If Rene Portland had discriminated against blacks or Jews, she would have been fired long ago. But LGBT-bigotry is different. Indeed, in his letter Monday, "Students support Portland," Jesse Mowry stopped just short of defending it, without blushing.

I'd bet that Rene and Jesse's beliefs are rooted in the Bible -- for centuries, good people have misused the word. And it's no surprise: God ordained and regulated slavery (cf. Lev 25:44-46; Deut 20:10-11; Ex 21:20-21 -- see also Baptist-minister Thornton Stringfellow's book Scriptural and Statistical views in favor of Slavery). Many segregationists invoked the Almighty to deny civil rights. Even the state of Virginia declared interracial marriage a violation of God's will (until Lovings v. Virginia 1967).

Homosexuality is only "wrong" to those hiding bigotry behind a Biblical firewall -- like pious slave owners used to do. This is an anachronism, incompatible with modern society. Isn't it time to step into the 21st Century?

Every reputable scientific organization on the planet agrees: Homosexuality is normal and natural -- part biology, part sociology -- like being left handed, and should not induce bigotry. Rene Portland was convicted of such bigotry; Jesse Mowry seems to endorse it; I oppose it. If you prefer antiquity, however, please remember the words of a brilliant Jewish rabbi, for a more profound and beautiful maxim has never been uttered: "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" (Matt 7:12).