Imposing religious beliefs on others

LeAnne Seavers' Jan. 4 letter regarding gay couples respecting the religious beliefs of others misses a significant point.

America's religious freedom is predicated upon the notion that we cannot be deterred from holding our beliefs. At the same time, we are not allowed impose our beliefs on others.

American businesses that offer their services to the general public, and our government officials, are expected to do so without discrimination. Asserting a religious belief to refuse service to gay couples seeking to legally wed is no different from refusing to serve black Americans at a lunch counter because a religion-based social belief asserts they are inferior.

No one seeking commercial or government services offered to the general public should have to determine if their race, sex, religion or sexual orientation complies with the service provider's religious beliefs. Requiring them to do so, or go elsewhere, is imposing the service provider's religious belief on another.

J.E. Sheldon

Pingree Grove