In Canada and Spain, Gays Are People Too
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Re “Canada Moves to OK Gay Unions,” June 29: The Canadian House of Commons has approved civil marriage as a basic right for all gay people, while leaving intact the rights of religious denominations to determine if they want to bless gay couples who wish to marry. This is an appropriate recognition of the rights on both sides of this contentious issue.
Here in the United States, the chief proponents of efforts to deny civil rights to gay people say it is wrong because it will hurt children. Groups such as the Traditional Values Coalition and the Catholic Church oppose more than the formal marriage of gay couples -- they oppose the rights of gay couples to form families. Gay couples do form families, buy homes, raise children, take care of their elderly and take care of each other.
These families deserve the recognition and protection of civil law.
Steve Krantz
Co-President, Parents,
Families and Friends of
Lesbians and Gays, L.A.
Sherman Oaks
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After reading that Paul Martin, Canada’s prime minister, backed same-sex marriage, I was wondering, as a proud parent of a gay son, what are the chances we can trade George Bush for Martin?
Ron Bain
Los Angeles
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With Spain having just legalized gay marriage (“Spain’s Parliament Legalizes Gay Marriage,” July 1), I believe the rest of the world should follow up and take its stance to defend personal liberty.
After all, marriage was not always a public institution that only the government could control. Why should it be now? One can look at historical accounts of the Middle Ages and realize that marriage was much more of a private contract between two people, or two families. When property was involved, the case contract may have included a larger scope of individuals to witness and enforce the union. Eventually marriage came to be regulated by law and is now in the hands of “all-knowing” bureaucrats.
Legalizing gay marriage allows more members of society to have a more equal opportunity to live life.
Karim Belayachi
Falls Church, Va.
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