Gay marriage not harmful to children

Recently I heard an ad that insisted gay marriage is bad for our children and families, that heterosexual marriage would be adversely affected by gay marriage and our children might be taught about homosexual relationships in schools. There is no problem here. Homosexuals are human beings.

Throughout our history we find this same fear. Are women not human beings? Yet women were beaten by husbands without recourse, could not vote, and were not paid equally. What of African-Americans? These human beings were persecuted for having dark skin. Hanged, kept apart from whites. Why?

These groups were and are like every human being who feels love, joy, sadness, fear, anger and happiness and wishes to live free and work, play, eat and sleep in peace. Yet in this 21st century, we continue to allow archaic beliefs and fear to cause unnecessary suffering in our fellow human beings. Is this who we truly wish to be?

Many homosexual couples wish to marry. They wish to participate in a meaningful ceremony that provides hope for the future and a piece of paper which grants certain rights and privileges under the law, just as heterosexual couples. This paper has no bearing on companionship or commitment and does not honor love. It provides rights and privileges to married couples and honors the law. Homosexuals are human beings deserving of these rights and privileges under the law.

This does not damage our children or families. It strengthens them by teaching our children humanity and compassion for the human condition.

You will, of course, believe as you wish. But please do not let unfounded fear stand in the way of another human being's basic human rights. If your heterosexual children are exposed to homosexual couples, they will not suddenly become homosexual. They will simply see the love and go about their lives. That is what children do.

If homosexual couples express love, commitment, honor and respect in a ceremony which provides a piece of paper with rights attached, nothing is taken from the heterosexual marriage. It will still exist as an expression of love and commitment. So, please, if you feel as I do, let your representatives know. When we say nothing, fear wins.

Thank you for this moment from your day. May the rest of it be filled with love and free from fear.

Tammy Hall

Carthage