I believe opponents of marriage equality, lacking cogent arguments, are resorting to scare tactics to convince voters to reject Referendum 74. For example, they raise the spectre of harm to children.

They say that children do best when they are raised by their married biological parents. All of the reputable research shows, however, that children of lesbian and gay couples do just as well.

Besides, hundreds of same-sex couples are already raising children. Defeating R-74 wouldn't turn their children over to married couples, nor would it reduce the number of children being raised by gay and lesbian parents. Far from being harmed by marriage equality, these children would benefit from their parents being allowed to marry.

R-74 foes also claim that children will be taught about same-sex marriage in elementary school. Of course, there is no instruction on any kind of marriage for young school children, and R-74 doesn't institute it.

If your children live in the real world, however, they will learn that there are lesbian and gay people. And they will learn either that these people can marry or that they are prevented from marrying by people who disapprove.

Personally, I want my children to learn that I stood up for the rights of a minority - not that I voted to deny others a chance at marital bliss.

I voted to approve Referendum 74. Please join me.

Michele Kammerer

Bellingham