At a time when Iowa faces record challenges, it’s inappropriate to promote a divisive amendment to write discrimination into the Iowa Constitution. Alan Laird’s letter published May 26 asking Iowans to do just that misses the point and misinforms readers.

No matter how you feel about marriage, we can all agree that every Iowan, whether gay, lesbian or straight, deserves equal protections.

The recent Supreme Court ruling does not affect religious marriages; only gives same-sex couples the protections of civil marriage.

When the state of Iowa is still reeling with disastrous floods, a budget shortfall and families are struggling just to put food on the table, let’s continue to focus on issues of common concern.

Iowa is a place where people are respected and fairness is valued. I urge readers to reject any divisive attempts to amend the Iowa Constitution and support our fair-minded legislators.

Tera Erbst

Ottumwa