Gay Marriages

The Defense of Marriage Act defends many things, among them fear, intolerance, hate, ignorance, homophobia and bigotry. The one thing it does not defend, however, is marriage, since its stated purpose is to deny the benefits of that institution to a certain segment of our society.

That Bill Clinton would affix his signature to such an ugly and mean-spirited measure (Sept. 22) is further confirmation of how morally bankrupt and devoid of principle this master of right-wing appeasement really is.

RONALD O. RICHARDS

Los Angeles