Will, Page on Gay Rights Case

Re “Are Colorado Gays Demanding Special Rights, Not Just Equal Rights?” Commentary, Oct. 13:

George F. Will’s column about the Colorado amendment to ban anti-discrimination laws for homosexuals in Colorado reflects homophobic thinking, and not a libertarian viewpoint against federal meddling as the article might lead one to believe. If homosexuals do not make up a recognized group that is a discriminated minority, then why would this amendment have been written? Any laws passed in Colorado on a local level protecting gays and lesbians from discrimination did no more than just that; the laws in no way asked for special treatment or affirmative action treatment.

What then actually has people like Will so scared? There is no hidden gay agenda affecting people like Will and his family. The only agenda is equal treatment, opportunity and an equal chance to excel. There is no threat to society involved. The fact must be faced no matter how well gays and lesbians have done in society, this has happened despite the tenor of homophobia running though our culture.

MICHAEL L. STEMPEL

West Hollywood

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I am surprised that Will, whom I have always thought of as a thinking and reasonable conservative, should suddenly espouse the extremist views of the religious right. There is really nothing sacred about the “will of the people.”

If the people of Idaho were to pass an amendment to make the practice of Judaism illegal, would Will still say that we must respect the will of the people? Ridiculous! I suggest that Will read the commentary by Clarence Page that appeared Oct. 13 so that he may learn the issues at stake.

LAWRENCE B. STARR

Los Angeles

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In his column Page states that laws supporting gay rights tell people to judge others on their individual character or behavior, not on something like sexual orientation. However, as has been seen time and again, by giving special rights to any group of people, an individual’s character or behavior becomes a moot issue because the person can always hide behind the special rights law, no matter how unsuitable that individual’s character or behavior is.

BRUNO LAAN

Los Angeles