Letter: Far-reaching impact from gay marriage

Saturday, June 24, 2006 | 7:51 a.m.

Gerald Aarness' glib comments in his June 17 letter, given "with all due respect," ring hollow. As with most diversionary arguments like "straw man" or ad hominem, the intent is dismissal and disrespect. Further, if Mr. Aarness and other apologists for gay marriage really thought that the issue was inconsequential, they would accept civil union contracts readily and not push for inclusion with heterosexual marriage.

There are huge economic consequences that will take place with the altering of the historical marriage contract. Right of property, insurance and survivor benefits have nearly inestimable value. Polygamy, multiple same-sex unions, unions of parents with children, even unions with partnerships and corporations could be intellectually argued to be valid with the demise of the historical understanding of marriage.

James E. Nickelson, Las Vegas

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