Subject: IWG Chicago Tribune Matthew Shepard
From: Interfaith Working Group <[email-masked]>
Date: Wed, 21 Oct 1998 00:38:54 -0400 (EDT)

October 20, 1998

The Chicago Tribune
435 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

Dear Editors:

We share Clarence Page's concern about hate-crime laws;
they should not be written in a way that restricts free
speech or the free exercise of religion.  We also agree
that it is past time to repeal laws that create legal
inequalities between heterosexuals and non-
heterosexuals.  We do believe, however, that he has
missed two major points.

The difference between crimes inspired by hate and
other crimes is that they are aimed not just at the
individual who suffers directly, but at everyone who
shares the characteristic that inspired the attack. 
Crimes like the murder of Matthew Shepard influence
others to imitate them and serve by reference as a
weapon of intimidation.   

Regardless of what the law says, intimidation will
continue as long as hateful attitudes go unchallenged. 
Religious people who support full legal and religious
recognition of the equality of sexual minorities and
their families need to stand with those who are
systematically oppressed and speak out against violence
and discrimination.

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
[email-masked]                      and clergy supporting gay rights,
http://www.libertynet.org/iwg/          reproductive freedom, and the 
215-235-3050                            separation of church and state.