Letter to the editor

Vote ‘No’ Nov. 7

I would first like to say thank you for printing the article entitled "Amendment Controversy Splits State." It is extremely important that voters become educated on this issue and are presented with factual and unbiased information. In 1691, the first session of the Virginia Legislature passed a resolution abolishing interracial marriage.

Upon researching this past debate, I came upon some startling information. It is preposterous to think that allowing interracial couples to marry could cause polygamy, damage children's lives and corrupt the sanctity of "traditional" marriage. Today, these are some of the same reasons being given to outlaw marriage for gay and lesbian couples.

The proponents of this amendment give nothing but the same old excuse to outlaw civil unions — that this sort of legislation is essential to preserving the sanctity of marriage. I don't think a homosexual couple would be hurting neither yours, nor anyone else's marriage just because they chose to legally declare their partnership.

Wisconsin is a progressive state with a progressive past. Wisconsin was the first state to oppose the fugitive slave laws in the 1850s, pass laws eliminating legal discrimination against women and grant women the right to vote by ratifying the 19th Amendment.

Wisconsin was also the first state to add sexual orientation to its non-discrimination statues in 1985. If this is the case, why is this amendment on the ballot in the first place?

On Nov. 7, Wisconsin has a chance to show the rest of the nation that we stand up for the rights of all citizens. Let's do our part to keep discrimination out of our constitution.

A Fair Wisconsin Votes NO.

Lacey M. Felmlee
Student