Are homosexuals and bisexuals human? Are they American? Do they deserve to coexist peacefully without oppression? Proposal 2 has shown that 11 states answered "no" to all of these questions. In addition, this passing has violated the state constitution and the First Amendment via freedom of religion.

Freedom of religion? Yes. Were most voters not aware that there are churches all around the nation that marry - have married - homosexuals? Proposal 2 made it so those churches in 11 states can no longer practice religion freely. In addition, Proposal 2 has taken power away from the state to civilly unionize heterosexuals and homosexuals, as well as provide benefits for domestic partners. When did civil unions and domestic partners become classified as a marriage? They aren't the same.

As for the sanctity of marriage being in jeopardy, heterosexuals have done a nice job hurting it. I think the divorce rate, spousal abuse, drive-through 10-minute weddings and marriage based upon dependency, greed, superficiality or social status shows how sanctimonious it is. Though, I will agree, there have been marriages devoid of this, and I'm happy for those couples.

Allow religion to be separate of the state and the state to be separate of religion. Neither has the right to halt the other's progression. If this is what society wants, we might as might as well burn the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, for all men aren't equal, the church is the state and religion has no freedom.

Andy Rittenhouse
materials science and engineering junior