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43 °F Forecast | Road Cams Sunday, February 29, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend February 22, 2004 Since WE Asked: For richer or poorer, for better or worse, for straight or gay? The issue of whether gay and lesbian couples should be married continues to spark debate across the country — why should the Rogue Valley be any different? Here’s what we asked: What should be the legally recognized status of gay couples — civil unions, marriage, not at all, or something else? And here’s what you said: Advertisement Gays have always existed in our society. They deserve equality and respect not discrimination. At the very least, they have the right to civil unions. — Elaine Hibbert, Medford The gay union question doesn't involve me and shouldn't involve my government. Two involved adults can call it what they want. — Jim Hyder, White City It should be a civil union, like a contract — with a right to cancel, not divorce. Marriage is between a man and a woman only. — Carol M., Medford Marriage. How is it going to harm anyone? I think the right wing has to much influence. What happened to the separation of Church and state? If you don't want to marry a man ... don't. — Richard A. I think gay couples should have the same options as heterosexual couples. If they want to be married, they should be able to have the same planning headaches as the rest of us. — Robyn Hernandez Any two people who commit to share a lifelong relationship and to love and honor each other deserve the full legal rights of marriage. — Deb V., Gold Hill If we recognize gays for things like health insurance, then would we also have to recognize other couples that live together —who are not gay, and offer them the same rights? — Lisa Smith, Eagle Point Our forefathers did a fabulous job planning our future. Our Constitution says NOTHING about gay marriage or unions. I vote nothing. — Dawn P., Eagle Point Why does the government care what sex my partner or I am? The rights and responsibilities of marriage should be available to all adult citizens. — Kris York, Medford The legally recognized status of gay couples should not be at all. In Genesis 2:21-25, God made the woman for the man and through marriage they were to be one. — Huntley & Evelyn Barns I have no problem with "marriage." This is a commitment between two people who love each other. It has no effect on anyone else. What is the problem? — Kathy S ., Medford There should be no gay marriages what-so-ever. — Bot Schmidt, Eagle Point That this issue is being debated is absurd. Same-sex oriented people are the only minority left against whom it is still OK to discriminate. Substitute "gay" with elderly, Hispanic or Jewish and most people would be outraged! — Edward Burns, Medford Gay marriage promotes stable unions and takes nothing away from heterosexual marriage. Marriage is a civil right that should be available to all couples. — Karen Basin, Talent Teen pregnancy, alcoholism, domestic violence, murder — as if heterosexuals have cornered the market on moral living. — Charles N., White City Civil unions. Anything that recognizes their relationship, and makes them eligible for benefits normally given to married couples. — Mike Merusi, Gold Hill Marriage is exceptionally hard work, as divorce statistics prove. Isn't it time gay folks stepped up to the plate to make this a more stable society? — Susan E., Ashland It's nobody's business but theirs. Leave them be! — Thomas J., Medford How many married people do you know who are miserable? Why not have gays and lesbians share in the pain? — Sharron L., Ashland This week’s question If you’re having a bit of cabin fever, and it seems like spring is taking its darn sweet time getting here; well, have we got a deal for you! An extra 24 hours! Just tell us how you’d spend them: In honor of Leap Year — if you were given a free, extra day, what would you do with it? Remember, folks, answers should be short and too the point — and please remember to add your name and hometown. You can file your answer using the link available on our home page, or e-mail us directly at [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback 3 WEEKS FREE! ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S RESOURCES Oregon Road Conditions & Cams SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Food for Thought Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities Prime Times