It seems to me that the Founding Fathers of this country were specifically trying to protect the rights of those who had unpopular opinions and beliefs. They tried especially hard to limit the influence of religion on lawmaking, going to extraordinary lengths to prevent any religious viewpoint from being fostered upon any particular individual or group. It strikes me that most fervent dissent regarding gay marriage comes from folks who have a strong dogmatic foundation, usually in Christian theology.

Having spent a good portion of my life in the Arts, I have developed friendships with a number of gay people and even went into a business partnership with a lesbian at one point. As long as the members of the gay community respected my heterosexuality, I respected their homosexuality. What they did behind closed doors mattered not and I see no reason why those in committed relationships should not enjoy the advantages or endure the hardships inherent in a legally recognized union like marriage. When my gay business partner cheated on her supposed life-mate I found it just as repulsive as when this kind of thing is done by my heterosexual acquaintances, just as the strong points of their relationship were viewed as positive and uplifting.

I often wonder, why are the anti-gay marriage people are so intolerant and afraid? The Christian Rightists are appalled when someone goes negative about them, yet they seem to be the first people to find others intolerable and appalling. Yet isn't this exactly the opposite of the teachings of Christ?