n Apparently, Jeffrey Hexel needs a lesson in civics (“SJC made horrible decision,” pg. 6, Feb. 6), along with Gov. Mitt Romney and other opponents of same-sex marriage. Mr. Hexel is correct in saying, “it is not the job of any court to force the Legislature to pass a law,” but that is not the case here. In the separation of powers, the Legislature has the power to write and pass laws, while the judiciary has the power to interpret them. If the SJC rules that a current law is unconstitutional, it can overturn it. That is its job, and its right. It seems that opponents of same-sex marriage are resorting to outlandish arguments to further their cause. They can’t say, “Gays shouldn’t marry because homosexuality is wrong,” even though that is their main reason for opposing it. Now they have brought into question the judiciary and its powers, which is clearly misguided. The other argument I’ve been hearing a lot is the “slippery slope” theory: that enacting same-sex marriage will lead to such perverse relationships as incest, pedophilia and bestiality. This is absurd, and Mr. Hexel knows quite well that an animal cannot give consent to marry. I wish opponents of same-sex marriage would just come out and say that they think it is wrong and perverse. They are entitled to their opinions on this issue, but they can’t force their beliefs on every citizen of the commonwealth. If they do just come out and say it, at least they would be honest in their arguments.

Mike Cunha ENG ’04