Decline to sign Referendum 71 petitions. Many domestic partnerships are between straight people, but this is beside the point. Consider where one must go for a marriage license … the courthouse. The marriage license is issued by the state.

Separation between church and state is a fundamental principle in this country. There is no logical reason to refuse any two consenting adults the right to form a legal partnership and call it a marriage if that is the purpose of the partnership. All citizens should have the right to participate in the rights and privileges of this civil institution. That said, the churches should be free to bless whatever they choose to bless … separation between church and state.

Lauryn Christean

Bainbridge Island