Regarding a Sun Journal article on Oct. 23 about the controversy that arose when the Treworgy family of Levant put a sign on their property that urged voters to check off “no” on the same-sex marriage issue, it is unfortunate that the family gave in to pressure to remove the sign because someone told them it was “hurtful.”

Whenever we take a political/moral stand on an issue, people who disagree with us will be hurt. This does not mean that we should keep our opinions to ourselves, however.

Hurt feelings are one of the consequences of living in a democratic society where free speech is protected.

Just as same-sex supporters are offended by those who advocate voting “no” on Question 1, so people who defend traditional marriage are offended by those who urge others to vote “yes” and change the definition of marriage — a relationship that was established thousands of years ago as being between male and female.

Those people who propose same-sex marriage have a right to express their beliefs, but those who oppose it and encourage others to vote “no” have an equal right to do so.

Johnette Lundy, Norway