From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Long Beach CA Marriage and Morality Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 23:33:45 -0500 (EST) November 19, 1998 Long Beach Press-Telegram 604 Pine Avenue Long Beach, CA 90844-0001 Dear Editors: Marie Gallagher's column about the marriage vote in Hawaii made some good points about positive statements about social and moral values, but she completely mischaracterized the marriage debate. The legal recognition of same-gender marriage would make very positive moral and social points--that we as a people value committed, caring relationships and that we do not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation or religion. Ms. Gallagher is perfectly free to make gender-based limitations on civil marriage recognition sound like positive reinforcement of social ideals, but no matter how nicely she phrases her position, it is still legal discrimination. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter went out on IWG letterhead listing 16 congregations and organizations and 60 clergy from 15 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.