As Nov. 7 draws closer, and the special rights issue seems to be the biggest one for voters to decide on, think about something. If one were to build a new home that he planned on living in the remainder of his life, and wanted it as trouble-free as possible, would he built it out of rotten lumber?

If we want a moral state for our children to live in years from now, can we do it by allowing immorality to flourish unopposed?

It’s sad to see our liberal churches, our government leaders and so many others who say they are concerned encourage to vote for something that is clearly condemned by God in Romans 1.

If God created the homosexual lifestyle, why does he condemn it so clearly? Vote “yes.” Gene Woodworth Houlton

As educators and community members, we are very concerned that the proponents of Question 1 are unknowingly creating a dangerous situation for our young people. If Question 1 passes, a message is sent to our state’s youth that discrimination will be acceptable in dealing with diversity in lifestyles. Already children who are perceived as being different are subject to abuse by their peers. These children comprise a large number of teens who subsequently commit suicide. Societal sanction of their abuse would be legitimized by the passage of Question 1.

A clear message must be sent: Discrimination, in any form, is wrong! Cheryl A. Quinn educator Rose Casement educator Jean S. Benson, M.D. Anders S. Benson Bangor

Question 1 wishes to limit so-called protected classes; however, it also wishes to discriminate against a much larger class — the voter! Passage of this referendum will forever close the door to any future state or local initiatives to pass laws that amend the human rights laws. This, my friends, says no matter what the issue, you the voter will have nothing to say — period. The exact wording of the question is, “Do you favor the changes in Maine law limiting protected classifications, in future state and local laws. …”

This statement closes the door by stopping any future changes to the law and takes away the right of the electorate forever to change the law. Remember, a “yes” vote says “I don’t care about losing my right to vote on future issues,” while a “no” vote changes nothing and allows the status quo to continue.

There are far more important issues we must face in the near future, and expending our efforts to pass an initiative which will limit the voting rights of all Maine citizens in the future seems a giant waste of time and talent.

I urge you to vote “no” on Question 1 and preserve the people’s right to vote on issues of discrimination in the future. Hugh A. Morrison Bangor