Elizabeth,

Though I partly agree with your view of the Pope's stand on this issue, I'd like to take exception to a throw-away line included near the end of the article. You write, "Other 'ultra-conservatives,' including evangelical Christians and Orthodox Jews (i.e. radio talk show host Laura Schlesinger), also have blood on their hands."

As an Orthodox Jew myself, perhaps I can clarify. Indeed, we believe that homosexuality is morally wrong. This much is undeniable, certainly. However, Dr. Laura is hardly representative of the broader Orthodox Jewish community. Her extreme positions may play well on talk radio, but are uninformed by traditional teachings on the subject.

For the most part, we believe that people are free to make their own choices—in sexuality as well—

regardless of what we think about it. Free choice is precisely the point: we think it's wrong, but your individual decisions rest on your own conscience. "Preaching hate," as you say, may be the practice of some, but it is simply untrue to paint the entire Orthodox Jewish world with this label.

Personally, I oppose gay marriage. I do, however, agree with the recent court decision overturning sodomy laws, which were clearly outdated, ridiculous, and a huge invasion of privacy. Where others stand on the issue is their own business.

William Adler

wadler@gc.cuny.edu

Ms. Primamore responds

While I appreciate your response to my column, I take exception to your claim that the line you cited was a "throw-away". I want to assure you that that line is neither out of place nor repetitive and goes perfectly with the theme of the article, like it or not.

As far as Dr. Laura is concerned, I was using her as an example. She claims to be an Orthodox Jew, and claims to base her extreme views on homosexuality on her religious beliefs. But I am greatly relieved to hear she is not representative of the entire Orthodox Jewish community—as no one person, I should think, can be entirely representative of any one particular group.

The issue here is religious fundamentalism and homosexuality, and it is a thorny one. Having said that, we are all entitled to our beliefs. But when beliefs interfere with basic human rights, we've got a problem.

Have you seen the film, "Trembling before G--D," by Sandi Simcha DuBowski? It is a documentary that tells the personal stories of Hasidic and Orthodox Jews who are gay and lesbian, and how they struggle to reconcile their love for Judaism, and the biblical prohibitions that forbid homosexuality, with their love for each other. It is informative, moving, and . . . enlightening.

Elizabeth Primamore