State Sen. John Gordner, R-27 of Berwick, is one of the sponsors of the Marriage Protection Act -- legislation that would allow commonwealth residents to vote on a constitutional amendment prohibiting gay couples from marrying.

If marriage needs protection, the threat faced by the institution does not come from the possibility that homosexual couples could enjoy the right to publicly express their commitment to one another. Marriage is threatened by the unwillingness of people of all sexual orientations to honor the institution by abiding by its vows.

Just over 1,000 couples were married in Northumberland, Snyder, Union and Montour counties in 2006, while just under 500 couples filed for divorce. Twenty percent of those splitting up had been married fewer than five years.

If lawmakers wish to strengthen marriage, they should seek a way to help couples determine their compatibility before they exchange vows.

According to census figures, married couples with their own children represent only 66 percent of households with children under 18 in the Valley. By choice or circumstance, more and more people are forming families that vary from the traditional model. Targeting gays distracts attention from the real issue.

Lawmakers and lobbying groups should focus on helping families provide a loving and safe environment for children.

The Marriage Protection Act is misnamed, and it is embarrassing that the Central Susquehanna Valley's state senator is a leading advocate on its behalf.

Sen. Gordner said that his office received 1,000 contacts from those in favor of the legislation. An elected official should almost always heed the will of his or her constituents. This case could be the exception to that rule.

There is no legitimate public interest in codifying bigotry.

Valley residents who believe that the region should be a place of tolerance should call the senator and let him know.