The American way

Columbia Daily Tribune

The recent decision of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court launched the public debate over gay marriage from fundamental philosophy toward semantics.

The majority wrote: "Whether and whom to marry, how to express sexual intimacy, and whether and how to establish a family -- these are among the most basic of every individual's liberty and due process rights. And central to personal freedom and security is the assurance that the laws will apply equally to persons in similar situations."

The Massachusetts dictum ... is bound to have irresistible impact.

Society can't continue to discriminate and remain true to our constitutional principles.

Whether individuals or couples are good members of society does not depend on their sexual preferences. We have no valid reason to deny the right to marry on this ground. We should choose tolerance over bigotry. It's the American way.