Voice of the People

The Herald-Dispatch

Gather to support same-sex marriage

Last fall I traveled to Niagara Falls, Canada, to be with some of my closest friends as a childhood friend got married to his partner. Like all weddings, there were tears of joy not just from the crowd that included both families and close friends, but also from the string quartet sitting quietly in the corner during the ceremony.
The minister, who regularly performs same-sex ceremonies, welcomed everyone to the ceremony, then slowly adding what a shame it is to have to travel such a great distance instead of having the freedom to marry in any state in the United States.
The wedding party traveled over 900 miles round-trip to be a part of the wedding, but I know deep down how much it would have meant for my friend to have been married in West Virginia, his home, in these mountains that I know he loves so much.
To further this cause, we invite you to join us at 10 a.m. Feb. 14 as we gather on the grounds of the Cabell County Courthouse and proceed to "Apply for Equality."
Rachel Sparkman
Huntington

You can view the original letter here.