From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Utah discrimination letter Date: Sun, 9 Aug 1998 23:31:24 -0400 (EDT) August 9, 1998 Deseret News Box 1257 Salt Lake City, UT 84110 Dear Editors: Russell Gough uses the phrases "gay lifestyle" and "homosexual lifestyle" in a labored commentary exploring the definitions and implications of the phrase "homophobia" without explaining or defining these "lifestyles." Since the whole point of Gough's commentary is that people have a moral objection to rather than a fear of these "lifestyles," it would have been nice if he had made it clear what he was actually talking about. Gough then further confuses the issue by calling sexual orientation (which is not the same as behavior) a "choice." We agree that "homophobic" is a very specific term that should not be overused. We prefer "heterosexist" as a more accurate way to refer to those who believe heterosexuality is superior to other orientations. But the real problem is not merely the belief that heterosexuality is superior; it is when those beliefs lead people to take legal and legislative action to reserve special rights for heterosexuals. This is what sets heterosexist activists apart from those who merely have a moral objection to whatever they assume non- heterosexuals do. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter went out on IWG letterhead listing 16 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.