From the Philadelphia Inquirer comes a nice essay penned by high school sophomore Jule McNamee asking why gay marriage is such a problem for some folks.  She's succinct so here it is:

Same-sex marriage debate

Why are gay people treated as though they are aliens in this country? They have the same rights as we do. They are not intending to offend anyone, nor do they want to insult what this country stands for.

I was told that this is the country of the free, and everyone is created equal. But not allowing couples to marry because of their relationships with the same sex is absurd.

Many Americans believe that same-sex marriage is morally wrong, but that goes way back to the issue of church and state, stating that the opinions of religion should not affect everyday society.

The intentions of many marriages are eventually to start a family, and every child is in need of parents. I don't see the difference of having gay parents or opposite sex parents. Those children are better off than children in households where only one parent remains.

Children of gay parents have the opportunity to have two parents. So why is it so wrong if you have two fathers or two mothers?

She hits the high notes - separation of church and state; some marriages intend to raise children, others don't; gays don't hate America, etc.  While I don't agree with the blanket statement that children in two parent households are better off than childre in one parent households, I think Julie's larger point is well made. 

Kudos to you Julie McNamee!