Subject: IWG Diversity of Pride Parade Coverage Letters Date: Tue, 11 Jun 1996 00:13:10 -0400 (EDT) From: Chris Purdom The following went out on IWG letterhead listing 2 congregations, 4 religious organizations and 24 clergy from 10 faiths and denominations. If you are in the general Philadelphia area and represent a congregation or religious organization or are clergy, let us know if you want to be added - all faiths are welcome. We will also be happy to help start similar organizations in other areas. Visit the web page at http://www.libertynet.org/~iwg/ or http://www.qrd.org/qrd/www/religion/orgs/iwg/ June 9, 1996 Denise Haley Assignment Editor Inquirer News Tonight WPHL Channel 17 5001 Wynnefield Ave. Phila., PA 19131 Dear Ms. Haley: Thank you for your excellent coverage of the Diversity of Pride Parade. We were particularly pleased with the diversity of the participants you showed, and the number and diversity of direct responses to the Cardinal's opposition to Domestic Partnership benefits. Having watched all five local newscasts this evening, we can safely say that you had the most extensive and balanced report. It would have been nice, however, to get reactions from, or at least mention the presence of, some of the many religious groups in the parade. Should you ever need interviews with gay-friendly clergy, please give us a call. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators June 9, 1996 Dave Davis News Director Action News WPVI Channel 6 4100 City Line Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19131 Dear Mr. Davis: Thank you for your coverage of the Diversity of Pride Parade. Of the five local news shows you were the only one which specifically included a religious counterpoint to the Cardinal. Chuck Volz, as a Catholic and the coordinator of the parade, was certainly uniquely qualified to speak on the subject. Your station's coverage of the Diversity of Pride Parade has improved dramatically over the last two years. We wanted you to know that some of us in the religious community greatly appreciate the change. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators June 9, 1996 Jeff Bartlett News Director Eyewitness News KYW Channel 3 Independence Mall East Philadelphia, PA 19106 Dear Mr. Bartlett: Thank you for your coverage of the Diversity of Pride Parade. You were the only station of the five local newscasts to mention the memorial service for victims of AIDS and anti-gay violence. Your characterization of the parade as a carnival and an opportunity to celebrate was a huge improvement over reports that were slanted to show the most peculiar behavior as though it were typical of all members of the community every day. The only criticism we can offer is that it would have been nice to at least mention the participation of the many religious groups in the parade as a balance to the comments from the Cardinal. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators June 9, 1996 Roger LaMay The 10 O'Clock News WXTF Fox 29 4th and Market Philadelphia, PA 19106 Dear Mr. LaMay: We were appalled by tonight's coverage of the Diversity of Pride Parade and the religious letter- writing campaign in opposition to Domestic Partnership benefits. There was no mention of religious support for the Mayor's Executive Order, nor coverage of the many religious groups in the parade. Heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality are sexual orientations, not sexual "preferences," as the reporter stated. Also, the phrase "traditional religious leaders" (describing those opposed to the Mayor's action) was, at best, questionable, since the "traditional" religious values of love, neighborliness, and concern for others were certainly not demonstrated by any of the people you interviewed. Whether the gay community in Philadelphia has a great deal of financial and political clout seems questionable (as the reporter also claimed) in light of the the limited scope of the order which Mayor Rendell took so long to sign. You will find, however, that gay-rights activists of all sexual orientations are adept at using fax machines. Should your station ever overcome this recently acquired anti-gay prejudice, we would be happy to supply you with a list of gay-friendly clergy for interviews. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators