U: Let homosexuals marry. There's no harm. It's a free country.

M: There is harm. One is the same-sex educational programs proposed for children - even second graders.

U: So what?

M: Well, is heterosexual marriage taught to young children? Is it a priority of education?

U: I don't think so. Kids see mom and dad.

M: True. And when the stages of human growth and development are taught (in high school or college) the pre-teen stage where boys like boys and girls like girls precedes the entrance into the teen-age stage where opposite sexual attraction prevails leading to heterosexual marriage. If homosexuality is taught, would the historical, researched growth stages be disregarded?

U: Who knows? I can't imagine historic research changing.

M: Me neither.

U: Are there any other problems?

M: I was Googling and researching dangers that kids and adults need to know about.

U: Such as what?

M: In contrast to heterosexual marriage, more promiscuity, depression, violence, and especially disease.

U: How can that be?

M: Well, to be frank, body orifices which are penetrated differ, causing tissue tears which allows abnormal microorganisms to enter the blood stream via the rectum (or mouth). Unusual diseases can occur. Also, violence such as "fisting" or using inanimate objects is common, as is physical subjection of the other person. Participating individuals suffer enormous discomfort.

U: Come on.

M: It's true. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) analyze data about communicable diseases including sexual diseases of various groups including MSMs (meaning men who have sex with men). The CDC spends enormous amounts on health care and education for MSMs.

U: Really?

M: And if homosexual men have unprotected sex with women, the odd diseases, including AIDS, are transmitted.

U: Well, I don't think this is any more of a problem than it is for heterosexual couples.

M. It is. Faithfulness in marriage and the bonding of male and female help prevent disease and promote health. Marriage in the Christian Church is likened to being the Bride of Christ. So it's serious.

U: Yes, but that's old-fashioned; times are changing.

M: Times are changing. Personally, I think homosexuality is unfair to both sexes. Kind of a hate (or fear) of the opposite sex and or/of being alone. Society suffers, too. With no natural children, what happens to our already depleted population?

U: Where are you getting all this?

M: You can ask all kinds of questions on the Internet. Try "American View of Gay Marriage, Nov. 7, 2012" or "Health Risks of the Homosexual Lifestyle Catholic Education" or diseases of homosexuals. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) cites statistics and discusses treatments and expenses specifically to help those with homosexual problems, especially MSMs.

U: Well, why don't doctors and politicians and ministers talk about these problems?

M: Probably because homosexuals are nice people; maybe because of possible recriminations. But personal health and well being and the good of the public is at risk. Think of the inevitable need for homosexual marriage counseling, divorce and legal counsel, strange things like the recent case on Jan. 3, 2013, where a divorcing lesbian is suing the sperm donor for child support.

U: Opps! Sounds like Washington and Colorado states (having passed the marriage laws) will have big problems; come to think of it, the Supreme Court is debating gay marriage, too.

M: Lots of problems. I hope we don't legalize it in Idaho.

Mary Smith is a Coeur d'Alene resident