I have to disagree with the statements of Josh Potteiger in his letter to the editor ("Abortion involves two 'distinct' people's lives," Jan. 21). He claims that the issue surrounding abortion comes down to "whether or not the unborn are living human beings." This may be the basis for a belief, but it is not the key issue of the abortion debate.

The abortion debate comes down to an issue of secular vs. religious legislature. A religious belief is its own justification; no one is denying that religious groups have the right to oppose abortion on religious grounds. However, we live in a nation where legislature based on a religious belief is invalid, according to the Bill of Rights and our inalienable freedom of religion. You cannot impose spiritually-based morals on the nation at large, as we don't all see spirituality the same way. The United States is not a Christian nation.

I praise those with steadfast beliefs. But I would ask that they have a bit more respect for the diverse and free people of this nation. Unless the United States declares a national religion -- and I hope that not even the most fanatical of our citizens would favor that -- religious-based legislature cannot occur.