Daring to speak against gay marriage

First I'd like to thank Mike Gilhuly for providing the impetus for this letter to the editor. Sitting quietly is so much safer than stepping out and letting people know where you stand on important issues.

We do get intimidated by those who disagree with us and who are more vocal than we are. As a result we can become cowards when we should be standing tall and shouting from the rooftops that yes, I believe in God, and in his word, and now I am going to act as though I do.

Once we who have families including a mother, father and children were called the backbone of America. Marriage is and always has been the union of one man and one woman for the good of children and society. Now our state senators will decide if marriage should be redefined to include two men, or two women. What nonsense.

This is not what was intended for us when we were created male and female. I know those who believe in God are expected to be silent because we believe. That belief precludes our taking part in pubic debate. In fact, that belief in God is the only reason for taking part in this public debate.

We are created man and woman. It's only from this union that a child can arise. Society has a stake in this. All people who believe that same-sex marriage is not acceptable for the common good including Jews, evangelical Protestants, Catholics, Muslims, all people of faith must not allow the name-calling to silence us. We are not bigoted, hate-filled homophobes, but people who love one another as we have been asked. Silence in this matter is wrong. One more letter to state that position is now sent.

I would like to offer kudos to our Lewis County legislators. Well done.

Mary Dunckel

Lowville