To the editor: I want to publicly congratulate Mayor Kevin Dumas and Jack McFeeley on their marriage. I applaud their courage, as I'm sure when deciding to marry, they realized it would become public knowledge. I also applaud Mayor Dumas for not using his office as a platform to advocate gay issues.

I also noticed the headline, `` Gay marriage vote on hold'' (May 10). It's a fitting time for citizens to stand up to local lawmakers Betty Poirier, John Lepper and Philip Travis who all directly or in-directly support a ban on same-sex marriage.

Poirier and Lepper feel the issue `` should go to the people.'' That sounds patriotic, but they fail to understand that in Massachusetts, gays and lesbians still need protection.

While the people should be heard, an issue of civil rights for a minority group should not be put on the ballot for a majority to decide.

I urge citizens to contact Poirier and Lepper now and ask them to stop the petition initiative. Both have opted against doing so. Again, congratulations and keep up the great work as our mayor.

Joseph Solis, Attleboro