Date: Thu, 03 Aug 2000 21:56:18 -0400 From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Orlando Dr. Laura letter August 1, 2000 Orlando Sentinel 633 N. Orange Ave. Orlando, FL 32801 Dear Editors: In her July 26 letter, Rosa Bailey not only stereotypes gay, lesbian, and bisexual people by referring to their `lifestyle,' she also claims that `the gay and lesbian community is...basically assured of its rights.' We all have rights that are guaranteed by the Constitution, but those rights are not always available to all of us. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people can be legally discriminated against in most places in housing, education, and employment. It is not legal for people of the same gender to engage in sexual activity together in all states. Same-gender couples' marriages are not recognized by the federal government or by any state except Vermont (and only there under a different name). In most states, violent crimes motivated by general hatred of victims' perceived gender identities and/or sexual orientations are not recognized or treated as hate crimes, while similar crimes based on ethnicity or religion are routinely classified this way. And no talk show host who attacked any other minority group would be as staunchly defended or financially supported as Dr. Laura. Sincerely, Barbara Lamond Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter was sent on IWG letterhead listing 22 congregations and religious organizations and 65 clergy from 16 religious traditions. Would you like to start an Interfaith Working Group in your area? http://www.iwgonline.org/regions/ -- Interfaith Working Group PO Box 11706 Philadelphia, PA 19101 http://www.iwgonline.org/ iwg@iwgonline.org voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 215-232-0829