If Concerned Maine Families are sincere in their commitment “to conducting the public policy debate (on gay rights) in a mature, responsible manner,” I would ask that they stop the rhetoric and nomenclature used in the article by Lawrence Lockman (BDN, Aug. 17). Some of the terms that I object to are “disadvantaged minority in straight America,” “gay lobby,” “pro-homosexual position,” “escalating civil war of values,” etc. ad nauseam.

I would further suggest that Concerned Maine Families get involved in issues that impact family values like teen-age pregnancies, child and spousal abuse, drug abuse, child molestation, etc. Why waste time and money debating gay rights? What will be gained for families if they “win” the referendum? Bob Guida Winterport