Portman acted only when it became personal

Time and again social conservatives, guided by their religious beliefs rather than the Constitution, have proved that they have no qualms about restricting human rights unless and until these issues come into their homes, involve their families and become “personal” for them. The latest example is Ohio Sen. Rob Portman’s stunning reversal of his opposition to same-sex marriage.

Portman announced on national TV that he “never gave much thought” to same-sex marriage until his son recently told him he is gay. So, by his own admission, Sen. Portman co-sponsored the Defense of Marriage Act without considering how it might negatively impact many families who sent him to Washington to represent them. Shame on any elected official who not only votes to pass or defeat, but worse yet co-sponsors, legislation without thinking of the effect it will have on all of their constituents as well as Americans as a whole.

Portman says his son has taught him that being gay is not a choice, but part of who he has always been. Well, what do you know? Now the senator does not have to feel responsible for playing a role in shaping his son’s sexual orientation.

How many children of social conservatives must “come out of the closet” before the federal government, and each individual state, allows and recognizes same-sex marriage? I urge our state legislators to be on the right side of history and support Illinois’ same-sex marriage bill.

Sheryl Jedlinski

Palatine