Date: Wed, 05 Jan 2000 00:23:35 -0500 From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Lancaster Intelligencer Journal marriage letter January 3, 2000 Lancaster Intelligencer Journal PO Box 1328 Lancaster, PA 17608-1328 Dear Editors: Steven Markle's December 30 letter regarding the Vermont Supreme Court decision was rife with inaccuracies. First, the Vermont decision did not redress any grievances; the state is not offering marriage licenses to same-gender couples, and has not been required to do so. Second, Markle's argument that marriage laws do not discriminate on the basis of gender is ridiculous. One could also claim that attempts to limit civil marriage to same-faith and same-race couples does not constitute discrimination, but that would also be inaccurate. Marriage licenses are issued to couples, not individuals, so it makes no sense to say that the law does not discriminate against individuals. Lastly, Markle incorrectly assumes that gender-specific civil marriage laws reflect everyone's religious beliefs, and that everyone believes civil marriage should reflect only their own definitions. We suggest reading "Religious Support for Equal Marriage Rights" at www.iwgonline.org/marriage/ for a more accurate view of the diversity of religious opinion on 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. For a quick summary of current events visit http://www.iwgonline.org/current/ -- Interfaith Working Group PO Box 11706 Philadelphia, PA 19101 http://www.iwgonline.org/ iwg@iwgonline.org voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 215-232-0829