Gay Marriage

* James P. Pinkerton chides conservatives like Gary Bauer for failing “to apply consistently what they believe in: the principle of states’ rights” (Column Right, Dec. 5). The right of the states to legislate under the 10th Amendment is not nearly as high in the conservative hierarchy of values as the right of God to legislate moral absolutes which are not subject to philosophical trends, judicial fiat, or electoral majorities.

The culture which conservatives seek to conserve--one which respects life, values good character and protects private property--comes about only when man’s laws are subordinated to God’s law. Reserving marriage for one man and one woman is not seen by conservatives as “a national issue in need of a single, national solution.” It is a human issue, and God has already given a human solution.

KEVIN CRAIG

Santa Ana

* Why is it that Tex Watson, Richard Ramirez and Lyle Menendez have the right to marry--and I, as a gay man, do not?

KEITH FARR