BANGOR – Visits from two high-profile activists on opposite sides of the gay rights issue are marking the final days of an intensifying Question 1 campaign.

Candace Gingrich, a lesbian and sister of former U.S. Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, appeared in Bangor on Friday to urge voters to reject Question 1, which seeks to repeal the new state law prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation.

“The piece of legislation that was signed by the governor, what it did was level the playing field,” Gingrich said at an evening dinner of the Maine People’s Alliance at the Union Street Brick Church. “It’s basic fairness, is what it was,” she continued. “But if you listen to some folks, they’re going to try to make you believe it’s a whole lot of things it’s not.”

Question 1 on the Nov. 8 ballot will read: “Do you want to reject the new law that would protect people from discrimination in employment, housing, education, public accommodations and credit based on their sexual orientation?”

A yes vote will repeal the law. A no vote will allow it to stand.

Backers of the repeal argue that giving legal recognition to gays and lesbians will provide a basis for same-sex marriage, should the issue be pressed in court.

David Parker, a Lexington, Mass., man who was arrested after objecting to the concept of same-sex families being taught in his son’s kindergarten class, will speak at 2 p.m. Saturday at Littlefield Baptist Church in Rockland.

In a Friday telephone interview, Parker said Maine voters would be wise to repeal the law.

“What people in Massachusetts and other states are learning is that they are using the laws to justify teaching children that [homosexuality and transgenderism] are completely acceptable ways of life,” said Parker, who is featured in a political advertisement from the Coalition for Marriage, one group pushing the repeal effort.

“It goes from tolerance, which everyone should strive for, to affirmation and validation of this choice,” he continued.

Parker, a 43-year-old scientist, was charged with criminal trespassing after he refused to leave his son’s elementary school until officials there assured him he would be notified if his son’s class was going to discuss issues involving homosexuality.

Last month, the charge was dropped so long as Parker commits no violations in the next year.

Supporters of the Maine law discount opponent’s contentions about same-sex marriage and changes to school curriculum. Supporters say the law specifically states it does not sanction same-sex marriage and is silent on school curriculum, which is determined at the local level.

The law adds sexual orientation to the Maine Human Rights Act, which now prohibits discrimination in areas including housing, education and employment, based on several traits including race, gender, age, mental illness and religion.