Equality always in jeopardy,
even as state offers protection

I applaud the Washington state Senate and leadership of Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, for passing the domestic-partnership bill ["Action over gay-benefits bill," Times, page one, March 11]. Even in the face of enormous pressure from the extreme religious right, the Senate saw through their lies and sided with equality.

For too long, the extreme religious right has lied to the public about the identity of gay people. They use fear to scare otherwise kind people into thinking homosexuals will hurt their families.

It saddens me they still think we are a threat to the well-being of this country. I will never understand why one group of people can hate another so deeply.

I am grateful the state Senate was able to see through the religious right's illusion. Senators understand lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) citizens are just as valuable and equal as heterosexual citizens.

I will sleep easier tonight knowing my family will finally be protected in Washington state.

But, even as I celebrate, I understand the extreme religious right is already working hard to steal my inalienable rights. As they do, I request the continued support from my straight friends and neighbors. Without you, my equality will always be in jeopardy.

-- Joseph Mirabella, Seattle

Homosexuality no different from left-handedness

What makes people choose to be left-handed? Why can't they be like the rest of us? Should two left-handed people be allowed to marry?

There was a time not long ago when being left-handed was considered sinful, possessed by the devil or downright sinister. Horrific things were done to try to correct this "condition." But, today we know it's a naturally occurring preference that is not harmful in any way.

In fact, five of the past 14 U.S. presidents have been left-handed, to say nothing of the millions of other talented left-handed people who have contributed to our well-being and happiness.

I hope in my lifetime our society will come to understand sexual preference is similar to left-handedness. It's not for everyone, but no one is trying to make it so.

It's a matter of recognizing there are minor variations in people, but everyone has a place, should be loved for who they are and be allowed to show their love just like anyone else.

-- Mark Johnson, Seattle

Unfit survival of the fittest

How can one say marriage between two people of the same sex should be called an inalienable right ["Inalienable right isn't up to a vote," Northwest Voices, March 9]?

There is no problem with gay people wanting to have stable relationships, however the idea of marriage was created by societies to fulfill a certain purpose and need, best known as survival.

There is absolutely no biological, ethical or moral purpose for the marriage of two people of the same sex.

It is only an aberration of what nature intended for humanity in order to exist. Gay marriage has nothing to do with the survival of species. In fact, it's just the opposite; it solidifies a straight path to extinction.

-- Madeleine Eddy, Mercer Island

Marriage: a civil matter, a contract

It's amazing, in this day and age, religious zealots still wage campaigns of ignorance, intolerance and bigotry.

Equitable legal protection for same-sex couples has nothing whatsoever to do with the religious right's own marriages, relationships or personal freedoms. However, it does have everything to do with this country's promise of equal rights.

It's also about protecting the assets of committed, same-sex partners.

Out of interest, I checked out the "commercial" opponents to this bill posted on YouTube.

They deploy outright lies and fear tactics to espouse their bigoted ideology.

Freedom to marry should be for all law-abiding citizens, including same-sex couples.

Opponents to marriage equality may claim it violates their religious beliefs and, as such, their rights, but marriage is a civil matter. A contract.

Such ardent opposition to equal rights for any other minority group would not be tolerated. So, why is it tolerated -- and even celebrated -- when it happens to our law-abiding gay and lesbian citizens?

-- Stan Brownlow, Seattle