This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

I am a woman in my 70s. I have been married twice. My first husband died after 20 years together. I have been married to my second husband for 13 years.

In neither case did I marry to procreate (although I did, joyfully). I married for love.

The Utah legislators' argument — that the laws are designed to "endorse and encourage each child's opportunity to be reared by a married mother and father" — is incomprehensible to me ("GOP lawmakers speak in defense of same-sex marriage ban," Tribune, Feb. 11).

Do they not see that people marry for love? More important, do they have statistics to support their statement that children of same-sex marriages suffer more than, say, children of divorce? Or even children of stable opposite-sex marriages?

Same-sex marriage doesn't affect me or my marriage. I have been moved to tears watching couples who have been together for years enjoying the right to celebrate their union legally. Why do these legislators want to deny them that right?

It's obvious that religion dictates opinion. Otherwise, it would be crystal clear that same-sex marriage has no impact whatsoever on any other marriage. It frees couples from a personal limbo and allows them to openly declare their commitment. It should be accepted, and applauded.

Mary Dillon

Park City