Enclosed is the new Constitution of our Washington Area Council on Religion and the Homosexual. I am Secretary of the Washington (D.C.) Area Council, and the Chairman of our Committee on Religious Concerns. I am very much interested in the activities of your Los Angeles Committee on Religion and the Homophile. Please do keep in touch.

Warren D. Adkins, Vice President Mattachine Society Washington, D.C.

BRICKBATS & BOUQUETS

Dear Sir:

In comment on your letter (LETTERS, Jan., '66, Mr. D., Denver), I do not, in any measure, wish to imply wish to imply that there is a moral justification to the stand that the Catholic Church maintains with regard to homosexuality. Further, I am in no way a defender of the faith.

However, to accept some spokesmen's recent diatribes as representing the Church's total point of view is to close one's eyes to the facts. Unfortunately, many spokesmen for the Church remain silent. This seems to be one of the great afflictions of the Church -remaining silent.

many

After a Catholic's recent speech here in New York against sex-law-reforms, prominent Catholics here banded together to support the new laws-granted that they were primarily concerned with laws on divorce. It is my hope that this is a sign that Catholics are beginning to think for themselves.

Have you seen the recent book on "Psychiatry & Catholicism" printed for the American University at Washington, D.C.? It contains a chapter on homosexuality which is most comprehensive.

Dear Editors:

Mr. E.

Elmhurst, New York

Will you pass on to Robert Gregory my hearty endorsement of his February editorial advocating "responsibility" among homophiles? That one hit the nail dead center! I hope to write a personal expression of appreciation to Mr. Gregory, but if I should somehow forget to, your passing on my enthusiasm will at least acquaint him with my support. Thanks.

Dear Friends:

Mr. P.

Arlington, Virginia

have noted with great interest how ONE's Friends have answered the appeal for books to replenish the Library after the theft of a year ago. I would judge that you must by now have several thousand new books on your shelves. Please accept the complete set of ENCLYCOPAEDIA BRITANNICA which I am shipping to you. I hope the fine response continues, as I am certain we all have

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many volumes we can spare for such a worthy project.

Dear Mr. Conger:

Mr. C.

Detroit, Michigan

Have the newspapers in your section carried the wire story of the action by the House of Commons in London on the subject of homosexuality? At last, the House, along with the Lords, has acted responsibly and faced up to the realities of life. Would that the legal system in this country could do likewise!! Enclosed is another contribution for ONE, in its invaluable work on behalf of all homosexuals.

Gentlemen:

Mr. L. Atlanta, Georgia

Having heard considerable comment regarding the publication, ONE, may I say that I am indeed very much interested in it. In fact, I would very much like to have sample copies of several recent issues of ONE. I have many questions to ask about it, but I trust that they will all be answered in due time, when I have the opportunity to examine the publication itself.

It has bothered me greatly that there has been so much unfavorable publicity regarding homosexuality. I read with disgust the stories of persecution appearing in Life magazine recently. The Dayton Journal Herald recently decried this "social problem, or blight." I am appalled. Men have been persecuted for everything from religious beliefs to the color of their hair. While I acknowledge that the homosexual is capable of immoral acts (indeed, who among us mortal sinners is not?), so is his heterosexual neighbor. I believe in judging a man on his own personal characteristics and conduct, and not simply on his individual preferences.

I feel very strongly that the homosexual has long born the brunt of ridicule and intolerance. The American Negro is fast being liberated, as well he should be-now it is time for the homosexual to be allowed to live in peace. He has this inalienable right as an American citizen. In the name of God, we all deserve life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I personally consider friendship itself much more important than the sex of one's companions. Good luck!

David C. Schnier Dayton, Ohio

THE HOMOPHILE IN SOCIETY Sirs:

There are far too many who know little or nothing about organizations with which they should identify themselves and support, or who are indifferent, through ignorance, about the efforts being made for recognition of legal and social rights, legislation being developed and enacted, the literature pub-