As stated by Matthew Lunning of Austin in his letter to the editor, there is much about the life and accomplishments of Hubert H. Humphrey that should be celebrated. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 Hubert H. Humphrey advocated for was a much-needed landmark piece of legislation that outlawed major forms of discrimination against blacks and women. As stated by Hubert H. Humphrey in his 1948 address to the National Convention that Matthew Lunning quoted, that indeed “all men are truly free and equal, and each man uses his freedom and equality wisely and well.”

Where Matthew Lunning is confused is that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 deals with the human being. Whether black, white, red, orange, male, female, as human beings we are free and equal. Nowhere in this piece of legislation does it discuss or endorse lifestyle. One must not become confused with basic rights as human beings and the lifestyle we choose. We cannot choose our race, ethnicity or gender, and because of this we are protected by law. But we can and do choose our lifestyle. Remember, lifestyle is defined as a manner of living, the way of life characteristic of a particular person or group or culture. We choose our lifestyle whether rich or poor, gay or straight, self-employed or working for someone else. This we choose. Our race, gender, ethnicity we do not. This is the major difference regarding protection under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

So when entering the voting booth in November, remember same-sex marriage is not a civil rights issue as is race or gender, it IS however, a lifestyle choice.

Rebecca Fredrickson

Glenville