For about a month now, I have been carefully studying letters and ads sent to the newspaper and I have finally gotten to the point where I can make a conclusion and can speak for myself. I have looked into both sides of the argument that a lot of people seem heated about: gay marriage.

I am not too pleased with letters that state yes on Question 1 is “right.” I also don’t like rocks thrown at churches by either side, or having people called awful names for something that is not a choice. Nobody would choose to be stripped of rights or shunned by many churches, many conservatives and the U.S. military.

People state their beliefs. That’s fine, but I think that everyone needs to just cool the tensions.

So what if gays can marry? It doesn’t hurt anyone, not even second-graders. Some of them will even find out they are homosexual later in life. So why don’t we just stop arguing and move forward?

I’ve seen and read about vandalized signs and rocks thrown. Both sides are to blame, and both sides are equal people in all dimensions. Yes, somehow, one group has an advantage over the other.

I just want things to be peaceful and have no violence. Hate crimes on both sides will increase if homosexuals do not get their rights.

Please, can’t we just get along?

Cameron Gelder, Auburn