Clarification of letter about Referendum 74 | Letter
Published 10:52 am Tuesday, July 24, 2012
In the May 23 issue of the Sounder, I wrote a letter in support of Washington’s marriage equality bill giving gay and lesbian couples the right to marry in state courts. The title of the letter was “Say No to Prop 74.” It has recently been brought to my attention that there is some confusion regarding Referendum 74 that will appear on the November ballot. I hope this letter helps clarify the issue.
The petition that I referred to in my letter solicited signatures to put the question of same sex marriage on the ballot, so that, as the signers hoped, it could be rejected. Now the referendum itself as quoted on the Washington state website www.sos.wa.gov reads as follows. “This bill would allow same-sex couples to marry … and preserve the right of clergy or religious organizations to refuse to perform, recognize, or accommodate any marriage ceremony.” The question we as voters have to answer is whether or not this bill should be “approved” or “rejected.” Therefore, the title of this letter should read “Say Yes to Ref. 74.”
In my previous letter, I was arguing for the acceptance of homosexuals and respect for their mutual love and commitment. Here however, I am urging you to allow homosexuals the same rights to civil marriage that heterosexuals enjoy, that is to publicly acknowledge to the world that they are in permanent committed relationships that are legally recognized by civil society. And, to answer some objections I have heard, no, domestic partnerships don’t do the same. While some privileges are granted, the public acknowledgement of the marriage bond can never be equaled by a domestic partnership. Furthermore, note the second part of the bill. If your church, mosque or synagogue doesn’t wish to recognize such unions, it is not legally bound to do so. In other words all are free to exercise their conscience. I cannot understand how clear thinking responsible citizens can object to a bill granting all parties the freedom to live according to their conscience.
Please approve Referendum 74 in November, for freedom’s sake.
Maura O’Neill
Eastsound
