Date: Mon, 25 Oct 2010 15:37:41 -0400 Subject: Gay Marriage From: Brian Chabot To: family@unionleader.com, letters@unionleader.com To whom it may concern; I have recently been made aware of the Union Leader's policy on printing announcements for homosexual weddings, as reported by WMUR here: http://www.wmur.com/news/25481016/detail.html While it is, of course, your right to publish what you please, I cannot help but feel dismayed at your decision. Since the beginning of 2010, the State of New Hampshire has allowed same-sex marriages to be recognized by the State. I can understand the argument regarding the "sanctity of marriage" even while I disagree that such a sanctity is in jeopardy. No one is forcing you to marry anyone against your will or religious beliefs and no one is forcing your church to marry anyone against your religious customs. As someone who has many friends who are involved or have been involved in same-sex relationships, I have had the opportunity to observe the differences and similarities in their lives compared to traditional heterosexual couples. To be blunt, the ONLY difference is in the genders. Gay couples love and argue, just like heterosexual couples. They have long term relationships and sometimes have relationships which do not work out. Just like you and me. I see no problem with allowing two people in a committed, loving relationship to marry. The State of New Hampshire agrees. If the Union Leader wants to go against the will of the People of New Hampshire, and remain in the dark ages, that is your prerogative. I would like to urge you to reconsider this decision and give all loving couples who choose to marry, the same attention in your marriage announcements section. Thank you for your time, Brian Chabot Independent (Write-In) Candidate for US Senate (NH) https://brianchabot.org