Date: Sat, 10 Jul 1999 16:35:08 -0400 (EDT)
Message-Id: <199907102035.QAA07801@mattababy.zocalo.terc.edu>
From: belmonte@mit.edu (Matthew Belmonte)
To: CapuanoHR8@aol.com
Subject: oppose HR 1691

Dear Representative Capuano

In its current form, HR 1691, the `Religious Liberty Protection Act', would
gut civil rights laws that protect homosexuals, households with children,
people with disabilities, and unmarried persons.  The bill was originally
introduced to increase protection for religious liberty and free exercise 
of religion -- admirable goals.  As written, however, the legislation could
significantly undermine enforcement of state and local civil rights laws.  In
fact, the ACLU reports that right-wing groups believe the legislation could and
should be used as a defense to civil rights claims based on gender, religion,
sexual orientation and marital status.  As your constituent I urge you to vote
against HR 1691 unless it's amended to protect civil rights laws.