It saddened my heart when I read Christopher Rioux’s letter to the editor (Oct. 27) in which he publicly criticized Pamella Starbird Beliveau. I have known her for a very long time and she is one of the most loving, kind and non-judgmental human beings I have ever met. I commend her gallant and brave championing of all God’s people, especially those who struggle for acceptance.

Rioux‘s statement, “… therefore, it is a grave sin for Catholics to support same-sex marriage” is outrageous. As seen in the  “Statement of Conscience” by Maine Catholics regarding marriage equality in the Sun Journal recently, many upstanding Catholics are appropriately educating themselves, discerning this issue, and are prepared to vote “no” on Question 1 as a matter of conscience.

Before his passing, I was very fortunate to have had the right and privilege to make a 36-year marriage commitment with my husband. I can see no reason why gay/lesbian couples can’t have the same rights and privileges as the rest of us. After all, in God’s world, love is love, and isn’t love all that matters?

Bigotry and discrimination absolutely have no place in the hearts of God’s people. Let’s treat each other with dignity, gentleness, respect and, most especially, with unconditional love. When you put love in perspective, Beliveau’s guest column makes good, common sense.

Cecilia Courtemanche, Lewiston