Civil Marriage

The argument that religious groups have the right to dictate social mores in order to protect their religious freedom is hollow and in fact turns the whole concept of religious liberty on its head. To say that any particular religion's duty to its own higher power takes precedence over the claims of society as a whole negates the freedom of all religions. No one denies that churches and other charitable institutions provide many worthwhile services. That is why they are tax exempt.

Other states grant full marital equality Congratulations to Iowa and Vermont for recognizing full marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples ("Override makes gay marriage legal in Vermont," April 8). Civil marriage for gays does not denigrate or disrespect religious ceremonies but simply upholds the constitutional right of equal protection for all. My husband and I are thrilled that our lesbian daughter and all the friends of hers we know will now be able to legally marry in a few states.

I was disappointed by Annie Linskey 's reporting in her article "Same-sex marriage foes late to battle" (Feb. 27). I fully support balanced coverage and recognize the right for both supporters and opponents of same-sex marriage to express their views. However, I find it surprising that Del. Don Dwyer's statements about explicit pamphlets being distributed to children in Massachusetts were allowed to stand on their own in the article. Delegate Dwyer's assertion is not true and is a scare tactic.

Sexual union between a man and woman is the only reason the human race has survived. If the supreme intelligence that created us had made one sex, or if marriage had only been between members of the same sex, none of us would be here now. Men and women are not the same. Each has a unique role in the creation of life. Traditional and same- sex marriage are not the same either. The former is the framework in which human life has continued to survive for thousands of years. It is the only setting in which life can be created and preserved according to the plan of the author of life.

Opponents of Question 6 are airing a television commercial that claims same-sex marriage could be "taught in schools" if the law is upheld in the November election. What the ad says: The commercial features David and Tonia Parker, a Massachusetts couple who sued the school board when their son brought home a book that discussed gay married couples. A federal judge tossed out the lawsuit, saying schools are "entitled to teach anything that is reasonably related to the goals of preparing students to become engaged and productive citizens.

Most election cycles voters are faced with various questions and referendums when they enter the voting booth. I write today highlighting one of the most important and controversial questions that Maryland voters will have the final say on. Question 6, The Civil Marriage Protection Act, will be one with which many will struggle. As a life-long Republican, I wholeheartedly support the passage of this measure. Some may feel that it is contradictory to be a staunch Republican who supports marriage equality.

Del. Wade Kach, a Baltimore County Republican, told The Sun this morning that he will switch his vote and throw his support behind Gov. Martin O'Malley's bill to legalize same-sex marriage. Kach said the change in heart came after considerable deliberation. He plans to put out a statement at 10:15 a.m. The move puts O'Malley closer to the 71 votes he needs for passage in the 141-member chamber, but it is still unclear that supporters have the numbers they need. Lawmakers will begin debating the marriage bill this morning.

U.S. Rep. Barney Frank said Wednesday night that one place President Obama's change of position to open support of same-sex marriage could have a significant impact is Maryland. Frank, a Massachusett Democrat who is perhaps the nation's best-known openly gay elected official, said on MSNBC's Rachel Maddow Show that Obama's stand could be important in the state because the issue of same-sex marriage bill is expected to be a referendum question on the ballot in November. The Maryland General Assembly passed Gov. Martin O'Malley's bill extending civil marriage rights to same-sex couples in March, but opponents are expected to collect enough signatures to force a referendum.

It is so hard to read and hear the vehement attacks from those who wish to deny me the right to have my marriage to my wonderful wife of 5 1/2 years to be recognized by the state. I can no longer stand in silence and allow this ignorant rhetoric to go unchallenged. Our marriage is not harmful to our children. However, the fact that the state denies us the protections that civil marriage offers is actually what is harmful to them. My marriage is not a threat to "traditional marriage.

Opposition to extending civil marriage to same-sex couples isn't theocracy as Sen. Allan Kittleman has suggested. It's not bigotry, narrow-mindedness, hatred or "homophobia. " It's common sense! And it's a matter of children's rights. Each of us has a biological father and mother. It's naturally optimal for every child to have the advantage of a loving mother and father at home. Of course, this isn't always possible. But it makes sense for the law to foster this optimal child-raising environment, not promote deliberate, less optimal alternatives.