Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders

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News & Multimedia News Question 1 Passes in Maine

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Question 1 Passes in Maine

November 04, 2009

Maine’s voters have approved a ballot initiative to repeal the marriage equality law passed by the legislature and signed by Governor Baldacci this spring.

Below is the statement of Lee Swislow, GLAD Executive Director

Yesterday Mainers voted to overturn the marriage equality law that would have enabled loving, committed same-sex couples to marry.

Maine’s same-sex couples – and our allies and friends all over the country - are experiencing a world of hurt and pain. Mainers have been denied full equality and full citizenship in their state. We have been told to remain outsiders. Gay and lesbian couples must explain this vote to their children. And at some point soon, we will all have to pick ourselves up and fight again.

I can say unequivocally that we should be proud of our community and the fight we waged. This campaign was run smartly, strategically, with heart and with broad and generous support from across the country. I salute every person who has given of him or herself, every campaign staffer, every volunteer, every donor, every Maine couple who told their story.

Social justice movements are hard, and they require planning, patience, and persistence. We’ve got all of that, as well as passion. We have all grown stronger together, and one day, very soon, we will win.

Lee Swislow
GLAD Executive Director

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