A governor’s bill, expected to be introduced today by Republican Sen. Karl Turner to the Judiciary Committee, adds “sexual orientation” to the Maine law that makes it unlawful to discriminate against people in the areas of housing, employment, public accommodation, credit and education. Though nearly half the nation is covered by such laws, Maine has had a habit of passing or nearly passing this legislation before deciding that discriminating against gay people shouldn’t be ruled out by law. The attitude has not been helpful to anyone but to those who make a living by spreading fear. This year, the measure may be acted on positively.

The protections in the state’s human-rights law already are afforded based on race, religion, age and disability. The protections are explicit and easily defined – a gay or lesbian is not guaranteed a job, an apartment, a seat at a restaurant or a loan, but those things may not be denied just because a person is gay or lesbian. Any for-profit organization owned or operated by a religious association or corporation would be exempted from this section of the law.

Despite the doom warned previously by opponents, there are no special rights in the law, no shield for those who commit sex crimes. This is not about gay marriage or advocating a certain lifestyle. The question before lawmakers is whether a portion of Maine’s population should be able to hold a job, keep an apartment or receive training the same as everyone else. The law is a matter of fairness.

Doubt about the proposal, which is introduced as LD 1196, arises because voters have rejected what is essentially the same language before. Why should the Legislature consider it now?

Two reasons. First, attitudes toward homosexuality have evolved and continue to evolve rapidly – gays and lesbians once caused fear and enmity; they are now increasingly accepted members of society – though not all parts of society. Second, the human-rights law declares as its policy “to keep continually in review of all practices infringing on the basic human right to a life with dignity…” As advocates of the bill will testify, a review is not needed to ensure life with dignity for this part of the Maine population.

Once a taboo subject few people or sane lawmakers would discuss in public, the move to protect the basic rights of gays and lesbians has advanced in Maine. Perhaps this is the result of watching other states, such as the rest of New England, adopt gay-rights protections. Perhaps it is because the avalanche of lawsuits and other dire consequences opponents always warn of have never developed anywhere.

Perhaps it is just because Maine people are decent people who realize that gays and lesbians ought to be allowed to live their lives peacefully and without harassment. Especially when they realize that the gays and lesbians the law would protect could be their sons or daughters, brothers or sisters, trusted friends or valued co-workers.

Protecting the basic rights of those whose sexual orientation differs has been a long and difficult process for all. Lawmakers can help complete that work with this bill.