Letters: Marriage won't increase STDs, but gay lifestyle is unhealthy

If I may be allowed to criticize a Triplicate reader's viewpoint regarding homosexual marriage and homosexuality itself without being perceived by the editor as attacking him personally, I'll attempt to do so.

First, I must agree with Mr. Pennington's answer to the question (in "Connection between STDs and homosexuals is misguided," Aug. 8) regarding how AIDS would be increased as a result of failing to support the Marriage Amendment. Like Mr. Pennington, I doubt it would affect it one way or the other.

Homosexuals are going to do what they do, amendment or no amendment. And yes, as he says, monogamous relations would prevent (or at least retard) the spread of HIV, et al. However, monogamy can exist or not, with or without legally sanctioned "marriages." One does not need a legally sanctioned marriage to be sexually monogamous.

Conversely, Mr. Pennington, court-approved marriages do not of themselves guarantee fidelity to one partner. To make the claim that STDs will be prevented by homosexual marriage is ludicrous since there is no more guarantee of fidelity within that relationship than that of a real marriage between a man and a woman. As for your statement that a so-called "gay" marriage allows one to lead a healthier lifestyle, it is beyond absurd. I'm hard-pressed to think of a lifestyle that is more unhealthy than that of a male homosexual.

Supporting the Marriage Amendment is crucial to the survival of the American family. Failure to do so will result in the disintegration of our society.

Dale L. Bohling

Crescent City