PORTLAND – Supporters of the new state law granting equality in marriage to
all Maine couples reacted with confident optimism today after the Secretary of
State announced the wording of a ballot question that opponents of the new law
will use to launch a petition drive against it.
The new law, which
grants equal marriage rights to same-sex couples, was passed by significant
margins in both houses of the Legislature, and was signed into law by Gov. John
Baldacci on May 6. It is scheduled to go into effect 90 days after the
adjournment of the Legislative session.
Maine's Constitution
provides that if opponents of the new law gather the required signatures, the
law will be voted on either this November or next June.
"We are
confident that Maine people will vote to uphold this law which grants equality
to all Maine couples, and we looking forward to continuing the conversation with
Maine people about the importance of this new law," said Betsy Smith, Executive
Director of Equality Maine. "Tens of thousands of Maine voters have already
shown their support for marriage equality."
The Legislature's vote
came after a lengthy hearing in front of the Judiciary Committee on April 22.
Scores of proponents stood for hours waiting to tell their story of what being
married would mean to their families. Several older Mainers traveled to Augusta
to support their gay and lesbian children and grandchildren in their quest for
the benefits that marriage brings, both socially and
economically.
"The legislature and the Governor heard honest,
personal testimony of people directly affected by marriage discrimination
against their families," said Mary Bonauto, Civil Rights Project Director for
Gay & Lesbian Advocates and Defenders. "We are confident that these same
real life experiences will also speak to the people of Maine as they consider
their position."
Shenna Bellows, Executive Director of the Maine
Civil Liberties Union, said there has been an overwhelming level support shown
by voters across the state during the campaign to pass the legislation, which
was introduced by Sen. Dennis Damon, (D-Hancock) and had more than 60
co-sponsors.
"We have been very moved by the level of support for
marriage equality that we encountered during the drive to pass the Legislation.
We are confident that Mainers, if they are asked to vote on it, will back the
new law," said Shenna Bellows, Executive Director of the Maine Civil Liberties
Union. "We will be talking with people, neighbor to neighbor, from Kittery to
Aroostook, and we are confident we will prevail."