We have received several phone calls, emails, online comments and letters to the editor regarding last week’s cover article, “Eastside pastor vows to fight same-sex marriage legislation.”

Many criticized Kirkland Pastor Ken Hutcherson’s views against same-sex marriage, citing the systematic discrimination and the various hate crimes that have been committed against gays and lesbians.

Others lambasted the Reporter.

Kirkland Rev. Michael Anderson, who supports marriage equality, wrote a letter that pointed out how he believed the article gave the impression that all Christians oppose marriage equality. We certainly did not intend for the article to leave such an impression.

Another reader called and said, “What kind of articles are you guys running?” He called the article a “complete farce” and “really bad journalism.”

We disagree.

The point of the article was to address the same-sex marriage issue, as the measure was being discussed and considered in the Legislature.

As we pointed out in the article, Hutcherson is one of the most outspoken activists nationally on the subject. This made him a solid source to gather information for this story, regardless of his faith.  We also spoke with Kirkland Mayor Joan McBride and five state senators and representatives – four of which disagreed with Hutcherson.

As we strive to do in any story we report on, we objectively presented both sides of the issue.

If the aforesaid caller did not agree with Hutcherson, fine. Not everyone will always agree with all viewpoints.

But to blame the Reporter for “bad journalism” is shooting the proverbial messenger. While we may not endorse certain viewpoints, we will report on all sides of any issue, period. That’s what is called fair journalism.

But regardless of who took aim at what or whom, we are glad the article incited good response and kept the community dialogue going on an important issue.