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Maine
On May 6, 2009, Maine's Governor John Baldacci signed into law a freedom to marry bill overwhelmingly approved by the Senate and House.
Despite citizens and representatives from across Maine standing up in favor of the marriage equality bill, following the bill’s passage, anti-gay forces spent millions of dollars to gather signatures and mount an attack campaign to put a referendum on the November ballot.
Even though a strong grassroots effort worked hard in Maine, the attack campaign by anti-gay forces just barely overturned Maine’s law supporting the freedom to marry for gay couples. Work continues despite this loss, to continue changing hearts and minds, and end the exclusion of gay couples from marriage.
WHERE YOU CAN GO TO GET INVOLVED OR LEARN MORE:
Equality Maine
The primary statewide organization working to win the freedom to marry for same-sex couples.
Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders
Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) is New England's leading
legal rights organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on
sexual orientation, HIV status and gender identity and expression.
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PUBLICATIONS:
Study: Fiscal Impact of Marriage Equality in Maine
Williams Institute
April 2009
The Williams Institute released a research study analyzing the economic gains, an approximate $7.9 million each year, if marriage is extended to same-sex couples.
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NEWS:
View news about the fight for the freedom to marry in Maine.
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MULTIMEDIA:
First TV Ad Spot: "Sam Putnam"
Tells the story of Sam Putnam of Portland, who plays football and baseball, and is the pride and joy of his mother, Jennifer and her partner, Michelle. For Sam, it's pretty basic -- this is his family and he wants them to be valued and treated equally in Maine.
Second TV Ad: "Bill Whitten"
Introduces Bill Witten of Yarmouth, a former college football player and U.S. Marine. Bill has two daughters -- one gay and one straight. For Bill, it's simple -- he wants both his girls treated fairly and equally, and that includes marrying the person they love most in the world.
Together: A Public Education Ad
EqualityMaine Foundation, GLAD, and Maine Civil Liberties Union Foundation
August 2009
About 3,000 people filed into the Augusta Civic Center for the daylong hearing on LD 1020 held Wednesday before the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee. Supporters, many of whom were dressed in red, outnumbered opponents more than 4-to-1. Listen to the lead sponsor of the bill talk about how historic the bill is and see the sea of red cheering.
Thousands Attend Maine Hearing for Marriage Equality
Bangor Daily News
April 2009
About 3,000 people filed into the Augusta Civic Center for the daylong hearing on LD 1020 held Wednesday before the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee. Supporters, many of whom were dressed in red, outnumbered opponents more than 4-to-1. Listen to the lead sponsor of the bill talk about how historic the bill is and see the sea of red cheering.
Marriage for All Maine Families
Equality Maine
April 2009
Thousands of Maine families have raised their voices in support of marriage for all Maine families. We'd like to introduce you to just a few of these families through this moving video.
Fairness and Respect: The Heart of Who We Are in Maine
GLADvideo
March 23, 2009
Maine parents and educators discuss teaching fairness and respect to children, both at home and in school.
The interviewees support respect for all families, including gay people and their kids, and rebuff the idea that when gay couples can marry it will change what's taught in school in any negative way.
Protecting Our Children: Marriage Equality in Maine
GLADvideo
March 2009
Two sets of Maine parents Terry and Tamiko, and Ray and Rodney, talk about how being able to marry will better enable them to protect and care for their children.
ME marriage video announcement
Equality Maine
February 10, 2007
In "The Way Life Should Be: Marriage in Maine,"
born-and-bred Mainers tell the stories of their lives and
relationships, and why they want to marry in Maine. They discuss
everything from parenting to aging, and how their exclusion from
marriage affects their lives legally, emotionally, and socially.
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In this video,
born-and-bred Mainers tell the stories of their lives and
relationships, and why they want to marry in Maine. They discuss
everything from parenting to aging, and how their exclusion from
marriage affects their lives legally, emotionally, and socially.
