The idea that Christians who oppose legislation regarding discrimination against homosexuals are imposing their theology on everyone raises several issues. It is misleading to equate opposition to this legislation with a right-wing Christian ideology. Until this decade, no society in history – Christian or otherwise – has institutionalized homosexual relationships as normative. That ought to cause us to consider the reasons – politically and socially – why that is so.

These same Christian leaders have publicly stated and written that any form of oppression or hatred against homosexuals or anyone else is wrong. They also stress that it is wrong to equate opposition to homosexual marriage with homophobia. To do so is to silence legitimate questioning of an enormous cultural shift.

There may be no relationship between the anti-discrimination law and legalizing homosexual marriage, but, given developments elsewhere, it is not unreasonable to infer that connection.

There are important, crucial issues on all sides. Homosexuals should not fear job loss, credit problems or being kept away from a loved one in the hospital due to their sexuality. The meaning of marriage needs to be clarified in our culture, which has reduced it to only a private choice. How do we communicate about an issue that some see as a matter of civil rights and others see as a matter of civil morality?

I don’t know what it is, but we need some way to work through the pressing issues and personal realities with respect and justice.

William Cutler, Auburn