To the editors:

In the UC's recent gay marriage legislation debate, members discussed the merits of supporting proposals which do not directly affect students. The merits of the bill aside, this resolution clearly has an important impact on the lives of a significant population of Harvard students.

Gay Harvard students who are American citizens are currently barred from marrying. This legislation, if it is ever adopted, would change that. Comparing this issue to work in previous administrations on behalf of Burmese dissidents makes no sense. Although I am very much in favor of human rights around the world, I can see how some might argue that resolutions to free activists in Burma are outside the range of reasonable council activities. But gay rights legislation in the United States clearly has a direct impact on Harvard students. DAVID B. ORR '01   MARCH 22, 1999