I do not believe I have the capability to choose the fate for anyone whether gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. For me, this does not mean I am abandoning my Christian beliefs. I would feel immensely guilty if I was to tell my friends that they should never be married or that they should never have benefits just because of their sexual orientation. Instead, there should be a way to satisfy both sides of the argument of same sex marriage: A way that didn’t “redefine” marriage but instead separated church from state. Politics should only deal with the civil union between two individuals and the resulting benefits. This way, marriage can continue to be a significant ceremony, devoid of governmental influence, and both sides of the argument would not have to compromise their beliefs.
Americans are only looking at this issue as if it were black and white: Either support same-sex marriage and abandon religious beliefs, or vote against it and be considered a conservative bigot.
In order to discuss this issue, we must not rely solely on our emotions but think logically about our country and what it represents. Rights should come from the Constitution, not from religion.
We need not to make a choice as to whether same-sex marriage is moral; we only need to make the choice that all people should have religious freedom and equal rights. Government needs to be removed from the marriage business altogether in order to keep the sanctity in marriage and give people the rights they deserve.
Chloe Kent
Bremerton, Washington
