I am writing in regard to the recent achievement for same-sex couples. I am a heterosexual female and have always believed in the equality of all people. I have met many same-sex couples and have always wondered how painful it would be to be looked down upon for being homosexual. I have a close friend who recently came out as gay and last year, her partner's sister told her very conservative parents that their daughter was a lesbian. My friend had been accepted by her partner's family, but only as a friend, not as a girlfriend. The entire family resents my friend and blames her for their daughter being gay. I felt very sorry for my friend because I believe they had both not been openly gay until they had dated for a year "undercover."

I expressed my sympathy to my friend because I know it would be very hard to be blamed for something that is only natural for her.

I hope not to see any significant opposition to this matter because I believe it is not the government's job to tell who you can marry and who you cannot marry. I would like to congratulate all the soon-to-be, same-sex newlyweds. It is a true victory and our state. We are setting a good example for the rest of the country who should consider the feelings of those same-sex couples.

Eve Moss

Bellingham