Re "We're not bigots" (David Peters, Monitor letter, Jan. 31):

While you may not hold any animosity, there are so many who do and use the same rationale you use to justify their bigotry. Remember those wonderful examples of human kindness from the Westboro Baptist Church who recently visited Concord? What a loving and caring group they are. Great examples of Christian kindness!

I'm heterosexual and have never understood why a person is homosexual. But many are, and that does not make them any better or worse than anyone else. I have relatives, acquaintances, business associates and co-workers who are homosexuals and they deserve the same rights as everyone.

Many of the religions, races and cultures you obtusely and loosely reference believe in polygamy, the second-rate status of women and the absolute power of the man over his family. So did Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons and many of the "revered men" in the Bible, such as Abraham, Moses and Job, to name a few.

It's irrelevant that supporters of traditional marriage do not believe the opportunity for two consenting adults to marry is a civil right. It wasn't long ago that the majority in this country did not believe that women had the civil right to vote. Real freedom and democracy can only exist when all law-abiding people are treated equally and afforded the same rights.

The editorial was not the most incisive one on the subject. In fact, I don't find the Concord Monitor's editorial staff to be that competent. But you completely miss the main issue. Homosexuals should have the same rights as heterosexuals. To deny them that is bigotry.

DALLAS LANGEVIN

Loudon