From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Washington Post Survey Response Date: Mon, 28 Dec 1998 00:07:58 -0500 (EST) December 26, 1998 The Washington Post 1150 15th Street NW Washington, DC 20071 Dear Editors: Thank you for the in-depth coverage of American attitudes about homosexuality. However, we must disagree with your final analysis. Most recent polls, yours included, have demonstrated that approximately 30% of the population believes that gay people deserve all the same rights as everyone else; that homosexuality and heterosexuality are morally equivalent; and/or that same-gender couples should be treated the same as mixed gender couples. This is between 3 and 30 times the percentage of the population that is actually gay, depending on whose numbers you are using. These results demonstrate a broad and growing base of support for equal rights for sexual minorities, most evident in policy changes and ongoing policy debates in religious institutions. Your efforts to understand and communicate the conflicting beliefs of the shrinking majority were both admirable and useful, but why not convene a focus group that would shed light on why 28% or more of the population is comfortable with same-gender sexual orientation, whether they always held that opinion, and if not, what changed their minds? 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 voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 232-0829 separation of church and state.