Freedom to Marry Week is Feb. 8 to 14.

As an Iowan who believes in basic fairness, I’m in favor of marriage equality for same-sex couples. These couples deserve the recognition, legal protections and dignity that marriage provides.

Our Declaration of Independence claims that all are created equal with a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Denying committed gay and lesbian couples the freedom to marry goes against the principles of fairness and equality upon which our nation was founded and which most Iowans embrace.

During Freedom to Marry Week, I hope others will speak up and voice their support marriage equality.

Penny J. Rice

Resident

Ames