From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Amarillo Adoption Discrimination letter Date: Sat, 12 Sep 1998 23:22:56 -0400 (EDT) September 12, 1998 Amarillo Globe News PO Box 2091 Amarillo, TX 79166 Dear Editors: We were appalled by your August 27 editorial. You mentioned that Florida and New Hampshire have passed laws prohibiting adoption by "homosexuals," meaning same-sex couples. But you fail to mention that New Jersey recently clarified its adoption policies explicitly allow adoption by same-sex couples. We wonder how you would react to a proposal to forbid the placement of children in religious minority households. There are always many "potentially awkward" situations that can arise in households where children--adopted or otherwise--are being raised. Indeed, if we were to eliminate all "potentially awkward" environments, we doubt there would be any suitable adoptive or foster parents left. We do not believe common sense dictates that every mixed-gender couple is automatically more qualified as parents than any same-gender couple, and yet you are suggesting that every same-gender couple be automatically disqualified from adoption, while other human characteristics with potentially much worse consequences than "awkwardness" are left to the discretion of those making the placement. Individuals and families should be judged on their own merits, not based on demographics or ancient prejudices. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter went out on IWG letterhead listing 15 congregations and organizations and 59 clergy from 16 religious traditions. 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. -- Interfaith Working Group Religious organizations, congregations iwg@libertynet.org and clergy supporting gay rights, http://www.libertynet.org/iwg/ reproductive freedom, and the 215-235-3050 separation of church and state.