Legislature gives gay marriage its blessing
Re “Legislature OKs Gay Marriage,” Sept. 7
Those who protest gay marriage by saying the people have spoken by passing Proposition 22 forget that the Constitution does not allow uninhibited majority rule. While we are a democracy, we cannot disenfranchise a despised minority by a vote. The freedom and dignity of an entire class of people was put to a vote five years ago, and they were made second-class citizens. I’m proud of the Legislature for taking a stand for the dignity of all humans, no matter who they love.
RITCH BARRON
Fullerton
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Only five years ago, voters passed Proposition 22 by a wide margin of 61% to 39%. If we allow legislators to overturn the obvious will of the people, then what is next? Every initiative will now be subject to summary dismissal, based on the political whim of the party in power in the statehouse.
Say adios to Proposition 13, which protects homeowners from being forced to pick up the tab for government extravagances. I hope Schwarzenegger vetoes the measure. It sets a bad precedent.
MICHAEL J. ALLEGRETTI
Chatsworth
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I’m confused. When Republicans don’t like gay marriage decided by the courts, they call it judicial activism. When Republicans (like Schwarzenegger) don’t like gay marriage passed by legislators, they ask the courts to decide. Can anyone explain?
STEVEN HOCHSTADT
Studio City
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Re “Debate Brings Clarity to Gay Marriage Issue,” Sept. 5
In George Skelton’s column, Assemblyman Tom McClintock (R-Thousand Oaks) is quoted as saying that marriage between a man and a woman “institutionally exists in nature by which we propagate our species.” This statement is unsound on two simple points. First, marriage is not an institution of nature, it is a creation of society, with economic roots. Nature didn’t develop the concept of marriage, people did.
Second, marriage has no bearing on propagation of our species. Has McClintock seen the statistics on babies born to unmarried women? You don’t need to be married to give birth, and not all married people have children. The assemblyman is obviously trying to please his conservative constituents, but he would appear more intelligent by doing so with facts instead of opinions and rhetoric.
PHILLIP HAIN
Glendale