In referencing definition 2357 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church in the prologue to his column Oct. 30, attorney Bryan Dench spurred me to review definition 2478 that suggests: “To avoid rash judgment, everyone should be careful to interpret insofar as possible his neighbor’s thoughts, words, and deeds in a favorable way.”

The context of section 2357 deals with chastity and the sixth commandment. It reinforces the sacramental holiness, joy and pleasure of sexual union of (only) married couples when it is based in love and open to natural conception.

In his argument, Dench suggests that the case against discrimination on moral grounds “breaks down.”

If attorney Dench had continued to definition 2358 of the Catechism, he might have also quoted: “The number of men and women who have deep-seated natural tendencies is not negligible … they do not choose their homosexual condition … they must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God’s will in their lives.”

Fearing lack of restraint or tasteless public behavior by a small percentage of our brothers and sisters whose sexual orientation we do not understand does not justify discrimination.

Consider, please, that a “no” vote on Question 1 will provide the basis, over time, for open discourse leading to a genuine understanding of our respective roles in God’s creation.

Mike Broderick, Bethel