Washington State Sen. Kevin Ranker (D-Orcas Island), not only endorsed Governor Chris Gregoire’s recent announcement that she would sponsor a marriage equality bill, but spoke from a very personal standpoint. Ranker has a gay dad.
He released a statement, saying, in part:
Marriage is more than just a collection of rights and protections—it is the commitment between two people who love each other and have pledged to support one another in life. Love for our partners and for our family gives life meaning, provides us comfort, and shapes our identity. By continuing to differentiate between types of loving relationships, we separate and isolate those within our communities. We must recognize that separate can never be equal and a domestic partnership can never be a marriage.
Growing up, I was taught that a family was not determined by the genders of the persons involved but by the love and commitment that they shared. I was taught that every person is to be treated with respect and dignity. These are the values that I have carried with me throughout my life. These are the values that my wife and I have passed on to our daughter. . . .
As the son of a gay man, I grew up with a strong value system nurtured by a father who provided me with a foundation to succeed and gave me unconditional love and support. This legislation will provide thousands of families like mine with the respect and dignity they deserve.
I must say this is just a beautiful and inspiring article :-)
Marriage is a commitment between two people who love each other, a gay couple should have full marriage equality.