Freedom is on the Ballot

October 3, 2012

We are on the verge of historic victories extending the freedom to marry to same-sex couples in three states — Maine, Maryland, and Washington —and defeating a constitutional ban on marriage for same-sex couples for the first time in Minnesota.

It is absolutely critical that we get the word our far and wide about these initiatives and why it is important to vote for the freedom to marry. That's why we've created these talking points to help you educate your friends and family about how we can make 2012 a historic year for freedom. Please share them far and wide, and ask everyone you know to reach out to people in these four critical states.

MAINE

Question 1 on Maine's ballot will read:
"Do you want to allow the state of Maine to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples?"

The citizen's initiative would allow same-sex couples to receive a marriage license in Maine. In addition, it also provides that no clergy person or religious institution is required to perform or to host a marriage against his or her religious beliefs.

Vote "YES" on Question 1.

A diverse and growing coalition of over 100 partners — including the ACLU of Maine — has been working together, under the umbrella organization Mainers United for Marriage since February to demonstrate broad support for marriage for same-sex couples in Maine.
Public polling shows clear public support for the measure — at least 52% in most polls. However, our opponents have recently announced a $500,000 matching contribution from the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) — bringing the total amount of NOM money in Maine to almost $1 million with more to come.

MARYLAND

The referendum on The Civil Marriage Protection Act is Question 6. A vote FOR Question 6 will allow gay and lesbian couples to obtain a civil marriage license. A vote FOR Question 6 on the marriage equality referendum supports equality under the law while protecting religious freedom.

The ACLU of Maryland is a board member of Marylanders for Marriage Equality — a coalition of more than 130 groups across the state working to defend the Civil Marriage Protection Act of 2012 from referendum challenge this November. Together, we are recruiting volunteers for phone banks and canvassing, hosts for house parties across the state, and fundraising for the expensive TV and radio ads needed to reach voters.
Public opinion is clearly on our side in Maryland — 54% of voters say they will vote for Question 6. However, our opponents will spend millions on TV and radio ads intended to mislead voters. They have already bought 4 weeks of TV time in the Baltimore and DC markets.

MINNESOTA

A Minnesota Same-Sex Marriage Amendment will appear on the ballot. It will appear as follows:

AMENDMENT 1
"Recognition of Marriage Solely Between One Man and One Woman."

Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to provide that only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Minnesota?

A "NO" vote will stop the ban on marriage for same-sex couples. Vote "NO."

The ACLU of Minnesota is a member of Minnesotans United for All Families, a strong and vibrant coalition with over 650 partner organizations including religious organizations, businesses, labor groups, and non-profits working together to defeat this unnecessary amendment that would limit the freedoms of Minnesotans.
The proponents of the constitutional amendment have just released two new TV ads aimed at encouraging voters to vote for the marriage ban, and we need to keep having conversations with voters about the reasons to defeat this freedom-limiting measure.

WASHINGTON

Referendum 74 (R74) will uphold a bill that legalizes marriage for gay and lesbian couples in Washington State. The bill (SB 6239) was signed into law in February of 2012 by Governor Chris Gregoire. Approving Referendum 74 will allow the bill to go into effect.

[SB 6239] would allow same-sex couple to marry, preserve domestic partnerships only for seniors, and preserve the right of clergy or religious organizations to refuse to perform, recognize, or accommodate any marriage ceremony.

Vote to "Approve" this measure.

The ACLU of Washington is a member of the Governance Committee for Washington United for Marriage (WUM), a coalition of more than 500 organizations, congregations, unions, and businesses working together in coalition to defend civil marriage for loving, committed same-sex couples.
Polling has consistently shown strong support for marriage and we are entering the last 5 weeks before the election with momentum.
Despite our growing strength, our opposition, Preserve Marriage Washington, has secured $1.5 million in TV ad time. We're expecting a continuation of their rhetoric of marriage equals one man and one woman. This is to back up their claim that legalizing marriage for gay and lesbian people would redefine the meaning of marriage. We expect their argument to center on how marriage equality will harm children and assert gay and lesbian couples' have the inability to provide a "balanced" upbringing.