| This bill ensures that all citizens, regardless of their |
| sexual orientation, have the same civil rights protections now |
| guaranteed in employment, housing, public accommodations and |
| credit to citizens on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, |
| age, national origin and physical or mental handicap. A |
| religious organization that does not receive public funds is |
| exempt from the prohibition against discrimination based on |
| sexual orientation. The bill makes it clear that this change in |
| the Maine Human Rights Act does not confer legislative approval |
| of or special rights to anyone or any group. |
