter was sent on IWG letterhead listing 17 congregations and religious organizations and 63 clergy from 16 religious traditions. For more letters visit http://www.iwgonline.org/letters/ -- Interfaith Working Group http://www.iwgonline.org/ iwg@iwgonline.org voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 215-232-0829