Anti-discrimination law protects more than gays

Thursday, April 21, 2005

The new non-discrimination law protects all citizens based on their "actual or perceived heterosexuality, bisexuality, homosexuality, trans gender or gender identity." This does encompass every single person in the state of Maine. The unwed mother refused an apartment because the landlord thinks she is immoral, the straight child bullied with taunts of fag when this is untrue, the straight couple who sign the hotel registry "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" to avoid the owners' judgment, the bisexual who fear loss of his children in a divorce if anyone finds out, the gay person fired for kissing his or her partner after being dropped off at work, the transsexual refused credit because the bank feels they are not the "right kind of people."

Everyone can agree that these types of incidents occur. The right to be treated fairly is not a special right but an equal right which everyone deserves.

I agree the radical right wing has the right to free speech and religion, however, the pluralistic secular society we live in prevents them forcing everyone else to follow their religious teachings by putting them into law. These groups are deceiving people by saying the non-discrimination law is about gay marriage even though the Legislature states it does not "construe or imply approval" of this."

I hope people have the common sense to refuse to sign these referendum petitions. In reality, they will be condoning discrimination against themselves.

Gerald Michaud

Skowhegan