Date: Mon, 17 Apr 2000 23:49:02 -0400 From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG St. Albans VT marriage letter April 15, 2000 St. Albans Messenger 281 N. Main St. St. Albans, VT 05478 Dear Editors: People have a right to walk down the street holding hands regardless of whether the Vermont legistature passes a civil unions bill. People in cities and towns all over the country walk down the street holding hands with people of the same gender (not just in San Francisco) and yet no state has legalized civil marriage or civil unions for same-gender couples. People also get married to people of the same gender in religious ceremonies in houses of worship in cities and towns all over the United States, even though no state has legalized civil marriage or civil unions for same-gender couples. The debate in Vermont isn't about hand holding, and it isn't about religion. It's about equal treatment under the law. 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 65 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