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Letter to the Editor: Marriage equality

To the Editor,

On Friday the Supreme Court announced it will take up same sex marriage. While marriage equality has gained attention in recent years, the movement is older than many Americans realize.

During slavery, African American couples were barred from marriage. Such unions were not recognized until after the Civil War. Less than fifty years ago, states prohibited interracial marriage. It was claimed that these unions interfered with God’s plan for humanity. Today LGBT couples are denied the right to marry in fourteen states. Their families go without basic protections most Americans take for granted.

Sadly, many Americans are still threatened by marriage equality. Changing their minds is just as important as changing our laws. Dialogue is the only way to do this. There’s a lot of talking to do, and we need more voices.

This means more LGBT voices, straight voices and religious voices. But the most important voices are those still in the closet. Come out! You have the most potential to help realize change. We must tell our opponents- we are your children, your neighbors, your coworkers and your pastors. And we are entitled to equal protection under the law.

It’s time to speak up!

Rob Humble

Iowa City, Iowa

Letter to the Editor: Marriage equality

To the Editor,

On Friday the Supreme Court announced it will take up same sex marriage. While marriage equality has gained attention in recent years, the movement is older than many Americans realize.

During slavery, African American couples were barred from marriage. Such unions were not recognized until after the Civil War. Less than fifty years ago, states prohibited interracial marriage. It was claimed that these unions interfered with God’s plan for humanity. Today LGBT couples are denied the right to marry in fourteen states. Their families go without basic protections most Americans take for granted.

Sadly, many Americans are still threatened by marriage equality. Changing their minds is just as important as changing our laws. Dialogue is the only way to do this. There’s a lot of talking to do, and we need more voices.

This means more LGBT voices, straight voices and religious voices. But the most important voices are those still in the closet. Come out! You have the most potential to help realize change. We must tell our opponents- we are your children, your neighbors, your coworkers and your pastors. And we are entitled to equal protection under the law.

It’s time to speak up!

Rob Humble

Iowa City, Iowa