February 15, 2004

The Philadelphia Inquirer
PO Box 8263
Philadelphia, PA 19101

Dear Editors:

While we greatly appreciate your February 15 editorial opposition to the Federal 
Marriage Amendment, much of the editorial itself suffers from the same problems
as Jane Eisner’s February 8 comments on marriage. You decry the use of the word 
“bigot” while engaging in arguments that clearly devalues the lives, loves, and
 families of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Marriage for same-gender 
and transgender couples is only an “experiment” in the sense that the United States 
Constitution is an experiment. Americans have had more than forty years to get used
 to living around out GLBT people.  Religious communities have been openly blessing 
same-gender couples for decades, and more start doing so every month.  Americans by 
and large have chosen to ignore the oppression of their fellow citizens, and are 
now suddenly claiming to need more time to think about it, thus leaving the oppressed 
still oppressed for as long as it takes the majority to reach their comfort level.  
You do not ask people you respect as equals to wait for equal treatment.   The 
Massachusetts Judicial Supreme Court decision was not premature.  It was overdue.  
The mad joyful rush to San Francisco by same-gender couples from all over the country 
this weekend proves that they are ready for the legal rights of civil marriage.  
And in this country, theirs is the only opinion that should matter.  Whether you are 
ready or not, the time has come, not just to defeat the Federal Marriage Amendment, 
but for full recognition of equality at every level of government.  Why are you 
arguing for anything less?


Sincerely,
Barbara Lamond Purdom			
Christopher Purdom
Interfaith Working Group Coordinators