The judiciary hearing regarding Gov. Baldacci’s gay rights bill caused several people to ask me how I felt about this subject and same-sex marriage. As the parent of a gay child, I am obviously in favor of both.

I would like all three of my children to be able to enjoy the same civil rights. We, as a nation, keep telling the world how perfect our government is, and why they should follow our example. But, when it comes to our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered children, we lag way behind the rest of the countries around the world.

We claim separation of church and state, but deny equal civil rights to our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered citizens on religious grounds. Many religious organizations perform commitment ceremonies between same-sex couples, fully accepting all of God’s children equally, as God intended.

Asking our government to extend equal civil rights, including the right to marry and, in turn, have this marriage legally accepted in all 50 states, will not cause the world to end. It will make us a more civilized, caring, tolerant society and will not interfere with the belief systems of any religious sects.

My child is a productive, law-abiding American, yet he is denied equal civil rights due to his sexuality. While at the same time murderers, sex offenders and other criminals in prison are permitted to get legally married. What message is that sending for all the world to see?

Barbara G. Underwood, Lisbon

Copy the Story Link