We just returned from our niece’s wedding. She married the man she fell in love with. Not everyone in the family believes that this is a good fit. If our family were to vote on whether or not this marriage was a good thing, we’re not sure their marriage would be approved. But, it was their decision and we accept that.
Many years ago my aunt fell in love with a man who was Catholic. We were Protestants. It tore the family apart. My grandfather refused to attend his own daughter’s wedding. If that marriage had been put up for a vote in the family, or society at that time, I know what the results would have been. By the way, my aunt and her husband had a happy, long life together, and eventually my grandfather came around.
Kent and I have been each other’s family for nearly 20 years. We had a non-legal wedding years ago to profess our love and commitment to each other in front of family and friends. Even so, we also hope to be legally married some day.
We know many folks disapprove of same sex marriage like my grandfather disapproved of my aunt’s marriage. Most of us know couples that probably shouldn’t be married. Think about it.
But it’s not up to us to vote on those marriages. We would never think of doing such a thing. Frankly we are very disappointed that this issue is even on the ballot. Constitutional amendments are normally used to give people rights, not take them away.
In this great evolving country of ours, regardless of religious or political beliefs, any two consenting adults who truly love each other should be able to enter into a lifetime legally binding contract with each other, a marriage, that comes with the all the rights, responsibilities, and recognition. Our hope is that as a society, even though we may disagree, we should all have this same opportunity. Please vote no against the proposed amendment that would permanently end our hope and the hope of generations of future same-sex couples to be married.
Nick Vavrichek
Grand Marais
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