For a stronger and better Washington

236 years ago, the Founding Fathers articulated the noble principle, upon which our nation was founded, that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Although we have often fallen short of this ideal, we continue to make strides to achieve it.

This November, Washingtonians are being asked to consider the issue of marriage equality [“Chicken fat, pigskin and marriage,” Opinion, Sept. 13]. This issue is one that should matter to all of the citizens of the state regardless of belief, creed or political party. It is an issue of individual liberty and as such should be supported by all citizens because when we affirm the civil rights of minorities, we reaffirm and strengthen the rights of all members of our society.

Referendum 74 is ultimately about choosing fairness over inequality; it is about choosing individual liberty over repression; it is about choosing love over discrimination; and it is about acknowledging the human dignity of all Washingtonians.

I urge everyone to vote to approve Ref. 74 in November for a stronger and better Washington.

— Brian Christopher Hardison, Seattle