S.F.’s Gay Weddings: Noble Move, Cruel Hoax

Re “Defiant San Francisco Marries Dozens of Same-Sex Couples,” Feb. 13: How immensely moving and appropriate that Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, two of my heroes, had the honor of being the first same-sex couple to marry in San Francisco. Unfortunately, I believe that Mayor Gavin Newsom’s move, while noble, is not legal.

But look at these two women, who for 51 years have shown that they are indeed “spouses for life,” as married as anyone could be. No just government would deny them the right to be married in law, as they clearly are in fact.

Kay M. Gilbert

Santa Monica

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As a city, San Francisco does not have the right to legalize same-sex marriages, any more than it has the right to legalize polygamy. Newsom’s political ploy is a cruel hoax on the public as well as on those who are being “married.”

If people wish to legalize gay marriage, they must work to change state law and, if that fails, accept the will of the majority.

Steve Mills

Glendale