The Truth About Gay Marriage

Re “More Backlash Than Bliss 1 Year After Marriage Law,” May 17: There’s no doubt there have been setbacks for those of us fighting to ensure equal rights and responsibilities for all American families. But the reality reflects a normal ebb and flow that has defined every great social issue in American history.

While the 13 states that passed constitutional amendments last year opposing same-sex marriage are now political legend, it’s less well known that 14 state legislatures rejected similar amendments.

And just as some politicians, anti-gay extremists and pundits try to pin the marriage fight on the defeat of candidates nationwide, 94% of state legislators who voted against constitutional amendments were reelected.

Polling continues to swing toward equality, with more than 60% of Nov. 2 voters saying they support more equal rights and responsibilities for same-sex couples. Ultimately, the twists and turns of this struggle will end in a soft landing because more Americans are coming to know gay couples at town picnics, on factory floors and in houses of worship, and, as they do, misunderstanding will evaporate and fairness will prevail.

Joe Solmonese

President, Human Rights Campaign

Washington

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The opponents of gay marriage need to answer this question: Why should the children of unmarried gay couples suffer a different social standing and have less financial stability and legal protection than the children of heterosexual married couples?

It’s obvious to me that the people who delicately and deceitfully label their position “pro-family” are, in fact, just anti-gay.

Gregory D. Stanton

Los Angeles