THE EDITOR, Sir:
GAY MARRIAGE is a very divisive issue. Its divisiness comes from many places, some are cultural, others societal, religious and outright prejudice.
We as a society, should look at this issue as a human rights issue.
There are lesbians and gays who are in committed loving same gender relationships, who have invested time, resources and lot of energy to make their lives comfortable. They are productive, and contribute enormously to the society.
Should lesbians and gays be treated differently because of their sexual orientation and if so why?
Not too long ago gays were barred from seeing someone with whom they have shared their life, lying in a hospital bed dying, because of sexual orientation and this is just one of the barriers that was created by bias and prejudice.
People continue to look at homosexuality as a lifestyle as if it is rock-climbing or bike-riding. Others call homosexuality alternative, alternative to what?
The idea that marriage is for procreation is such a sad one, there are millions of people who cannot have children and do not want to have children, there are people who are beyond child-bearing years should they not be allowed to be married?
The idea that marriage is sacred really scares me, based on the rate of divorce, based on how unhealthy and dysfunctional some of these marriages are, based on physical and sexual abuse that happens in some of the sanctified and holy unions.
At what point are we as a society will understand that there are some very basic but fundamental things that we all deserve to make our lives meaningful.
Regardless of whether one is homosexual or heterosexual, living with dignity, to love and to be loved, respect, support, inclusion, family and complete acceptance is paramount.
I am etc.,
TREVOR GRAY
men2gether@black-cap.com
Toronto, Canada
Via Go-Jamaica
