Discrimination against gays in Maine will be the topic Thursday, Sept. 22, when three Lewiston leaders will talk about why they’ll be voting against repeal of Maine’s new anti-discrimination law, said Rachel Meyers of the Maine Civil Liberties Union.

The three speakers will be Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce President Charles “Chip” Morrison; St. Joseph’s Church pastor, the Rev. Mike Seavey; and Rene Dumont, St. Mary’s Regional Hospital administrator. They will talk about how protection for all Mainers, regardless of sexual orientation, will benefit Lewiston.

The forum, from 7 to 9 p.m., is a Maine Won’t Discriminate event organized by the Maine Civil Liberties Union, Meyers said.

Unlike some campaign events, this one will be one-sided. “We were aiming for unusual voices – business leaders and religious leaders – who are coming at this from different angles,” Meyers said. The forum will be in Room 170 at the college at 51 Westminster St., Lewiston.

n March, Maine became the last state in New England to pass a law that protects gays from discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, credit and education. A petition drive calling for a vote to repeal the law, led by Paul Madore of Lewiston, was successful. On Nov. 8, voters will decide whether to keep or junk the law.

Cianchettes hit the trail

When Republican gubernatorial hopeful Peter Cianchette campaigned in Lewiston last week, his wife introduced him. Carolyn Cianchette said this run for governor will be different than his 2002 campaign.

“Four years ago, told Peter, ‘Don’t expect me to do any kind of public speaking. That’s your role, not mine. Apparently that changed,” she said with a grin, speaking from the Ramada nn podium. She and their children, Evan and Maria, are thrilled he’s running, she said.

Other than neglecting to change light bulbs or clean the basement, her husband has never sidestepped problems, she said.

As he reached the podium, Cianchette kissed his wife and said how happy he was that she’ll be campaigning with him. Their children will join them, he said.

“They may have grown up a bit since you saw them last,” Cianchette said.

He noted that he has reminded his children that since they’re now older, they’ll be expected to work harder on the campaign.

Starting this month, Cianchette said he’ll be focusing on one of his eight platform issues for 30 days. September’s focus: education.

King joins anti-slot fight

Former Gov. Angus King supports an initiative to ban slot machines in Maine, according to a press release from “No Slots for Me!”

King joins a growing list of individuals and groups getting involved. The Maine Christian Civic League led by Michael Heath and the Maine Grassroots Coalition led by Lewiston’s Paul Madore, recently joined forces with the No Slots group to gather signatures. Working for No Slots is former Green gubernatorial candidate Jonathan Carter.

This probably is the first issue that has found Carter, Heath and King on the same side.

George Rodrigues, president of No Slots for Me!, said he’s thrilled to have the former governor aboard. “His support only underlines how important this issue is for the future of Maine,” Rodrigues said in a prepared statement.

While governor, King was an outspoken opponent of any expansion of gambling in Maine. During the 2003 casino campaign, King was one of the few who spoke out against both the casino proposed by Maine Native Americans and a racino supported by Maine horse racers. The casino attracted much opposition and lost. The racino attracted virtually no opposition, and was passed by voters.

By staff writers Bonnie Washuk and Christopher Williams