The Rev. Michael Seavey is to be commended for his thoughtful, morally grounded defense of the state’s new anti-discrimination law. His principal argument was that individual human dignity takes priority over any “moral rule” considerations in how we treat people. Denying people the means to sustain themselves is a fundamental assault on the humanity of the individual. Seavey’s position is based on the most fundamental teaching of Christ’s mission: compassion.

Paul Madore and his followers appeared to be heartless and cruel people, and it is beyond comprehension that the Catholic Church could take a “neutral” stand on this issue. Jesus would not have been neutral. The Pharisees would have been neutral, but not Jesus. Jesus is the one who stopped the stoning of the prostitute, not the one who neutrally stood by and watched or actively participated.

Perhaps Madore, Sandra Navia and certain senior church officials should be thrown out on the street with little possibility for housing or employment just because they are Catholic. Perhaps after a couple of months on the street, they would come to see how much they have in common with their homosexual brethren. One hundred fifty or so years ago, Lewiston’s Catholics were persecuted the way some Catholics persecute homosexuals now.

Diversity is the rule of nature, not the exception. When we attack members of our own community, we attack ourselves. I hope Seavey continues to speak out and encourage all to vote no on Question 1.

John Henderson, Auburn