I am surprised by the misconception of why laws exist and the accusation of intolerance in the debate over same-sex marriages.
In her letter on the subject, 'Not infringing on rights,' Jennie Hyde, argued that same-sex marriages don't infringe on the freedom of heterosexuals to marry. The importance of the issue is not infringement of rights. It is about morality. We don't pass laws only to prevent people from infringing on the rights of others. The laws that we make and uphold help determine the community's level of morality. Elder Oaks has said the following on the subject:
'Some moral absolutes or convictions must be at the foundation of any system of law. This does not mean that all laws are so based. Many laws and administrative actions are simply a matter of wisdom or expediency. But many laws and administrative actions are based upon the moral standards of our society.
If most of us believe that it is wrong to kill or steal or lie, our laws will include punishment for those acts. If most of us believe that it is right to care for the poor and needy, our laws will accomplish or facilitate those activities. Society continually legislates morality. The only question is whose morality and what legislation.'
In California, the people voiced their opinion on the morality of same-sex marriages with Proposition 22. For a judge to disregard the law and provide his own definition of morality that is contrary to what the majority has already decided is wrong.
There are a lot of people out there who want to take morality out of the political arena and the effect is not good. We set laws to establish the level of morality our society accepts. We can't ignore our level of morality because others argue that it is different than theirs. If this were to happen then the laws that are passed will only represent the moral beliefs of those who voice their opinion. The result would be that the most immoral people would determine the level.
You may wonder, should we not allow everyone to do what he or she wants as long as it doesn't affect other people? The truth is that the moral decisions of society affect everyone.
As for the accusation of intolerance, I stand accused of not tolerating immorality and the refusal of a judge to respect the law. As for being intolerant of people who believe in a different level of morality than me, I am perfectly capable of respecting a person and disagreeing with them at the same time. Let all opinions be voiced and let the majority determine the level of morality.
Jon Evans
San Diego, Calif.