Dear Editor:

For the past two Sundays St. Lawrence Catholic Church has been actively involved in handing out literature and preaching against the possibility that gay men and women will soon be allowed the same rights and privileges as every other American citizen.

Gay Connecticut Citizens will soon be allowed to enter into a Civil Union in the State...This would make Connecticut the only State in the country to voluntarily recognize civil unions.The St. Lawrence Catholic Church has advocated contacting our local State Representatives Ed Myer and Brian O'Connor and voice opposition to this decision.

It seems strange to me that the Church would take such a strong stance against allowing all Americans their constitutional rights.  It also seems unfair to me that a tax exempt institution is involving itself in politics.  While reasonable men and women can argue that Marriage is a Religious term and should not be afforded to homosexuals or even to individuals marrying outside of the Church, it is not a reasonable argument to deny a segment of our population the same rights as everyone else.  

Study after study has proven that homosexuality is not a choice but that it is who someone is.  New studies have found that Children raised in same sex households are just as likely if not more likely to be well adjusted and caring adults.  

Denying someone their constitutional rights is discrimination and punishing someone for being different that you is Bigotry.  Bigotry can manifest itself in many ways.  St. Lawrence Catholic Church has proven that the subtle evil of bigotry can come from those who we look to for compassion.  When bigotry raises its ugly head it is our responsibility as citizens of this small tightly knit community to voice our intolerance to it and voice out displeasure with those who advocate discrimination.

Tim Withington