Proposed laws should be grounded in sound public policy. “Religious freedom” laws are not, for these reasons:
• The same law could be used to discriminate against Protestants, Roman Catholics, Jews and others with different or no religious beliefs.
• Such legislation creates a special class of citizens who are given personal rights, based on their personal religious beliefs, to treat other citizens as lower in value and unequal to everyone else. That is wrong, morally and under law.
• Someone licensed to serve the public is expected to serve all members of the public. The proper test is what is best for the general public, not the owner’s personal religious values.
• Such legislation raises questions about whether Maine is, in fact, welcoming to new business enterprises, just when Maine needs jobs and talent.
• Such legislation is prompted by fears and disapproval of gay marriage. GLBT citizens should not have to live constricted lives because of others’ personal religious beliefs about marriage.
• Such legislation is often grounded in the belief that gays and lesbians act in violation of biblical law. Nowhere in the Gospel does Jesus say anything about same-gender sexual orientation, let alone condemn it. If Jesus himself does not, why should any Christian do so, let alone demand a law that does so?
The best way to advance one’s religious values is to live one’s life as fully as possible according to those values. Jesus’ teachings are based on love, not discrimination or inequality.
Langston Snodgrass, Lewiston
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