Everyone is entitled to their beliefs, but no one is entitled to use their beliefs to deny equal rights or civil rights to any group.

Pauly Fongemie (letter, “Church doesn’t claim ability to cure same-sex attraction,” Feb. 16) believes that being gay is a sin.

I believe being born that way is not now and never will be a sin.

I was forced to be a Catholic when the missionaries came to our country. I have learned that in my Native American culture the Creator made everyone, and that those of two spirits are a gift of the creator.

Using religion to deny rights to any one is wrong.

The way the marriage equality bill is designed allows each religion to hold on to its belief system and not be forced to marry anyone outside those beliefs. Some churches do that now, for example, if heterosexual couples want to marry outside of their faith systems.

It’s time that the churches stop trying to deny equal rights, constitutional, and civil rights to any GLBT individuals. I find it ironic that Spain, Portugal, Brazil and Mexico — all heavily Roman Catholic countries — now have marriage equality.

It’s time that this country does the same and allows all people to marry and live their lives as happy, productive members of society.

Phyllis Cudmore, psychologist

Augusta

Copy the Story Link