Marriage foremost is a civil contract

This is in answer to David Smith’s Aug. 8 letter, “Civil law attacks religion.” On the contrary, Mr. Smith would have religion attack civil law. Marriage is a legal contract. With it come certain rights and responsibilities. Couples can be married by clergy of course. We were married 59 years ago by a rabbi (two actually). However, had we been married by a judge, or any other legally authorized person, we would be just as legally bound. Any two people who wish to be married and are legally old enough should be able to do so. That includes same-sex couples and, of course, nonreligious couples. Again, in the U.S., marriage is actually a civil and not a religious contract.

George Blinick

Prospect Heights