Everyone deserves legal rights of marriage

Regarding a Dec. 16 letter titled “God, nature intend for man to marry woman”: This writer, William Vance, has a problem with the word marriage. Perhaps he would prefer civil union or domestic partnership.

From what I understand, civil unions and domestic partnerships granted in one state aren't recognized in every state. That brings us back to marriage.

I don't believe anyone disagrees that churches should be allowed to decide whom they marry in their church, but we must somehow recognize, in a legal way, the desire for two people to obtain the benefits that marriage provides - survivor benefits through Social Security, veterans benefits, tax breaks, etc. I don't think that gays and lesbians mean any disrespect to Christianity or any religion for that matter. I think that they simply would appreciate the same legal rights granted to others.

I, too, believe that the sanctity of marriage isn't taken seriously enough. The divorce rate is extremely high, some people have been married several times with the blessings of their church. Couples can be married, while inebriated, by an Elvis impersonator.

Let's have that discussion, and stop comparing loving, wonderful people who want to have their union celebrated and recognized to bestiality or incest. It's not up to the government to protect marriage. You protect your marriage, and I will protect mine, and let this nation's government figure out a way to grant rights to everyone.

Libby Wigginton

Keokuk