Nondiscrimination is basis of law

In his March 18 letter, James Becker argues that the religious beliefs of vendors should permit them to deny service to LGBT persons and that laws against sexual orientation discrimination “endorse specific sexual behaviors and punish those who don’t approve.” Becker unfortunately understands neither sexual orientation nor sexual orientation law.

Our state’s laws do not endorse particular sexual behaviors. In the first place, there are really no sexual behaviors exclusive to persons of any particular sexual orientation. More importantly, our sexual orientation laws are not about sex but are about the rights of citizens to choose the gender of those with whom they would have sexual relations. Those laws prohibit discrimination against heterosexuals just as they do persons with other sexual orientations. Our state assures that we can seek employment, housing and public accommodation without fear that someone will deny us merely because of the gender of those to whom we are attracted.

Sadly, some people will seek to stand religion on its head in order to justify unlawful discrimination against fellow citizens.

John Mason

Spokane Valley