To the editor:

I was recently quoted in this paper as saying it’s legal to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation “in some places.” What was I thinking? It is legal in MOST places. People think it is illegal because they know such discrimination is wrong. Nevertheless, it happens quite a bit. While we gained protection from such discrimination in employment and public accommodations in Lawrence in 1996, just a few days ago the City Council of Topeka decided against adding sexual orientation to their non-discrimination policy.

I would also like to point out that the headline of the article was “Local pastor helps rally for gay rights.” The headline should have referred to “equal rights for gays.” There are no “gay” rights.

Maggie Childs, Lawrence