This is in response to Scott Lansley’s column, March 8.

His comments are followed by mine:

“I am not a bigot because [gay marriage] goes against my core beliefs.” Slavery advocates defended their core beliefs.

“Why thwart the will of the majority? Liberal Democrats use this wedge issue to get elected.” They would get elected by opposing the majority? Legislators of integrity choose justice over popularity.

“I have a gay brother.” Interesting he is not quoted.

“If a liberal Democrat had [proposed civil unions], the gay community would embrace it.” One did. We didn’t.

“I am offended that my rights are eroded in the name of tolerance.” Which rights? The right to discriminate?

“The only way such a divisive issue will move forward is for people to change what is in their hearts.” History disagrees: Interracial marriage, child labor laws, rights to vote, etc.

“Same sex marriage hurts children.” Countless studies disagree.

“I don’t foresee my core values changing.” Changing one’s thinking takes courage, intelligence, open-mindedness and compassion.

“Talk about how some things never change!” Agreed. May other legislators lead us further toward America’s core values, not Lansley’s.

“Gays should be ‘ecstatic’ over civil unions.” What five black men were thrilled when our country said they equaled three white men?

“If this is about equality, why is the left resisting proposals to allow civil unions?” Because they’re unequal. If civil unions are equal, who would exchange his marriage for one?

Lewis Alessio, Greene