Letter: Plymouth Resident Against Marriage Amendment

To the Editor: 

When my partner and I pay taxes (sales or property, license plates or highway tolls, state or federal) no one asks if we're gay. If we need police or fire protection, or use public parks no one asks if we’re gay. When we vote, volunteer for community projects, no one asks us if we’re gay. When we read the Declaration of Independence opening, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness," it doesn't say "except if you're gay."

So, why is a strictly governmental service and contractual right that is afforded heterosexual couples denied gay couples? The U.S. has no adopted religion; no "religious tradition" as is so often cited (Read the Treaty of Tripoli). This affects no heterosexual's civil marriage. The fact that we fund our government, support our community, and are citizens like every other citizen, yet denied the fundamental right to use a strictly civil contract is discriminatory and should be made illegal, not codified in our State Constitution.

A “NO” vote on the marriage amendment is essential to assure that ALL citizens are treated equally. 

Don Untiedt

Plymouth