"Each individual's journey through life is unique. Some will make this journey
             alone, others in loving relationships- maybe in marriage or other forms of commitment.
             We need to ponder our own choices and try to understand the choices of others. Love has
             many shapes and colors and is not finite. It can not be measured or defined in terms of
             sexual orientation." (From the Statement of Affirmation and Reconciliation by the
             Quaker Meeting in Aotearoa, New Zealand.) Even though is it thought by many that
             marriage is mainly a religious agreement, it also creates a legal relationship between the
             Currently there is much debate on homosexual couples right to legally
             marry. In a speech read to the United States House of Representatives on February 20,
             1996, Iowa Representative Ed Fallon discussed why he is in support of the legalization of
             same sex marriage. He began his speech, by stating this debate and how they vote
             would affect the public's point of view. He felt that by creating gay and lesbian
             unions, instead of legalizing gay marriage, would only reinforce homophobia and gay
             bashing. He stressed the idea that heterosexuals need only to accept homosexuals. In
             order to do this, Representative Fallon, stated that we need to put an end to fear and
             stereotypes, and start seeing each other as fellow human beings. He strongly believes
             that this is a civil rights issue, and it poses no threat to the society. He mentions a lesbian
             couple that has children the same age as his son. Their child is being raised no differently than how he is raising his child. His major point is that if same sex marriage continues to be band, here will be a message sent to the public, which condones homophobia, and does not give the equal rights to everyone. (Fallon, Ed. "Iowa Representative Ed Fallon on 2/20/96." efallon@house.legis.state.ia.us.
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