01:00 AM EST on Tuesday, November 16, 2004

In his Nov. 11 column on gay marriage, M. Charles Bakst writes that Providence Mayor David Cicilline is not happy. Well, as a stay-at-home mother of two for whom moral values and American ideals are of primary importance, I am more than "not happy." I am distressed.

I believe it is immoral to discriminate against any minority group solely because they differ from the norm and make some of us uncomfortable. I believe it is un-American to deny civil rights to certain citizens not because of any crime, but just because of who they are and whom they love. I cherish the U.S. Constitution and am concerned when those who would have their religious beliefs dictate the laws that affect us all seek to undermine the constitutional separation of church and state.

As a parent I absolutely believe that the American family is threatened, but by a culture that celebrates hyper-consumerism, condones irresponsibility, and no longer insists on respect or genuine compassion for others. I urge your readers to read Mayor Cicilline's words in Mr. Bakst's column carefully. Whom another person wishes to love, comfort, and honor threatens none of us; codifying discrimination in anti-gay marriage laws or amendments harms us all.

BARBARA J. GORDON

Pawtucket