Same-sex marriage fits in social contract

Dear Kathy Potts,

I have been a Republican since 1979 when I first registered to vote. I believe in limited government and that people have an obligation to stand on their own and ask for help only as needed.

Standing on one's own is part of a social contract, as is caring for self and encouraging others to do the same. Part of caring for oneself and honoring this social contract is sexual conduct that is least likely to harm self or others, and limiting sexual partners decreases risk to all.

Diversity makes for a richer world. Allowing for same-sex marriage runs parallel to my beliefs in limited government and sexual conduct that is least likely to harm self or others (assuming marital fidelity) and also fully support same-sex marriage for these as well as basic equality reasons.

Thank you for your column (“2012 is the year to stay together,” March 13) showing support of same-sex marriage among some social conservatives.

Keith A. Kenel

Cedar Rapids