Several readers wrote to us this past week about the debates over gay marriage that are taking place at the national, state and local levels. Here is a sampling:

Regarding Kathleen Parker's syndicated column "The people deserve direct say on gay marriage amendment" (July 17): I find it humorous that the liberals are charging that the Federal Marriage Amendment is strictly a political move. Who started this political war? The people standing in line for marriage applications and those doling out marriage certificates for gay marriages declared the war. The conservatives' hands were forced. It is the job of the American people - no, it is the right of the American people - to decide the "legality" of gay marriage. Bring on the amendment! I dare anyone deny me the right to a voice on such a crucial moral issue.

Colleen Zirkelbach
Union, Ky.

Regarding the article "N.Ky. gay-union battle brewing" (July 18): Sarah Reece of the Kentucky Fairness Alliance, says the group is going to appeal to "right-minded" Northern Kentuckians who "don't believe in discrimination." Hence Reece, by default, is calling everyone who is pro-traditional family and anti-gay and pro-God "wrong-minded." Further, she says that being anti-gay is a form of discrimination. And she's right. It is the duty of every Christian to speak out against every form of pro gay-rights movement, regardless of how our gutless, politically correct legislators rule. It's spiritual suicide for Christians to remain silent. Unfortunately, most Christians are cowards.

Stephen Markovich
Villa Hills

I can't understand why Kentucky and Ohio, and a lot of other states, are wasting the time and money to pass a gay marriage ban ("N.Ky. gay-union battle brewing," July 18). The Constitution requires all states to recognize official acts of any state. What makes Kentucky or Ohio politicians believe that they can suspend the U.S. Constitution whenever they feel like it? Face reality - no matter what you may think of gay unions, if a state allows a gay marriage, that marriage will have to be recognized in any other state. Ohio and Kentucky don't have to allow a marriage to be performed in their states, but they will have to recognize any other state's. Why don't the folks in charge just stop burning up time and money for a hopeless cause?

Terry Murray
Monfort Heights

Have a topic you think readers should sound off on in this space? Send it to Ray Cooklis at E-mail rcooklis@enquirer.com; (513) 768-8525.