This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2008, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
I applaud California for legalizing gay marriage. After all, it is merely a legal formality, since many gay couples live the life of married couples and only lack the legal recognition. It is against the fabric of this country to treat anyone as a second-class citizen.
Those opposed to gay marriage have fears deeply rooted in the simple aspect of sex. They believe the act of sex is all that defines gay people. What they need to focus on is that these are loving couples who go to church, shop, contribute to society, do yard work and are more similar to ourselves than we think.
The recognition of homosexuality should not be defined by what goes on in the bedroom but whether they are simply good people. Anything less than full equality is inferior and intolerable. Marriage should not be defined as between a man and woman but rather as between two loving human beings.
Opposition to gay marriage is seeded in the fear of change and in so-called moral values. It is more moral to treat all equally. Happily married straight couples should realize the value of commitment between two individuals and stand beside their gay brothers and sisters.
Wes Roberts
Salt Lake City