Regarding the debate over gay marriage, gay people need equal rights in terms of whom they love and to have that love sanctioned by marriage. Gay marriage would bring financial gains to our state by allowing gay people to marry in Maryland instead of going to other states.
The bill backed by Gov.Martin O'Malleyhas legal protections in place for religious beliefs and for religious organizations and churches. African-Americans should support gay marriage and remember that the Bible was used to condone slavery and other forms of discrimination.
I believe that people are born gay. Who would choose to live a life of ridicule and hiding? No one would want to have to hide an important part of their life such as this.
Christians must stand up as they did in the 1960s to stop discrimination against African-Americans. It is time to stop oppressing people over an issue that has nothing to do with heterosexual marriage.
Sherry Hope, Baltimore