The Maine Human Rights Act intends to prevent discrimination in employment, housing, education, credit and public accommodations. These are basic human rights and should be extended to all Maine citizens. Our gay and lesbian neighbors have been added to the list of groups specifically recognized as needing protection against discrimination.

Some have questioned whether this protection should be extended to gay and lesbian people whom they label as “sinners.” The Human Rights Act protects all people. It does not have an exception for sinners; if it did, one might question whether adulterers should also be denied protections for employment, housing and credit lest they threaten family values.

The vote on Nov. 8 should support the law protecting all humans including those who happen to be gay and lesbian.

Vote no to assure they will continue to receive their basic rights.

Stanley Freeman

Orono