It’s spot on that there is no reason to separate civil marriage for same sex couples and opposite sex couples, as the Reporter’s Jan. 27 editorial, “Same sex, same rules” stated. And more than that, there are plenty of reasons why we want to encourage marriage for all couples regardless of their genders.

The most important of which for me is that it’s something I want to pass on to my step-son, and future children. Just as my grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins have all married because it’s something that carries a great importance, I want to marry to instill the importance of marriage in my children.

I don’t know that growing up in a “domestic partnership” household instills in children the importance of commitment, responsibility and family, but I do know that’s what growing up in a married family did for me.

And as many people of different beliefs have already, I look forward to when more accept that marriage is something that should be encouraged, not banned. I’m excited to have marriage in the future plans for my partner and I, and so is our son — as it should be.

My partner Chad Minnick and I took the trip to Olympia last week to be there for the Senate vote, and we witnessed history happen. It was an incredible feeling, to hear the passionate testimonies, and then have the Senate vote to get rid of separate institutions meant to accomplish the same thing.

It was amazing to have my representative Sen. Rodney Tom on board, and to see that Rep. Andy Hill from where I grew up also decided to vote for marriage equality.

This is my community, and I couldn’t be prouder of them and Washington state for letting their voices reach the Senate.

Alex Guenser, Redmond