From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG NY Times FRC letter Date: Sun, 6 Dec 1998 23:21:01 -0500 (EST) December 5, 1998 The New York Times 229 W. 43rd St. New York, NY 10036 Dear Editors: In answer to Frank Rich's question, the only thing that will discourage the Family Research Council from their campaigns of illogical disinformation will be Americans' refusal to accept and financially support their nonsense. A December 4 commentary by the FRC's Steven A. Schwalm detailed the organization's opposition to the repeal of laws regulating private consensual sexual activity. Despite acknowledging that sodomy laws are rarely if ever enforced, Mr. Schwalm contends that they limit the spread of disease, and increase social stability by preventing sex education. adoption, and marriage. And though Mr. Schwalm doesn't mention it, such laws are also used as an excuse not to implement domestic partnership benefits and anti-discrimination policies. So somehow, according to Schwalm, teaching people they are abnormal and inherently immoral, failing to teach them safe-sex practices, encouraging them to marry people they aren't sexually attracted to, and discouraging stable housing and employment, monogamy, and the responsibility of parenthood keeps people from engaging in high-risk, socially destabilizing behavior. If the FRC is really interested in helping families, they would support gay-friendly religious institutions, non-discrimination in housing and employment, domestic partnership benefits, adoption by same-gender couples, and same- gender marriage. 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.