In light of President Obama’s support for marriage equality and the recent passage of equal marriage here in Washington, I think it’s important to note that civil marriage for gay couples does not affect religious marriages, religious institutions or clergy in any way.
The meaning of marriage for gay and lesbian couples is similar to everyone else: It gives couples the tools and the security to build a life together and to protect their families. It is a public display before all the people one loves that a lifetime commitment has been made to support each other in good times and bad.
Marriage should be available to all committed, loving couples, regardless of sex or sexual orientation. To me it’s not necessarily about marriage, it’s about treating everyone equally.
Crystal Steinmueller
Vancouver
