Opinion - Letters to the Editor

POSTED: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009

Referendum good for families, society

I believe opponents of Referendum 71 have run a campaign of fear. They would have us believe that dire consequences will result if R-71 is approved, including gay marriage and the collapse of civilization. If you've been across the border lately, I'm sure you've noticed how in Canada, where they legalized same-sex marriage several years ago, civilization has entirely collapsed.

And look at Massachusetts. Five years after legalizing same-sex marriage, their divorce rate is the lowest of any state in the U.S., and it is still dropping. A study has shown that gay people who have married have better relationships with their families, and the whole fabric of society has been strengthened.

The sky has not fallen. Life has gone on pretty much as usual. I believe that's what opponents of R-71 are really afraid of: that gays and lesbians will become an ordinary part of life, that "those people" will be seen as - gasp! - normal. And then what? The religious right won't be able to raise money by putting people into a panic about them.

I hope voters in Washington are smarter than to fall for this nonsense. R-71 is good for gay and lesbian people, good for families, and good for Washington. Vote to approve R-71.

Ann Shannon

Bellingham