This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Whatever the outcome of the legal maneuvering around gay marriage in Utah, why did Gov. Gary Herbert respond to U.S. District Judge Robert J. Shelby's ruling with name-calling: "Utah Gov. Gary Herbert released a statement that said he was 'very disappointed an activist federal judge is attempting to override the will of the people of Utah'"? ("Federal judge strikes down Utah ban on same-sex marriage," Tribune, Dec. 20) He should have stated legal facts or cited relevant passages from the Constitution to support his opposition to the judge's ruling.
It does a disservice to the citizens of Utah for our governor to resort to inflammatory language toward a federal official with whom he disagrees rather than studying the validity of the ruling and providing a thoughtful, factual response.
Jennifer MacAdam
River Heights