Molly Crocker has provided us with an excellent definition of the primary purpose for marriage (July 2 Herald, Page B4). Marriage is for the physical, mental, emotional and legal protection of children.

All children need these protections, not just the children from Molly's community. a Judge recently awarded custody to a father based solely on the fact that the mother is a lesbian. The judge was aware that the father was a convicted murderer, having killed his first wife,
and was accused of abuse by his own daughter.

My community does not need marriage but we do need legal recognition of our unions, especially when children are involved. The women of my community cannot have children without the involvement of a male donor. Because of this and other differences, we need to develop separate case law outside of heterosexual marriage so that the children of my community can receive the same protections that the law now extends to the children of your community.

With or without your help, with or without equality, we will continue to build a family-based community that Molly and the American people will be proud of.

Sheila L Richardson
Bellingham WA