Who are you going to believe? Rather, what do the people of Butler want to believe?

The pair of questions, applied to the issue of civil rights, weigh heavy on the Nov. 7 municipal election.

From the left comes candidates and a push for the formation of a Human Relations Commission. A local LGBT advocacy group, the core and genesis of the movement, wants the city to expand its existing civil rights ordinance to include sexual identity and sexual orientation as protected from discrimination.

Jamie Lee Goehring, the Democratic candidate for mayor, backs the proposal, as does incumbent Democratic councilwoman Kathy Kline.

From the right comes an equally motivated resistance, with warnings that broader civil rights could lead to disturbing situations — things like men and women being forced to share public restrooms, or small business people or churches having to perform services that go against their religious beliefs.

Candidates who have spoken against the measure include Republican mayoral candidate Ben Smith and incumbent Democratic council candidate Kenny Bonus. GOP candidate Jeff Smith says an amendment is unnecessary, and that revitalization remedies discrimination by enabling people to know each other as individuals. We suspect many voters share Smith’s opinion.

The pro- and anti- positions have become launch pads for exaggerated claims on both sides, some of them absurd.

Let’s try to simplify the issue. Pennsylvania and federal law already forbid discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodation on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, age, national origin, handicap or disability, education and the use of a guide dog. The proposed change would expand protections in the city to include protection for gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual individuals’ rights. A Human Relations Commission, appointed by Council, would provide the first line of review for civil rights complaints.

From a practical standpoint, it’s difficult to swallow some of the scenarios being floated by the opposition. Common decency and modesty still count for something — believe it or not, even among people of unique sexual identity. And parents worried about prospective evils lurking in public restrooms already know better than to let their young children go there unaccompanied.

At the same time, voters must wonder why this issue isn’t being pursued as a state or national issue, since civil rights traditionally has been pursued and advanced as a constitutional item. Also, do we really need a Council-designated commission to adjudicate matters that otherwise would go before a judge and jury? Is this an alternate route for legislation that doesn’t stand much chance on a bigger legislative track?

Ultimately, the outcome of the election probably won’t change much about the civil rights climate in Butler. What’s likely to change — or not change — is the impression we make upon ourselves and others. And so we repeat the questions: Who are you going to believe? Rather, what do the people of Butler want to believe?

Whatever the Election Day outcome, let’s all strive for tolerance in our diversity. It’s in our city’s best interest.