Next steps to marriage in Maine!
On June 30th, EqualityMaine and Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders were joined by Lewiston Mayor Laurent F. Gilbert, Sr. and United Methodist Pastor Michael Gray in announcing that they will be redoubling their efforts to continue leading Maine on its journey toward marriage equality in the state. The centerpiece of this work will be a citizen initiative for a law that would allow same-sex couples to marry in Maine.
Once the Secretary of State approves the wording of the initiative, EqualityMaine will begin the process of collecting the more than 57,277 signatures currently required to put it on the November 2012 ballot. The text of the question Gray will submit reads, “Do you favor a law allowing marriage licenses for same-sex couples that protects religious freedom by ensuring no religion or clergy be required to perform such a marriage in violation of their religious beliefs?”
EqualityMaine and GLAD will also ratchet up their public education efforts with the launch of a new website, WhyMarriageMattersMaine.org.
Read the press release Read the survey