Support gay marriage? I believe that is a bad idea. Consider the awesome cost to all Americans, if same-sex marriage is passed into law.

Washington state's all-but-marriage law already provides same-sex couples the same rights as traditional married couples. So, it's not about granting this tiny minority entitlements they don't already have. No, it's all about getting "marriage" for homosexuals enshrined in law. Unwittingly changing our laws to favor this minority will trump our constitutional First Amendment rights, namely the freedoms of assembly, speech, religion and press. I believe it will be illegal and subject to governmental punishment for speaking against gay marriage, for discriminating against gays in businesses and organizations; for excluding gays in religious organizations and ceremonies; and for writing disparagingly about homosexuality in publications.

It's nice to let others live their own lives as they see fit; but let's not lose sight of the big picture. For proof of the unforeseen consequences of gay-marriage laws, we only need look to Canada, England and France, where gays have muscled their ways into legal equality and thus can turn to government to punish those who publicly and conspicuously disapprove of their homosexual lifestyle. Vote no on legalizing gay marriage; short-circuit this insidious attempt to erode our constitution freedoms.

Carlin Freeberg

Bellingham