Support R-71 – everyone deserves equal rights

Published 3:57 pm Saturday, October 24, 2009

As a religious minister, I urge the readers of the Bellevue Reporter to Approve Referendum 71 on the November ballot. Keep the Domestic Partnership Law.

I support Referendum 71 because I believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person and every family. It is a moral truth that every family deserves equal rights and every person deserves equal protection under the law.

This referendum pits love against fear, justice against injustice. We stand on the side of love and justice. Love’s power can be harnessed to stop oppression, exclusion and violence. We are all called to love our neighbors and welcome the stranger. Let’s not allow this referendum to build wall of fear and hatred between Washington neighbors.

Love is a divine gift. A covenant of love, be it called marriage or domestic partnership, is a sacred trust between two individuals. Any couple able to forge that bond deserves the legal benefits of marriage as well as the ability to express that sacred trust freely and equally in our society.

An “Approve” vote will protect couples, families, children and seniors. Fight fear and hatred. Stand on the side love this November.

Rev. Joan Montagnes, East Shore Unitarian Church, Bellevue