This is in response to the editorial of Sept. 18.

On what basis does it claim that same-sex marriage would not be taught in Maine schools if it becomes legal in Maine? Schools are prohibited from teaching things that are illegal, right? If same-sex marriage becomes legal, rather than illegal, it becomes fair game for instruction, does it not? Therefore, same-sex marriage will become permissible and probably will be taught in Maine if this law is allowed to stand.

Indeed, the pressure to teach gay-marriage will be intense, for marriage is a basic social institution. Schools now teach, and will keep teaching about basic social institutions. Because the law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, how could a school not teach gay marriage? Will students be compelled to learn about gay marriage? Once legalized, all bets are off.

Would Maine parents like to trade the traditional definition of marriage for “recourse through the school boards or state legislature?” As if people should accept this law because the Legislature can change it later. That’s astounding, and not a good reason to accept any law.

If this law stands, the chances that gay marriage would not be taught in Maine schools are slim to none. Would it be coerced? Nothing in this law prohibits coercion, and the teaching of gay marriage has been coerced elsewhere.

A better law would address this problem.

Taylor Richards, East Winthrop