The Catholic Diocese of Portland reportedly opposes same sex marriages because they cannot produce children and asserts that procreation is “a piece of the puzzle.”

Does this mean that a widow with tied tubes and the naturally barren-sterile should be banned from marrying? Do they want a clause that if a couple doesn’t have a child within three years, their marriage is annulled? That reminds me of the descriptions of communism I was given as a child. Saying a religion can dictate who can enter into a contract reminds me of the Church of England’s restrictions which the early settlers fled.

Marriage is a contract between the couple and the government. It doesn’t contain a religious component or mandate, though people can choose to have a religious ceremony.

If a denomination doesn’t support same-sex marriages, then it shouldn’t perform them. Meanwhile, if same sex couples want to enter into a legal contract, they should have the right to do so. Not allowing this violates their fundamental rights.

I’m the daughter of a Methodist minister, a Christian, married for more than 30 years, mother of four, and grandmother of six. I am neither anti-Christian nor anti-family. Homosexuals, bisexuals and transsexuals have become our era’s Samaritans.

When did bigotry, hatred and discrimination become a family value? Jesus said to love everyone, without adding an “unless …”

Let us legalize same-sex marriage laws, thereby upholding the Constitution and not confusing church and state roles.

Kara Anne Schreiber

Bangor