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Voices needed in debate on marriage

By Daily Herald - | Jan 12, 2014

We applaud those who are getting involved in the debate over the same sex marriage issue.

It is rare to see an issue that raises the level of passion of so many people like this issue has.

In the last few weeks as this story unfolds, we have been impressed by the organizations on both sides of the issue that are working to make their points known.

However we caution those who are more interested in fanning the flame of hate than in respect and compromise.

It is completely appropriate to bring to the argument facts and emotion, just as it is inappropriate to spread hate and make false accusations.

The State of Utah has shown that it respects the rule of law and has taken steps to uphold both federal and state rulings in the same-sex issue.

On Thursday, Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes advised local county clerks to finish the paperwork for same-sex marriages that took place before the U.S. Supreme Court issued a halt on Monday. That would allow clerks to provide marriage certificates to couples who were married.

On Friday, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said the federal government will recognize those marriages.

Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin praised Holder’s action saying, “This is only the beginning of this fight, and this work continues until marriage equality returns to Utah for good, and full equality reaches every American in all 50 states.”

Appropriately, that sparked condemnation from the National Organization of Marriage president Brian Brown.

“It is outrageous that the Justice Department would move so brazenly and publicly to undermine Utah’s standing constitutional provision regulating marriage as the union of one man and one woman” Brown said. “It is the right of states to determine marriage, and the voters and legislature of Utah have done just that.”

Local traditional marriage advocates who gathered last week made similar statements and encouraged others to get involved in the debate.

“Learning to get out of our comfort zones is hard,” said Cherilyn Eagar, who spoke a rally in Orem Wednesday. “We need to act on what we know is right. I learned at a young age you have to twist and shout a little.”

We know that Utah County residents have traditionally made their voice heard when it comes to sensitive issues and we hope that willingness will continue as this debate continues.

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