Imagine sending children to school not knowing if they are going to return home safely. Or, imagine not being able to work because you were too afraid.

That’s what it’s going to be like for some people if the new referendum proposed by the Christian Civic League of Maine passes. It would revoke every protection law won for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual people in Maine. It would also include removing sexual orientation from the Maine Human Rights Act.

In 2005, the majority of Mainers voted down any discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual people, so why would voters let that happen? The referendum is more than usually extensive, and was created to obliterate any progress made for equality in Maine.

Gay and lesbian Mainers simply want to live the life they were gifted with, not be punished for being themselves.

With all the challenges Maine faces right now, discrimination is not on the top of the list.

Betsy Smith of Equality Maine says, “We cannot allow a vocal minority to push us toward legislation that would uphold and enforce discrimination in Maine.”

The referendum could likely end up on the 2009 ballets. We must not let it happen.

Amelia Lacasse, Harrison