In the Sun Journal's editorial published Sept. 18, the assertion was made that, "Will same-sex marriage be taught in schools, if it becomes legal in Maine? No — nothing in law, or curriculum, mandates any Maine student be taught about marriage, same-sex or otherwise."

The same editorial further states, "In fact, the court's decision states the plaintiff parents were indeed deeply offended, and can seek recourse through their local school boards or state legislature."

Unless the editorial writer has the gift of foreknowledge, there is no way he can assure anyone what will or will not be taught in a public school in Maine, nor what response the courts would make to a lawsuit against such instruction.

It is my personal experience that the typical school board, and certainly the state Legislature, has little interest in what I, or even a group of parents, have to say — witness the Legislature's hijacking of the whole same-sex marriage issue.

Yes, teaching tolerance is a wonderful idea, but tolerating all kinds of abominations appears to be the intellectuals' goals with little regard for Maine society, culture, morality and tradition.

As recently as 1996, homosexuality was recognized internationally as a psychiatric disorder that responds to therapy. Why the state of Maine wants to encourage a practice that serves society no practical good is beyond me.

"Creating ... a marriage culture is not the job for government. Families, religious communities and civic institutions, along with the intellectual, moral, religious and artistic leaders, need to point the way. But law and public policy will either reinforce and support these goals or undermine them." From "Marriage and the Public Good: Ten Principles," the Witherspoon Institute.

Howard Allen, Limington