When I was 10 years old, a stroke left me partially paralyzed. In the 40 years that I have lived as a handicapped person, I have felt the effects of discrimination. Most of it was subtle; some of it was obvious.

Fortunately, in 1990 Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act. This law ensures that handicapped people like me enjoy the same rights as most other Americans. In March, the Maine Legislature took the bold step of outlawing discrimination because of a person’s sexual preference.

Being a victim of discrimination is discouraging and maddening. It robs a person of his or her dignity and prevents society from enjoying the unique contribution that this individual has to make. Opponents to equal rights should not be allowed to shut people out because they believe that different people are “children of a lesser God.”

The referendum on Nov. 8 is a simple question on providing equal rights to people regardless of their sexual preference. It is not about marriage. It is not about a “hidden agenda.” It is about fairness in housing, employment, public accommodations and the other things that allow us to live worthwhile lives.

I am going to vote no on No. 1 on Nov. 8. I encourage all disabled and fair-minded Mainers to join me. Only in protecting the rights of all people can we protect the rights that we, ourselves, have worked so hard and waited so long to obtain.

Louis Fontaine

Sidney