Date: Thu, 02 Mar 2000 23:22:42 -0500 From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Philadelphia Inquirer Letter March 2, 2000 The Philadelphia Inquirer PO Box 8263 Philadelphia, PA 19101 Dear Editors: In Nathaniel Frank’s otherwise fine commentary in support of same-gender marriage, he makes the mistake of contrasting people wanting privacy with them wanting their private relationships recognized by the government. While same-gender couples asking for both these things may seem contradictory, it is no more than what mixed-gender couples currently enjoy. The state does not currently demand details of a couple’s relationship when they are planning to marry, only whether they are close blood relatives, of legal age or already married to other people. While it would be nice if same-gender marriage were supported by a majority of the population, Mr. Frank seems to forget that at one time it was courts who “forced” on the nation by “judicial fiat” such unpopular things as school desegregation, mixed-race marriage, and voting rights. The courts are supposed to do what is just, not what is popular. Many of us have gotten quite accustomed to attending religious marriage ceremonies between people of the same gender; one day, we hope to attend one where the couple gets to sign a marriage license afterward. Sincerely, Barbara Lamond Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter was sent on IWG letterhead listing 19 congregations and religious organizations and 63 clergy from 16 religious traditions. You can read our newsletter online: http://www.iwgonline.org/ktf/ -- Interfaith Working Group PO Box 11706 Philadelphia, PA 19101 http://www.iwgonline.org/ iwg@iwgonline.org voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 215-232-0829