I am writing this in regards to Carole Estabrook's article on gay marriage. Although she makes a valid point about gay marriage increasing the economy in the state, I think that is not the most important thing here. Marriage between any two persons increases the economy and as it is not yet legal in New York state, this is a moot point.

The important issue here is the right of humans. The statement “There is something to be said for the concern that gay unions may open the door for polygamy and bestiality and who knows what else,” made me read the rest of the article in a haze. A union is between two people, not between a human and an animal or a group of people. For anyone to believe that allowing gay couples the same rights as straight ones will lead to farmers asking to marry their sheep is not only ignorant but part of the reason we still have so much prejudice and hatred in this world.

Two people who love each other and want the benefits of marriage, and everything that comes with it, should be a basic human right. Many people seem to forget that we are talking about humans here. Whether you support gay unions or not, they have always been around, are here now and always will be. Let's try to be the civilized country we are supposed to be and recognize basic human rights instead of jumping to ludicrous conclusions.

Beth Guzalak

Auburn