In 30 states thus far, the voters have been asked if they favored an amendment to their state constitutions that would define the institution of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. In all of them, the answer has been “yes,” including Florida, Arizona and California in the most recent election. It is interesting that happened in California, because there was already a law on the books in that state permitting same-sex marriage.

That fact had to be on the minds of legislators in Augusta when they passed LD 1020, permitting same-sex marriage in Maine. It is beyond argument that they did not want the people to have a say in this most contentious of issues.

Why do I say that? I say that because it was only by a repeal petition — which got twice the requisite number of signatures — that the question was even placed on the ballot for this November.

Now, in spite of the best efforts of state legislators, the people have the opportunity to speak on the gay-marriage issue.

I urge the voting public to join me in doing the right thing in November and vote “yes” on Question 1.

Terence McManus, New Sharon