Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2000 02:15:31 -0500 From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: Deseret News January 13, 2000 Deseret News Box 1257 Salt Lake City, UT 84110 Dear Editors: Lynn D. Wardle's commentary on the Vermont Supreme Court decision was rife with confusing and unfounded assertions. The Court simply stated the fundamental legal rights of sexual minorities without redressing any grievances. Wardle's assertion that "there are profound differences between the union of a man and a woman and the union of two men or of two women" is a mere opinion, and gender stereotyping besides; it is not science or good public policy. Current marriage law does discriminate on the basis of gender; it was also religious and racial discrimination to attempt to limit civil marriage to same-faith and same-race couples. Every civil marriage is a unique relationship between two consenting adults, who are entitled to equal protection under the law. Sincerely, Barbara Lamond Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter was sent on IWG letterhead listing 18 congregations and religious organizations and 63 clergy from 16 religious traditions. Would you like to start an Interfaith Working Group in your area? http://www.iwgonline.org/regions/ -- Interfaith Working Group PO Box 11706 Philadelphia, PA 19101 http://www.iwgonline.org/ iwg@iwgonline.org voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 215-232-0829