I noticed that there are people on the island who are asking us to sign the petition endorsing Prop 74 that is against gay marriage. Before you sign this document please be informed about the significance of what you are doing. There are three things I would ask of you.

1. If you are basing your opinion on the Bible, please look into the meaning of those passages that you think are against homosexuality. Please check a biblical commentary to learn the real meaning of the Genesis account of Sodom and Gomorrah, of the reason for the words in Leviticus and what Paul meant in Romans. Also note that nowhere in the four gospels does Jesus say anything about homosexuality (but he does say a lot about loving others as ourselves). And remember too that the Bible was also used by anti-abolitionists in the 19th century to explain that slavery was part of God’s design for human beings. Are we as clueless as those opting for slavery?

2. Next, please check with someone familiar with psychology as to why, at least 30 years ago, the Diagnostic Statistical Manual removed homosexuality from its list of “disorders.” (This book is the major reference source for those in the psychology and counseling professions.)

3. Finally, I would ask that you meet and talk to a gay person.  Many here on the island are in long term relationships and are also major contributors to the quality of our community. The best way to come to know the real meaning of the law is to discuss it with one who is directly affected by it.

I am confident that those who do these three things will join me in shunning this petition and supporting the Washington law.

Thank you.

Maura O’Neill

Orcas Island