Subject: IWG Utah discrimination letter
From: Interfaith Working Group <[email-masked]>
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
[email-masked]                      and clergy supporting gay rights,
http://www.libertynet.org/iwg/          reproductive freedom, and the 
215-235-3050                            separation of church and state.