This is in response to the Oct. 21 article, “Sisters plan to vote no on same-sex marriage.”

I am fighting for marriage for same-sex couples. I applaud the Sun Journal for publishing articles on either side of current political issues, but I feel as though the statements and opinions in that article put the individuals working on the cause in an unfair light.

In direct response to the comment on why people are voting on the issue again is because 105,000 Mainers signed a petition to put the issue back on the ballot.

Growing up in Maine, I witnessed and experienced brutality, bullying and hatred based on sexual orientation. It is a constant struggle for our community to find acceptance within ourselves and society. It has been an even bigger struggle to gain rights and the legal recognition of our relationships and families.

Voting yes on Question 1 assures that those sisters will continue to have the religious freedoms they already do in their own churches, but it also allows my family’s Universalist-Unitarian church to exercise its right to religious freedom by marrying loving, committed, same-sex couples.

I hope to find a loyal companion to share my life with, and I wish the same for every other human.

The legalization of same-sex marriage will not threaten or harm those women, but it will strengthen and protect the families and couples that already exist in this beautiful state of Maine.

Jennie Foley, Lewiston

Canvass director, Mainers United for Marriage