Equal rights for all American citizens | Letters | Oct. 16

Published 11:12 am Friday, October 16, 2009

Our Constitution clearly states that we are all created equal and yet here we are in 2009, once again voting on whether our gay citizens should have equal rights. It is appalling.

Our amazing country is made up of a series of minorities including: Irish, Mormon, Samoan, Vietnamese and people with red hair. We are stronger for that diversity. We may not agree with the faiths and customs of our fellow Americans, but we support their freedom to practice. None of us would begin to think it was appropriate to vote on the rights of any of those groups.

So, why is it appropriate for the majority to vote on the equal rights of the gay minority?

I would ask those of you considering a no vote on Referendum 71 to consider how you would feel if your constitutional rights were being voted on because someone else disagreed with your beliefs or heritage. It’s just plain wrong.

Please vote on Referendum 71 and ensure equal rights for all Americans. Keep the promise of America alive.

Ellen Lockert

Bainbridge Island