Fundamental right to marry?

I received this letter that's addressed to the editors of the Orange County Register:

Dear Register Editors:

The Register wrongly recommends a No vote on Proposition 8 based on the notion that there is some fundamental right for gay marriage. Gays and lesbians are important members of our families, communities and society, and they are entitled to equal protection under the law. Our federal and state constitutions, and California statutes, provide that protection (including protection from discrimination), but they do not provide the right to marry. The framers and authors of our constitutions and laws never intended that result. The "right" for gay marriage has not existed in the history of civilization until a few judges in recent times took it upon themselves to create it. If we now adopt the idea that there is some fundamental right to marry whoever you want, then why shouldn't I be able to marry my sister, the guy next door even though he is already married, or the 12 year old down the street, or all of the above at the same time? Marriage under that kind of law is meaningless. For a very long time and for good reason, nearly all world religions and societies have affirmed that marriage between a man and woman, and strong traditional families created from such marriages, are essential to civilization. Let's re-affirm those time-tested truths by voting YES on PROPOSITION 8.

Dan
Laguna Niguel

For more information go to http://whatisprop8.com