Date: Sun, 09 Jul 2000 14:05:42 -0400 From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Washington Post Boy Scout letter July 8, 2000 The Washington Post 1150 15th Street NW Washington, DC 20071 Dear Editors: John C. Eastman ignored many facts about the Boy Scouts in his July 3 tribute to free association, but we were especially mystified by his comment that the Scouts “have taught generations of boys to honor their duty to God, country and family, a duty that refuses to countenance the fashionable view that homosexual conduct is just another legitimate lifestyle choice.” It is difficult to understand how every boy will be able to honor God, country and family without recognizing and respecting natural diversity in sexual orientation, when we live in a country that includes families whose members are sexually, affectionately, and religiously diverse. Boys have sexual minority family members, boys belong to religious institutions that teach the moral equivalence of mixed-gender and same-gender relationships and the importance of non-discrimination, and boys belong to Scout troops that are sponsored by houses of worship that hold such beliefs, and that communicate those beliefs to their Scout troops. A more complete tribute to the constitutional right to free association would have noted the cost of disassociation to organizations that depend on the support of the public. Sincerely, Barbara Lamond Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter was sent on IWG letterhead listing 21 congregations and religious organizations and 65 clergy from 16 religious traditions. Visit our web site to find out how you can help: http://www.iwgonline.org/wecandoit/ -- Interfaith Working Group PO Box 11706 Philadelphia, PA 19101 http://www.iwgonline.org/ iwg@iwgonline.org voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 215-232-0829