by Lea Anna Cooper

Created on: June 26, 2007   Last Updated: January 19, 2009

I believe that the decisions regarding gay marriage should stay on the individual State level.

The only reason I say this is because of the new Hate Crimes Legislation that is in turmoil in Washington. Congress is attempting to make additions to the bill which could possibly cost heterosexuals our freedom of speech and freedom of expression. They have also introduced another addition to the bill and that is 'thought,' in which the gay community receives more rights and privileges in the courtroom with 'the thought behind' the hate crime of the accused, but this option would not be included for heterosexuals. The law will lean too much the other way. This initiative is not good for America as a whole and has gotten way out of hand. Hate crimes, as a whole, are completely out of order, and disfigure the face of our nation.

It would be more advisable to put this on the 2008 ballot and let the entire nation vote on it.

As far as how each state could recognize a gay marriage is within a Civil Union, with benefits of bequeathing of money or personal belongings to the spouse. It is only right for insurance companies to follow suit as well as medical insurances.

I do not feel it is always proper for a minority to be forever going to the front of the line in order to appease special interest groups. This is totally wrong. As a matter of fact, I find that putting pressure on Christian Churches to bend to any new government or court ruling regarding churches being forced to recognize gay marriage is positively ludicrous and unacceptable.

Although the U.S. Constitution does not say it directly, there is that separation of Church and State and that's the way it should always stay.

Gay couples who want to get married is their desire. But each State should hold their own voting, without pushing from any of the special interest groups or lobbyists.

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