Vote no on R-74’s redefinition of marriage. The needs of children must take priority over the needs of adults no matter how legitimate they may be. Thousands of years of accumulated knowledge have shown us that children fare better in stable homes with both a father and a mother. Strong families are the bedrock of a strong society. If there is one thing we as a society have a vested interest in protecting it is our families.

R-74 puts yet another hurtle in the way of parents and others working to prepare the rising generation to accept the responsibility and commitment associated with parenthood. R-74 will allow schools and public institutions to push a conflicting and dissonant agenda. There are no provisions in R-74 allowing parents to op-out if they don’t want their children taught the government view.

R-74 offers no protection against fines or prosecution for organizations or service providers not affiliated with churches or religion. Adoption agencies, wedding caterers, photographers and the like will all be affected. Workers in these fields have faced huge fines in states with laws similar to those proposed in R-74. Private schools, home schools, and youth groups will doubtless be required to go along with the state’s definition of marriage.

R-74 offers a very small benefit to some adults, but will have a profoundly negative effect on children. We must give priority to our most vulnerable members.

Please vote no on R-74.

Dallin Slaugh

Renton