THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 2, 1996 TAG: 9605020005
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A16 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 47 lines
After reading Tony Snow's column ``The courts are likely to settle the gay-marriage controversy'' (Perspectives, April 8), I protest his description of the Colorado ordinance as denying gays ``special privileges.''
The Colorado ordinance doesn't extend ``special privileges'' or ``status'' to gays but merely assures equal consideration against various forms of discrimination.
Gays have never asked this country for ``special privileges.'' They simply are tired of the many years of abuse and discrimination and want it ended! Tired of those religious groups that attempt to deny them from equal rights. Mr. Snow charges that any judicial clearing of the path for gay marriages will indicate that the courts care more about political correctness than the Judeo-Christian tradition. I should hope so!
The U.S. Constitution is supposed to guarantee freedom from religious persecution and a clear separation of church and state. If we uphold the laws that separate church and state, then we must view a marriage license as simply a legal document and no more. The significance of marriage as being ``holy'' and a ``union of souls'' is left to religion!
Gays can and do marry in the eyes of God through ``holy unions'' performed by many ministers in religious ceremonies because most gays, such as I, hold traditional views of marriage and commitment. This is not a battle to diminish the sanctity of heterosexual marriages but rather to be included. Existing law simply doesn't extend legal rights and privileges to gays, which it should!
After 17 committed years with a lifelong partner, why do the two of us spend three times more money than heterosexual couples on insurance policies, taxes, etc., simply because we do not have the equal right to obtain a marriage license? Take $20,000 away from Mr. Snow and his wife over 17 years and see what he then says about ``special privileges'' determined solely on the basis of a person's gender. Laws against civil marriages between gays is obvious discrimination based on gender and rooted in religious doctrines - a clear violation of the separation of church and state!
RICK PAQUIN
Norfolk, April 9, 1996 by CNB