The last time I wrote my Illinois state senator, Bill Haine, I received a response that was both rude and incomprehensible. So I'm hoping you will allow me to address him on your Opinions page, and maybe he will answer in kind.

During the recent legislative debate over marriage equality, Haine saw fit to quote Pope John Paul II and a French rabbi. This shows a confusion over the constitutional separation between church and state.

His subsequent vote against marriage equality then showed a disregard for the concept of equal protection under the law.

Therefore, I would respectfully suggest two courses of action for Haine: Either leave office to join a seminary, or else switch his allegiance to the Republican Party, where ignorance of the Constitution is a guiding principle.

Kevin Kious

Collinsville