In the coming election, Washington state voters have the opportunity to vote on Referendum 74, referring to legislation recognizing same-sex unions as “marriages.”

While this is touted to provide equality (all enjoy the same rights already), there are far-reaching and potentially negative consequences.

Unfortunately, if this legislation passes, then citizens and organizations by law will be required to accept this new definition of marriage, no matter how offensive it may be to some.

School curricula will change to remove any meaningful distinction of gender as related to marriage.

Church-affiliated adoption and other welfare services may close (not covered by the bill’s religious exemptions), and society as a whole will suffer from this change to the traditional institution of marriage.

I encourage all to reject Referendum 74. Don’t allow the legislature to re-define marriage.

Jeff Canon

Maple Valley