Approve Referendum 74

I am proud to live in a state that recognizes the value of all citizens and has provided full legal protection for all couples. The legislature voted "yes" and the governor signed marriage for same-sex couples into law last spring. Now the citizenry is being asked to approve this law with R-74.

My husband and I will celebrate 45 years as a married couple this year. We have two married children and are presently planning a wedding for a third. We celebrate and recognize the commitment these marriages signify. All couples who love, support, and mutually commit to one another should be able to be legally married. Marriage for same-sex couples in no way diminishes the marriage I have with my husband. Those who worry about marriage being undermined would be advised to figure out ways to help married couples avoid divorce, which is the single biggest threat to marriage.

Approving R-74 will not require churches to perform marriage rites for same-sex couples but will guarantee the right for all committed couples to marry and enjoy the legal, lifelong monogamous relationship of marriage. This is not a re-definition of marriage, but will allow all loving couples to enjoy the benefits of marriage including legal and financial benefits the state awards married couples. Registering as a domestic partnership isn't at all like being married.

There's something that strikes me as inherently wrong about voting on civil rights issues, actually asking voters to approve freedom to marry for same-sex couples. I believe all citizens should be treated fairly and all rights and privileges should be extended to all citizens and I will be voting to approve R-74.

Lois Gibbens,

Ephrata