SIOUX CITY -- The writer of a Nov. 5 Letter headlined "People of Maine speak decisively" has forgotten that a government of the people, by the people, for the people includes gay people, too. This is why our state's highest court struck down the discriminatory law our state Legislature passed banning same-sex marriage. Without this kind of protection from the courts, all minority groups including religious groups would find themselves at the mercy of whatever is popular at the moment.

The Letter writer would do well to remember that marriage in our society has long been a celebration of love and commitment between two people who want to make a family. Same-sex marriage is necessary both for the protection of the families of gay couples and to fulfill the mandate of our Constitution for equal protection under the law for all the people. -- Jonathan Kaufman