Dear Editor,
I want to applaud Marianne Steffey for taking the courage to address such a controversial topic.
The topic of homosexual marriage is a pressing issue in today’s society. Currently there are many debates on the topic of homosexual couples’ right to marry. Gay and lesbians should have the same right as every other American!
I believe that the common misconception among many heterosexuals is that, if they don’t talk about the issue of homosexuality or gay rights then maybe, just maybe, it will go away. Well, I am here to tell you that homosexuality and gay rights issues are here to stay!
So many people judge other people by their color, religion or sexual orientation. This is never right but many people still do this. It is not right what happens to thousands of people just because they are gay or different.
Homophobias, like all other phobias, are based on a fear. The sad thing is that most homophobic people don’t even know any gay or lesbian people with which to base a factual option.
Homosexuals are people. The only difference between a heterosexual and a homosexual is sexual orientation. Both want the same things out of life (they want the acceptance from family and friends, a long-term relationship, equal rights and just to love someone).
The time has come for people to treat all people the same regardless of sexual preference, religion, race or gender.
It is my opinion that everyone is entitled to be different and should have personal freedom. This freedom should include, but not be limited to, the ability to make his or her own choice of sexuality, form his or her own attitudes or beliefs about life in his or her mind, be free to feel emotions such as love, hate, joy, sadness, pleasure and pain all within themselves. However, I believe that NO ONE has the right to push those views and opinions on another person.
By not legalizing same sex marriages, we are in fact pushing our views and opinion on others. Those who do not support the issue presented above are essentially discriminating against other individuals based on their sexual orientation. That is NOT right!
Thank you again for addressing this issue and being so objective.
Tracy L. Eiswert