OXFORD – Just two days before Maine people head to the polls to vote on the gay rights law, Christian Civic League of Maine Director Michael Heath and a Massachusetts man arrested after protesting a pro-homosexual education in his son’s elementary school speak at an Oxford church.

Addressing a full room at the Oxford Advent Christian Church Sunday night, Heath said that allowing the law to stay on the books would pave the way to the legalization of same-sex marriage.

“Marriage. That’s where they’re going with this,” Heath said.

The law under question would ban discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, credit, education, housing and public accommodations. The Legislature passed it earlier this year after a request from Gov. John Baldacci, but the Nov. 8 referendum will decide its future.

Supporters of voting no on Question 1, favor the law and don’t want it rejected. They say that homosexuals require protection under Maine’s Human Rights Act, which already safeguards people based on factors such as race, age and religion.

Those opposed to the law urge a yes vote. They argue that it will encourage a homosexual curriculum in classrooms.

David Parker, of Lexington, Mass., spoke Sunday night about his objections to not being notified when discussions arise about transgenderism, homosexuality or same-sex marriage in his children’s classrooms.

Parker is a 43-year-old father of two children, ages 5 and 6. He said that during the last school year he asked teachers and administrators to tell parents when sexual orientation issues come up so they can partner with the school on this type of education.

In April, Parker described having a long meeting with school administrators, and he informed them he was prepared to remain in the office until there was some accommodation of his request. Police were called and he was arrested for trespassing, he said. He said he spent one night in jail and now is banned from school grounds.

“My wife and I have no history of social or political activism,” Parker said. His current activism, he said, comes from his being a father and wanting to guide his children with his values and beliefs.

“I wasn’t saying make changes in the curriculum,” Parker said. “If someone is talking to my 5-year-old about transgenderism, I want to know what they’re saying. Who doesn’t?” he asked.

Heath said the gay rights agenda is going to alter the way people relate to each other sexually and to radically restructure society.

Parker said, “They feel the movement is revolutionary; it’s just an expression of freedom. Not all freedom is good.”



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