Las Vegas Sun

December 3, 2009

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Letter: Petition is effort to discriminate

Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2000 | 9:51 a.m.

This measure is not about protecting the institute of marriage. Its provisions are not designed to reduce the divorce rate or curb domestic violence. Rather, it is an attack against gays and lesbians. It is, plain and simply, an effort to unfairly discriminate against certain Nevadans. The social work profession's Code of Ethics indicates that "social workers should not practice, condone, facilitate or collaborate with any form of discrimination on the basis of ... sexual orientation." This is a core value we all should share.

The supporters of this extremist initiative intend to use it to polarize and divide our state. They want a legal forum to create an atmosphere of fear and intolerance as part of their agenda for our society. We cannot permit our state constitution to be used for such a purpose.

On a personal aside, last September, my wife and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. Our marriage has not needed any so-called protection from our gay and lesbian friends. We certainly don't need or want it now.

Please do the right thing when this petition confronts you. Use the opportunity to affirm your values by saying, "No, I refuse to be a part of your discrimination and intolerance."

MARK NICHOLS Nevada Chapter's executive director, National Association of Social Workers

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