Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2000 02:18:38 -0500 From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Cleveland Plain Dealer Vermont letter January 13, 2000 Cleveland Plain Dealer 1801 Superior Ave. Cleveland, Ohio 44114 Dear Editors: Thank you for Afi-Odelia Scruggs' excellent column about legal recognition of the marriages of same-gender couples, which quite appropriately mentioned the case of Virginia v. Loving. In addition to the obvious function of legally binding couples together, civil marriage law has too often been used to legally keep people with certain characteristics apart. Gender discrimination in civil marriage law clearly labels gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people and their relationships undesirable, and denies both them and their children the equal protection that the Constitution guarantees. 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. For more letters visit http://www.iwgonline.org/letters/ -- Interfaith Working Group PO Box 11706 Philadelphia, PA 19101 http://www.iwgonline.org/ iwg@iwgonline.org voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 215-232-0829