Date: Sat, 08 Apr 2000 18:22:57 -0400 From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Variety Parents Television Council letter April 7, 2000 Variety 245 West 17th Street New York, NY 10011 Dear Editors: We were extremely disturbed by the April 3 story about the Parents Television Council. Why was a group of people ("homosexuals") included in a list of "vulgar" references, otherwise consisting of crude terms for body parts, insulting epithets and sexual acts? By these criteria, it would be "vulgar" for the networks to cover the Central Conference of American Rabbis' decision to allow religious blessings for same-gender couples, or to report on the Civil Union debate in Vermont. Through most of American history, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people spent their lives in the closet. That their existence and common humanity is finally being acknowledged in religious institutions, in civil law and on television is a sign of progress we should all celebrate. We are appalled that any organization would propose a system in which references to Billy Jack Gaither and Matthew Shepard would be classified as "vulgar" not because of the violence or hatred that resulted in their deaths, but because of a characteristic of the victims; and we are even more appalled that members of Congress would act on such a report rather than condemning it as outright bigotry. 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 64 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