Courts can't alter gay marriage laws

This in response to David Berry's article discussing California and Massachusetts gay marriage rulings and how they will affect Illinois.

In both states, the truth is that same-sex marriage is not legal. In both, the highest law is the state constitution.

For Massachusetts to change its law, its current marriage statute (chapter 207) must be amended. "The people of the commonwealth of Massachusetts are not controllable by any other laws than those to which their constitutional representative body have given their consent."

The people of Massachusetts through their elected representatives never consented to same-sex marriage.

The current marriage statute was never amended or suspended and to this day does not include a provision for same-sex marriage.

Recognizing this, legislation by gay activists was introduced a month ago to amend the current Massachusetts statute to legalize homosexual marriage.

California in 2000 approved by a large majority a voter driven initiative defining marriage as between one man, one woman.

As is the case in Massachusetts, the judges lack the constitutional authority to overturn statutes passed by the voters of the state.

Neither the people nor their elected representatives voted to amend the marriage statute that does not allow for same-sex marriage. Until that happens, it remains as is.

Research is crystal clear that children do far better when benefiting from the different and special skills that a father and a mother bring to the parenting table.

The two most loving dads can never equal a mother.

Realize that 29 states have enshrined marriage within their constitutions. Call your state representatives and tell them you do not want marriage changed and you want to be certain that Illinois is included in the states that have enacted defense-of-marriage amendments within their constitution.

Jim Finnegan

Barrington