Maine Launches Marriage Campaign

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CONTACT: (212) 549-2666; media@aclu.org

Today, the ACLU of Maine took part in the launch of Mainers United for Marriage, the official campaign to pass marriage fairness on the ballot in Maine this November. The campaign kicked off with a new website, www.mainersunited.org and a new campaign manager, Matt McTighe.

“The Constitution promises all people equal protection under the law, and we are committed to fulfilling that promise for all Maine families this November,” said Shenna Bellows, Executive Director of the ACLU of Maine. “All loving, committed couples deserve the freedom to marry.”

Matt McTighe has significant experience as the political director for MassEquality, advancing marriage fairness in Massachusetts, and he worked in Washington to successfully defeat the anti-gay “Federal Marriage Amendment.” Most recently, McTighe worked as the Maine Public Education Director for Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) on the ground in Maine for two years. The ACLU of Maine team has worked very closely with Matt McTighe over the last two years and values his leadership.

“Matt McTighe is smart, strategic and dedicated to making Maine a better place,” said Zach Heiden, Legal Director of the ACLU of Maine. “We are very excited that he has agreed to lead this ballot campaign for marriage fairness.”

The ACLU of Maine serves on the Executive Committee of Mainers United for Marriage. The organization is directing its supporters to get involved at www.mainersunited.org. Marriage fairness is a key organizational priority for the ACLU, which is hiring an additional staffer for the campaign to assist in coalition building and communications efforts in 2012.