Letter: Gay marriage not a threat

Monday, March 15, 2004 | 8:56 a.m.

In what sort of society are we living in when a couple, gay or straight, cannot show their love to the world openly. It is not for President Bush to make a decision that affects so many lives without just cause. The marriage of a homosexual couple does not threaten our country nor its well-being.

Perhaps it would have been wise for President Bush to have consulted his public relations staff before favoring a constitutional amendment barring gay marriages. There is no reason for Bush and his underlings to have made this decision.

Bush needs to have compassion, empathy and comprehensive understanding of the different lifestyles of his fellow Americans. This country was not built on repression but freedom of choice, the freedom to be who you are!

It was a blatant disregard of choice for Bush to have made this decision for more than 10 percent of the population. We elect presidents with the hope and understanding that they will make choices that will benefit everyone. This choice was spurred by fear, bigotry and homophobia. His decision is demeaning and unjustifiable.

ANDY MELLO