GAY MARRIAGE

Reader would like equal rights

I was remiss in responding to Archbishop Sartain's commentary at a time when I feel it's important to speak up for a group of people being denied equal rights under the law. I appreciate the timely letters from Dennis Knepp and Louis Logan, who both make valid points regarding his misguided comments. While I respect the right of individuals to practice a religion that comforts and brings good into their lives, I do not condone forcing those beliefs on all others, especially when it is discriminatory, divisive and hurtful.

Mr. Knepp points out that not all marriages are validated by bringing children into the world. The Archbishop's statements are totally illogical in this regard. Mr. Logan also questions the logic of "recognizing and supporting" only heterosexual parents. I would hope that the "Christian community" or any community would support all parents ... considering the welfare of all families and, especially, the children. Why would you not?

Defining civil rights, based on individual religious beliefs, can be a dangerous situation, and that is why we have separation of church and state. One example would be the most recent "honor killings." Some people don't believe in divorce, but it would be wrong to prohibit divorce based on some religious beliefs. Some religions don't believe in birth control or medical interventions, but it would be wrong to prohibit those choices for other people that don't share those beliefs.

Government is suppose to serve all the people equally. If you don't like gay marriage, then don't enter into one. But don't deny some loving couples rights that are taken for granted by others. "Heterosexual privilege" is just another form of discrimination. This is not trivial, harmless, or of no importance.

Vaughn Blethen,

Moses Lake