It was with interest that I read the two letters on gay marriage from Larry Ebaugh and Pat Gee. As I sit here on MLK Day, I realize that his message has not affected every human in this country. Martin Luther King fought for equality for all, and not just blacks. Nowhere in the U.S. Constitution does it mention marriage. If it did, why would Republicans be trying to pass an amendment to the Constitution defining marriage as between a man and woman?

The Washington Constitution does not define marriage as between a man and woman. But in 2009, voters passed Referendum 71, which made it a law extending rights and obligations of domestic partnership in Washington. This is the first time voters in the United States had approved a statewide ballot measure that extended LGBT relationship rights.

Just as humanity has evolved with women’s rights, black rights, animal rights, children’s rights, etc., so must we do so with the LGBT rights. We must embrace their rights and evolve. They contribute to our communities by volunteering and donating to charities. They pay taxes and have families. They are humans with feelings and pain and they are the same as you and I. I am no better than them. I am married for 25 years and have two kids with one grandchild. It is time we evolve.

Alison King, Federal Way