In response to John Laird’s July 3 column, “Are New York echoes heard in N.W.?,” it seems to be concluded from this opinion that the proliferation of legal same-sex marriage is a reality that has simply yet to grab hold in the Pacific Northwest states. Also, he seems to see this as a positive movement that will lead to a more positive world. I could not agree with him more. Marriage should be a fundamental right for every American regardless of sexual orientation.
Heterosexual couples get married and subsequently divorced with astounding regularity. It shows that this social institution is not taken seriously by the same people who are trying to keep homosexuals from having access to this fundamental right. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, “On average first marriages that end in divorce last about eight years.”
Same-sex marriage is the last major obstacle standing in the way of their social recognition as a legitimate and acceptable subset of American culture. If we are going to claim to be a tolerant country, we need to show it. Our Declaration of Independence says, “All men are created equal.” This includes everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, which is why same-sex marriage needs to be legalized.
Aaron Hodges
Vancouver
