---

I agree with the previous authors (Ltter to the Editor, Pine Cone Press-Citizen, Sept. 25, 2012) in that loud and angry responses on either side of this or any divisive issue solves nothing and is wrong. I disagree with the author's opinion on Gay Marriage however.

This law has nothing to do with religion, it is a civil matter. If a church chooses not to perform GLBT marriage ceremonies, that's their choice. Nothing changes.

My Father was Presbyterian, my Mother was Catholic and us seven kids were raised Catholic. That was a hot button issue of their day. In today's world...it's no big deal. One of today's hot buttonissues, the Marriage Amendment vote, has created division in and outside the church. Some Lutheran, Episcopal and Presbyterian Churches are now accepting gay Christians in the clergy. As this trend continues to unfold I suspect some day this current issue will fade too.

The previous article sited the Bible several times to make their point.

When reading the Bible I prefer to interpret it as the inspired word of God rather than the absolute word of God. Seems to me when the Good Book is taken literally, as it was in the previous article, all sorts of culpa arise, for example;

Divorce;

Matthew 19:9

"And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery."

Luke 16:18

"Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.

Matthew 19:6

"Consequently they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate."

Numerous additional quotes in the Bible say divorce is a sin. I prefer to leave the judging to God.

If you're interested in how the Bible was translated into English and a little history, Google; William Tyndale. I found his story fascinating.

Are there other alternatives to marriage for gay couples?

No, under Civil Unions or Domestic Partnerships many rights marriage offers would be denied. Namely, "family" health coverage, hospital visitation rights and taxation and inheritance rights to name a few. The label "Civil Unions" or "Domestic Partnerships" also create a second class status which can cause problems in emergency situations when people need it most or when discussing benefits with an employer.

This is not the first time in our countries history we have struggled with marriage rights. Remember when it was "not acceptable" for a Catholic to marry a Protestant? I do, I lived it. Or a Black to marry a White? Or a US Serviceman to take a Foreign bride? Want more information on the history of marriage...Google it. And no, I don't work for Google.

The US Supreme Court just released that it will most likely be taking up the issue of marriage equality in its next session. Thus our voting this November may not matter.

I'll be voting "NO" on this civil issue regardless and hope you will too.

God Bless![[In-content Ad]]

---