In 1924, a group of gay students in a high school were shunned, teased and even beaten for being “out” about their sexuality.

In 2011, Jamey Rodemyer, a 14-year-old boy from Buffalo, N.Y., killed himself. He was bullied constantly for being gay. His biggest wish was LGBT equality.

On May 17, 2004, Massachusetts was the first state to announce the legalization of gay marriage. Since then, 15 more states have joined Massachusetts. That isn’t good enough. Gay marriage shouldn’t be an issue — it should be a right.

The new year, 2014, should be about legalizing gay marriage in all 50 states. Maine, fortunately, is already on the legalization side, as of Dec. 29, 2012.

Congress needs get involved or this debate will go on forever. This is just like women’s suffrage and the civil rights movements. All humans are created equal.

Although many people may claim homosexuality is against their religion, remember “God loves all his children.”

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Maine’s own Mike Michaud recently came out as gay. Some other well-respected congressmen who are gay include Barney Frank, Tammy Baldwin and Gerry Sudds.

How many people are afraid to come out? We have created a hateful, judgmental environment over something as simple as marriage.

LGBT shouldn’t be an issue in society, and Congress should put legalization of gay marriage first.

Savannah Gertsch

Sapphire Fleming

Taylah McGoff

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