To the editor:

Though it is not a surprise, it is unfortunate that the vast majority of Kansans have chosen discrimination over acceptance. Though laws already on the books deny rights to gay couples, the amendment to the Kansas Constitution is a further blow. As a moderate Republican, I believe that I speak for most moderates when I say that this amendment is a classic example of discrimination.

I want to commend the voters of Douglas County for standing up for the rights of our fellow citizens who are homosexual. Rev. Leo Barbee claims that Lawrence is behind the times, but in reality Lawrence is headed in the right direction on this issue while the rest of the state moves backwards. Churches that interpret the Bible as forbidding gay marriage should not recognize those marriages in their church, but should not impose that restriction on the citizens of an entire state who do not all believe in the same biblical interpretation.

Mainstream religion does not condone labeling citizens as second-class or denying rights to individuals, a fact which religious conservatives choose to ignore on this issue. It is unfortunate that most Kansans have turned their backs on the biblical teachings of acceptance and instead turned towards intolerance.

Jake Esau,

Lawrence