I wanted to take a moment to commend the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals for its sensible decision regarding Prop 8, the California ballot initiative that took an existing right to marry away from an entire class of American citizens. The court said it was unconstitutional because it singled out a minority group for disparate treatment for no compelling reason.

Now I know knees are jerking in reaction across this great land of ours, so I want to take another moment to reassure all those who rely on ancient texts to justify modern life’s decisions -nothing will change for your religions. Those who don’t want to marry Adam and Steve in their religion don’t have to. People are still free to slam their holy doors in the faces of any who may come seeking the light, at their discretion.

They have always had that right, if their teachings say door-slamming is what one must do. Religion has the right to discriminate against anybody within its doors. But no religions have the right to compel everybody to discriminate against our fellow citizens out on the taxpayer-funded sidewalks of America.

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So please remember, what religion tells you is proper is only proper within your group and inside of your church, temple, synagogue or grove of sacred aluminum poles. Those teachings are not based on the law of the land, or the Constitution of the United States of America.

This ruling does nothing to encroach upon daily lives, or how people gather in love and praise. Since it doesn’t affect the way you pray, or the price of tea in China, I humbly ask people let others be, so they can have the same things everyone wants: love, companionship and a chance to build a full and rewarding life with a good person at our side.

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Becky Penn

Glenwood Springs

There’s a new campaign in town and it’s not political. In fact, it transcends politics.

It’s one that ultimately defines a nation; in this case the nation is the United States of America. I’m talking about abortion and the evolution in abortion practices, with evidence having surfaced that has effectively sounded the alarm to citizens around the world.

Those citizens are responding, organizing and alerting others to do the same.

The campaign is called 40 Days For Life and it is a call for 40 days of prayer and fasting, 40 days of constant, prayerful vigil, and 40 days of one-on-one community outreach, telling neighbors the truth about abortion.

Since its first campaign, 5,045 lives have been saved, 61 clinic workers have heard the truth and quit the abortion industry, 21 abortion facilities have shut their doors forever and more than 500,000 participants have rejoiced in changed hearts and changed lives.

Over 250 cities are participating in the spring campaign, including Australia, Spain, England and Canada. Participating Colorado cities include Denver, Fort Collins, Boulder, Trinidad and Glenwood Springs.

To get involved in our prayer vigil at Planned Parenthood’s Glenwood Springs facility starting Feb. 22 through April 1, 2012, please visit the website fortydaysforlife.com/glenwoodsprings.

Betty Scranton

Glenwood Springs