Jim Carignan argues against vetoing the law that incorporates “sexual orientation” into Maine’s civil rights law (Oct. 17). That law – or rather the amendment incorporating that phrase – will be up for a vote in November. A “yes” vote on Election Day indicates that the voter wishes to veto the offensive legislation which gave special protection for homosexual behavior.

Mr. Carignan alleges that homosexuals experience the same discrimination that black Americans have experienced over the years. It invites the question: Can you look at a person and discern his or her sexual orientation? Obviously not. Do employers routinely turn job applicants away because of their sexual orientation? Do banks and credit unions turn away applicants for credit because of their sexual orientation? Do landlords turn away folks seeking a place to live because of their sexual orientation? Certainly not.

Carignan claims that the situation facing homosexuals is “analogous” to that facing blacks. The argument is absurd on its face. If an employer or moneylender or landlord turns away a person seeking service it is for reasons other than a person’s sexual orientation. That is a mental state totally invisible to the potential employer, lender, landlord, etc. It is inappropriate behavior that gets persons rejected for certain services.

African-Americans faced an entirely different kind of discrimination.

There is much more in Carignan’s diatribe against Paul Madore and Michael Heath – against the Grass-roots Coalition and the Christian Civic League – much more that is untruthful.

Harvey Lord, South Paris