Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2000 23:50:32 -0500 From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Portland Maine Vermont letter January 9, 2000 Portland Press Herald Box 1460 Portland, ME 04101 Dear Editors: M.D. Harmon and David Frum (whom Harmon quoted in his January 3 anti-marriage editorial) are factually incorrect. It is not true that "all the world's religious faiths" limit their definition of marriage to mixed-gender marriage. Nor does the recognition of equal marriage rights for same-gender couples somehow devalue marriage for mixed-gender couples. In fact, there are legally-married heterosexuals among the strongest and most active supporters of both civil and religious marriage for same-gender couples. But regardless of that, United States law is based on the Constitution, not any set of religious beliefs. The Constitution guarantees equal protection under the law. And until states recognize the marriages of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, that Constitutional obligation is not being met. 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. Commentaries from clergy can be read at http://www.iwgonline.org/pulpit/ -- Interfaith Working Group PO Box 11706 Philadelphia, PA 19101 http://www.iwgonline.org/ iwg@iwgonline.org voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 215-232-0829