What constitutes a family? Who decides what a family truly is? This should not be decided by the government. This should be decided by the declaration two individuals, regardless of sex, make by their commitment to each other and the family they build from that commitment. Who has the right to say that two women who have pledged their fidelity to each other cannot be married under the law? What right does a government have to say that two men who have made that same commitment are not to be legally married? When two people, be them straight or gay, stand before God and promise to honor each other, stay faithful to each other and support each other until death do them part, then that contract should be binding in the eyes of not only God but also the law. When a committed couple of any sexual orientation establishes themselves as a family, be it just the two of them or the two of them and their children, then that should constitute a legally binding contract. The contract should provide that family with tax deductions, protection under the law and insurance coverage.

There are too many gay partners and their families in this country being penalized and being denied the rights that go along with being married. God created the concept of family. And the bible has been revised many many times by many many people. I do not believe that God's intention was that only partners of the opposite sexes can be a family. God's intention was that we love one another. And He didn't say opposite sex partners are the only ones allowed to do that.

I know several gay partner families who have establsihed homes for their children, a good reputation in their professions, who are the first to volunteer at their children's schools and other activities, who pay property taxes, income taxes and sales taxes. Why should they not enjoy the same benefits as family health care, joint income tax, and the same privledges as a "straight" couples have. These families I know are raising bright, healthy children who will one day be great contrubutors to society. This is because not only were they brought up in homes where respect, responsibility and self esteem are taught but also where diversity and unconditional love are part of that home.

It saddens me that when those of us who are Light Workers are striving to bring peace, unity and acceptance for all into the ethers of the planet, the government continues to draw lines,discrimnate and cause friction among the people who they claim to be "protecting". What utter nonsense.

I would hope and pray that these bureaucrats do not succeed in pitting one sexual preference against another. We will never realize the peace and unity we are all working for if that kind of dissention happens. All of God's people need to love and support each other. And we need to fight for each other's rights. When one battle is won, the war is won for all humanity.

Let us love one another unconditionally and stand together as a whole, not as special interest groups. When we stand together we will be mighty enough to make same sex marriage legal in every state. And let us also celebrate the states that have succeeded to make this happen. When we find joy in the small successes, we send out the positive energy that attracts more success.

Lastly may I say that prayer is the mightiest sword we can yield. There are so many of us that believe that there are no lines that separate us,least of all sexual preference. If all of us who believe this and hold that intention in their heart begin to pray, we can move the mountain of discrimination and unfairness. We can manifest the world we only see in our dreams and we can do it in our own generation!

Namaste'

Rev. Ricki Horst