Bigoted actions run counter to constitution

A recent letter writer (Cynthia Malone, March 17) suggested a compromise for same-sex couples: domestic partnership for them, marriage for the rest of us. Her suggestion is not a compromise as it does not involve concessions from both sides.

Bob Vander Plaats wants Iowa law to reflect what he believes is right, but our state constitution calls for equal rights for all citizens regardless of their religious beliefs. His beliefs on this issue are not shared by all other Iowa Christians, and while we are all free to believe whatever we choose, we are not free to impose those beliefs on others, especially when they interfere with others' civil rights.

Interracial marriage was illegal in this country until 1967. Detractors said it was “unnatural” and “contrary to God's law,” arguments that thinly masked bigotry, just as does the current argument against same-sex marriage. Vander Plaats also asserts that same-sex marriage will lead to incestuous marriages, polygamy and cross-species marriages. Homosexuality is not against the law in Iowa, but we do have laws against incest, polygamy and bestiality.

Also, we should all recognize that basic civil rights should never be ballot issues.

Kathryn Kilbourn

Cedar Rapids