Everyone has an opinion.

I may not agree with your opinion and you may not agree with mine, but that’s what makes this society so great.

We can have a healthy debate on a topic and agree to disagree.

My goal for the opinion page in this newspaper is to be abundant with all kinds of opinion. Each week you will see mine clearly displayed in this column with my name and photo attached.

You will also see letters to the editor from people throughout our community as well as the occasional guest column.

Because it appears in this newspaper, does not mean I necessarily agree with it. Nor does it reflect the opinion of the newspaper.

I don’t filter opinions to meet any kind of agenda.

Last week I ran a guest editorial from a local resident who felt strongly about a bill being proposed suggesting business owners have the right to refuse service to homosexuals because of their religious beliefs.

I also ran a cartoon by a local cartoonist that reflects opinion about the case that prompted a bill.

The case refers to a Richland florist who declined to provide service for a gay wedding. The cartoon shows the florist referencing her relationship with Jesus Christ. In the cartoon, Jesus is shown as a man in a suit, with horns and the word discrimination over him.

My understanding of the cartoon is that the man is a metaphor for the woman’s skewed perception of Christianity.

After running the cartoon I received a phone call from a community member who disagreed with the cartoon. She was offended by it and wants an apology.

As with anyone who has a differing opinion, I suggested she write a letter to the editor. It is included on this page.

I’m sorry she was offended by it, but I am not sorry I ran it.

Just because you don’t agree with someone else’s opinion doesn’t mean it isn’t valid.

— Megan Hansen is editor of The Whidbey Examiner. She can be reached at mhansen@whidbeynewsgroup.com