Steven Gunderson: “I am a traditionalist. My entire life's environment and upbringing have created within me a respect for traditional…”

“I am a traditionalist. My entire life's environment and upbringing have created within me a respect for traditional values. Theology interprets marriage as a union between one man and one woman. Random House Dictionary defines marriage as a union between man and woman. Accordingly, tho I am a gay man in a 13-year relationship, I was fully prepared to reach out to my colleagues in reaffirming the institution of marriage as we know and understand it. Throughout these discussions, I have suggested to my gay and lesbian friends that we should not resort to some semantic debate about the word ``marriage.'' As this issue evolved, I went to Chairman Hyde and to Speaker Gingrich. I said to them, ``I am willing to join with you in reaffirming the definition of marriage, tho I am a gay man. All I ask in return is that you remove the `meanness, prejudice, and hatred' surrounding this issue.'' I went further. The debate fails to recognize the painful reality thrown on many innocent people who happen to be in long-term relationships outside of marriage.”