As a happy, well-adjusted lesbian in a long-term, committed relationship, I’ve considered and puzzled, questioned and analyzed, wondered and speculated, and must now admit that I just don’t understand how marrying my partner would change the marriages of others.

Each time the issue of gay marriage arises, we hear these speeches about the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman. They are usually delivered by conservatives.

Some of these very men have dumped their first wives to marry much younger women. Sanctity?

But, for the sake of argument, let’s just say those glorious unions are sanctified – the old one and the new one. How does that change if a gay couple in New Hampshire, Nevada or Hawaii gets married? Are these right-wingers really taking the position that their sanctified couplings are so fragile that they will be undone if a couple of gals in Oklahoma jump the broom?

Are they really taking the position that while their marriages are currently worth an “inestimable value” to society, they will be worthless if two guys in Atlanta tie the knot?

What in the world are those right-wingers talking about? I don’t get it.

C.L. Montgomery, Palermo