Same-sex marriage is a civil right

In answer to Mr. Jeff Gorden’s letter about the religious aspect of marriage, I would like to remind him that marriage is, by definition, in the state of Illinois and the 49 others as well, nothing more than a legal contract. You are just as married if the ceremony is done by a judge as by a clergyman (or clergywoman, for that matter). The person officiating must be licensed by the state to perform marriages. Therefore, two same-sex people are entitled by civil law to the same civil rights as two opposite-sex people.

Mr. Gorden writes about creating children. What then about couples who are unable to conceive, or don’t want children, or are perhaps widowed and decide to marry again during their twilight years? Is Mr. Gorden willing to invalidate those marriages? It seems as though worldwide there are millions of homosexual people. Did God mess it up somehow?

Canada has legalized gay marriage nationwide and somehow Canada survives. Mr. Gorden writes about “sin.” To me, sin is bigotry, racism, hatred, war, intolerance and murder. Pedophiles are sinful. Two people asking for civil rights do not fall into that category.

George Blinick

Prospect Heights