Date: Wed, 05 Jan 2000 00:17:20 -0500 From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Washington Times marriage letter December 29, 1999 Washington Times 3600 New York Avenue NE Washington, DC 20002 Dear Editors: We were confused by your December 23 editorial against the decision by the Vermont Supreme Court. The Court stated the fundamental legal rights of sexual minorities without actually redressing any grievances. Most of your editorial seemed to be against creating a massive new non-transferable legal category for "cohabitating" couples. That, however, is not the only option open to the Vermont state legislature. They could take the fairer and more ethical and moral step of simply removing gender discrimination from the existing marriage laws, thus satisfying the requirements of the Constitution without weakening or competing with the existing institution of civil marriage. Sincerely, Barbara Lamond Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter was sent on IWG letterhead listing 18 congregations and religious organizations and 63 clergy from 16 religious traditions. Commentaries from clergy can be read at http://www.iwgonline.org/pulpit/ -- Interfaith Working Group PO Box 11706 Philadelphia, PA 19101 http://www.iwgonline.org/ iwg@iwgonline.org voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 215-232-0829