From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Norfolk VA church/state/religion/orientation Date: Sat, 1 Aug 1998 09:39:17 -0400 (EDT) July 30, 1998 Norfolk Virginian-Pilot PO Box 449 Norfolk, VA 23501-0449 Dear Editors: In answer to Bradley C. Reel (letter, July 17), homosexuals are not a collective group any more than heterosexuals are a group, or Christians are a group. However, sexual minorities suffer from legalized oppression that people with other identifying traits do not. The marriages of same-gender couples are not recognized by any state, in some states sexual activities that are legal for a mixed-gender couples are not legal for same-gender couples, and in many states it is legal to discriminate in hiring and housing on the basis of sexual orientation. While legalized sexual orientation discrimination can be applied equally to both majority and minority orientations, it is much more often used against the minority. Similar discrimination on the basis of race, gender, or religion is generally illegal. Equal treatment does not imply approval. As a society governed by law, we treat people of all religions equally; this does not mean that every person approves of all religions. 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.