Same-sex marriage is not an issue of discrimination. In order for it to be discrimination, the law must be applied to two different groups of people unequally. This is not the case with same-sex marriage.

Two heterosexual males cannot marry, just as two homosexual males cannot marry. The law applies to both homosexuals and heterosexuals equally.

Same-sex marriage also is not an equality issue. Equality of benefits can be achieved through civil unions, which afford all the legal benefits of marriage and make same-sex marriage unnecessary for achieving equality.

Finally, same-sex marriage is not a rights issue. Any two people, at any time, have the right to have a marriage ceremony and declare themselves “married.” It is not illegal, and no one is trying to take away anyone’s right to marry. What same-sex couples currently don’t have (in most states) is the legal framework to have their marriages recognized by the state.

Therefore, the issue is not one of rights, equality or discrimination. It is one of legal definitions and should, if the state and its citizens are ready, be handled quickly and swiftly through the Legislature.

I personally am apathetic toward the same-sex marriage movement, because I have heard no logical argument against it.

And I applaud Vermont for its recent decision to recognize same-sex marriages, not because of my personal opinion on the issue, but because it was handled legislatively as it should be and not through the courts.

We can only hope California is taking notes.

Arthur Manoli III

microbiology and premedical junior