This letter is a direct response to Christopher Tyne's letter that appeared in the Collegian on March 22. It is also meant for anyone who believes his "arguments" against human rights for homosexuals.

In that letter Mr. Tynes makes some fascinating claims and connections of ideas. For example, he compares being a homosexual to being a kleptomaniac. Kleptomania is a mental illness.

Though homosexuality was once thought to be a mental illness, fortunately it is no longer considered to be so. Nor is it a behavior as Mr. Tynes implies.

The only behavior groups actually mentioned in the letter are adulterers and Catholics. The members of these groups chose to belong and act accordingly. One of these two groups is protected by the Constitution and the other is not.

No one chooses their sexual preferences. I don't recall deciding that I'd rather be a heterosexual. These are not free choices.

Neither homosexuals nor heterosexuals could be said to belong to a behavior group. He said in his letter that the behavior of a person is a good indication of their moral character and that this should be taken into account when hiring or renting.

Who is going to decide the criterion that should be used when looking at a person's morals? Mr. Tynes? The government? This University? The church? I certainly don't wouldn't want to be in the position of deciding if anyone's personal views of life are up to a certain moral code.

One other thing that was truly offensive in his letter was the implication made by citing the 1983 Minneapolis case that homosexuals are child molesters. This is not only a false stereotype but is also a dangerous view to take.

A threat is perceived that isn't there while the threat of heterosexual child molesters is ignored. I could assert that all males are potential rapists and that they musn't associate with women. That seems ludicrous, but is the direct result of his line of reasoning.

On a personal note, Mr. Tynes, you seem like a good, moral person. You just seem to be out of touch with the pain experienced by those who are denied basic rights. No one is asking for special treatment, just equal treatment.

Come down off of your philosophical high horse and put your beliefs to work here at street level. You may get your hands a bit dirty, but the rewards are innumerable.