In my 50th year of marriage to my partner, Ann, I am thankful that Gov. Christine Gregoire has recognized that our Constitution requires separation of church and state, and has urged an end to unfair discrimination on the basis of gender in our state licensing laws.

She has recognized that our guarantee of equality and freedom requires that a person be free to choose to be married by the state or by the church or both; and while the state must not discriminate as to whom a person marries, freedom of religion allows churches to set their own rules.

I am also thankful that the civil dialogue on this issue may help some churches and our local legislators better understand that it is the same constitutional principal that protects the right to choose how to believe and worship, that places limits on their right to try to legislate and impose those choices on the behavior of others through political means.

I am, however, confused and concerned about the recent Supreme Court decision which declares corporations to be persons. I recognize that corporations have rights and responsibilities, but I would not want to marry one.

CHUCK EATON, Richland