From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Birmingham Post-Herald Billy Jack Gaither Date: Mon, 8 Mar 1999 00:17:45 -0500 (EST) March 6, 1999 Birmingham Post-Herald 2200 N. 4th Avenue Birmingham, AL 35202 Dear Editors: We appreciated Elaine Witt's column about Billy Jack Gaither. We do believe that sexual orientation should be added to hate crime laws. But that can't be all. We are all responsible when people who have been set apart, stereotyped, and legally discriminated against are attacked for being different. Mr. Gaither was by all accounts a fine, religious human being. He was also beaten to death and burned simply because he was gay. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people do not have the same legal rights and responsibilities that everyone else takes for granted. They continue to be portrayed (inaccurately) both as a threat to society at large and as condemned by all religious institutions. Religious people need to stand with those who are systematically oppressed and speak out against violence and discrimination and for equality and inclusion of all people. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter went out on IWG letterhead listing 17 congregations and organizations and 61 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 http://www.libertynet.org/iwg and clergy supporting gay rights, iwg@libertynet.org reproductive freedom, and the voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 232-0829 separation of church and state. Sunday May 16, 1999 5pm. Marching In the Light: IWG Benefit Concert. Old First Reformed Church. 4th and Race, Philadelphia, PA. See the web page.