Opponents of Maine’s new anti-discrimination law have collected more signatures than their cause deserves.

Late in June, supporters of a people’s veto attempting to stop legislation that would prevent discrimination based upon sexual orientation submitted more than 57,000 signatures to the secretary of state. If the signatures are validated, the state’s anti-discrimination law will be placed on the ballot in November for voter approval or repeal.

Signers of the petition have every right to participate in the direct democracy embodied by the people’s veto, which can act as an important check on the power of the Legislature and the governor. But like all ballot initiatives, the people’s veto is open to abuse and can fall victim to distortion, hysteria and sound-bite politics meant to divide the state into warring factions. It’s discouraging to see a political tool intended to empower the people used in an attempt to deny equal protection of the law and condemn members of our community with a permanent, second-class status.

The legislation passed in March does not create special rights and is not a stalking horse for the legalization of same-sex marriages. It is, instead, a straightforward attempt to end discrimination against a minority group. Without the law, it is perfectly legal in Maine to deny someone an apartment because they are gay, to fire someone from their job because they are a lesbian or to limit someone’s educational opportunities because they are transgender.

Equal protection for gays and lesbians has been a tough sell in Maine. Twice before, voters have rejected similar laws intended to end discrimination, giving into hollow claims about special rights and homophobia.

Our sincere hope is that the failures of the past will not be repeated.

It was a sad day when the advocates for legalized discrimination delivered their petitions to the secretary of state. We can expect a brutal and determined effort to move the state backwards and to deny some of our neighbors the rights they deserve.

The campaign, however, has just begun. Collecting the signatures was the first step, but ultimately it will be up to voters to sort through the fear-mongering message of the law’s opponents. In the past, the issue has been muddled enough that voters have rejected equal rights. If it makes it to the ballot, the question will be pretty simple: “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?”

The answer must be “no.” Maine cannot hide its eyes from the ugliness of discrimination or turn its back on people seeking only fundamental fairness. Voters must not codify discrimination into law.