LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: SODOMY LAWS COVER HETEROSEXUALS TOO

To the editor:

I write in reply to Tom Lichtenegger's July 12 letter which stated that discrimination against homosexuals does not exist because "what they are doing is illegal." I would like to point out that discrimination is not strictly confined to the public sector. To discriminate is to act based on prejudice, and that includes passing laws against specific groups. Do you remember the Jim Crow laws that kept African Americans from voting? They were laws, and they are now a well-known example of discrimination.

As I understand them, the laws Lichtenegger mentioned are against sodomy, not homosexuality specifically. Since sodomy is defined as anal or oral copulation, these laws apply to many heterosexuals as well as homosexuals.

These laws are antiquated, but if they are strictly enforced, police will have to arrest and prosecute many heterosexual people as well as homosexuals.

Lichtenegger said to read the laws. I think that's a great idea, but you have to do your homework as well to get the facts straight.

MELISSA HOLLIDAY

Cape Girardeau, Mo.