Marriage threat?

To the editor:

Advocates of an amendment banning same-sex marriage like to argue that traditional heterosexual marriages foster loving relationships and moral citizens. They also like to imply that gays and lesbians are sexually depraved. However, The New York Times reports that traditional marriages were failures for both Spc. Charles A. Graner, photographed smiling next to a pile of naked Iraqi men, and Pfc. Lynndie R. England, photographed mocking another hooded Iraqi man as he is forced to masturbate.

Graner “was involved in a bitter divorce from his wife,” who “accused Graner of beating her, threatening her with guns, stalking her … and breaking into her home. Since 1997, local judges have issued at least three orders of protection against him.” He was also charged with abusing their two children. England was married and divorced before she turned 21. She has now been “romantically involved” with Graner, becoming pregnant during her tour of duty in Iraq (she has been sent to Fort Bragg).

The reported abuses of Iraqi prisoners carry a decided theme of sexual sadism perpetrated by heterosexual military personnel. That Graner and England would be permitted to marry again with full legal protection, repeatedly if they like, while devoted couples of gentle, peace-loving men and women are denied this right is nothing short of an obscenity. It is not same-sex marriages that create a moral citizenry but humans with hearts who practice respect and compassion for others. Impediments to supporting loving relationships of any kind will hurt our country, not help it.

John W. Hoopes,

Lawrence