Lessons to take from rulings on gay marriage

RE ``COURTS in 2 states reject gay marriage" (Page A2, July 7): Supporters of gay rights should take a lesson from the decisions in New York and Georgia and come to terms with the fact that in our society, the word ``marriage" is taken.

It is well defined in tradition, and attempting to broaden its definition evokes a lot of emotion among people who otherwise have no problem with full rights and full equality for the gay population.

The insistence on using the word marriage hinders the quest for equality.

A better way forward would be to press Congress to promote legislation that would require the IRS to provide the same tax treatment as marriage to civil unions and domestic partner-ships that are legitimized by the states.

This would be an appropriate leadership move at the federal level while still allowing the states their traditional authority to regulate legal unions between individuals.

It would also take the emphasis off the word marriage and put the focus on equal rights, which is where the focus should be.

PAUL E. PAKOS
Sudbury

THURSDAY'S RULING by the New York Court of Appeals not only denies marriage rights for the state's same-sex couples, but sends a resounding message to gay people everywhere that they are second-class citizens.

I now live in Massachusetts where gay marriage is legal, but I hail from New York State where I am denied the basic right of marriage that my straight family members and friends take for granted.

My parents risked their lives to come to America in search of basic freedoms that they were denied in their homeland.

Now, they are heartbroken to see their child denied the same rights as other Americans because of outright discrimination and prejudice.

Throughout my parents' struggles as they adapted to their new life in America, they have always taught me to face my personal obstacles with courage and dignity.

I have faith that in time, gay marriage will become an obscure issue of the past, despite the current administration's relentless attempts to legalize discrimination.

TIM INTHIRAKOTH
Boston