It is grossly unfortunate that the letter Government's Imperative (Letters, Jan.18) is completely misunderstanding the word "discrimination." By pointing out differences and explicitly expressing the writer's wish to not allow homosexuals the right to marriage is discriminating. It is definitely OK to have his opinion on the subject, but let's make sure he has a clear view on the matter.

The prejudicial treatment of an individual based on their membership in a certain category of a society is discriminating. That definitely involves excluding or restricting someone from an opportunity one group gets (marriage) that another does not. Homosexual parents have just as much of an ability to raise a child as heterosexual parents can. They are both about the "human family," are they not?

On another note, it's 2012. We have upwards of 7 billion people on planet Earth. Legalizing homosexual marriage will not wipe out any biological potential. If anything, it would benefit that jaw-dropping percentile of children who were not born with or cared for by the right people.

It's disappointing to read something about strictly prohibiting the right to marriage because it messes up all the long-term benefits called "children." If you want marriage to stay traditional, discourage "shotgun" weddings, not the unity of two people who clearly love each other.

Chelsi Traeger, West Richland