Maine Rep. Lawrence Lockman, R-District 137, says Ben Chin hates Christians and America. Maine Republican Party executive officer Jason Savage demands that Chin explain his views, referring to a sermon Chin preached as a lay leader.

So now a Republican politician and a state Republican leader are setting up religious acceptability tests for candidates? Candidates must “explain” their religious views? Must their beliefs conform to Republican Christian religious beliefs? What about simply competence, policy and integrity?

Is that what the Maine Republican Party has become?

Chin is a faithful Christian who loves America and Lewiston. I know him. He is a leader. He acts and thinks like a Christian, but he does not discriminate against non-Christians. His policies are grounded in religious convictions that society should help those who suffer and who cannot make it on their own, for the common good of all. I suspect Mohammed would hold similar views: If the town market place is healthy, so probably are its residents.

But that is not the point. No candidate should have to meet a religious litmus test. No candidate should have to “explain” his religious beliefs.

The Republican Party and conservatives are needed in Maine society. However, the party should base its claims and positions on competence, policy, and integrity — not personal religious views.

Finally, contrary to Lockman’s assertions, Chin is not a threat to Lewiston taxpayers. His proposals do not require tax increases.

Langston Snodgrass, Lewiston