Marriage Keeps Moving in New England
Statement of Lee Swislow, Executive Director of Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, on Maine Vote
Maine’s House of Representatives voted 89 – 57 in favor of the marriage equality bill that was passed last week by the Senate. Next, it goes to Governor Baldacci, who has said he is listening and keeping an open mind.
The following is the statement of Lee Swislow, Executive Director of Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders:
“The legislature not only listened, they heard. They heard that marriage is not just a bundle of rights, but is dignity and respect; it is full and equal citizenship; it represents a future of hope for gay and lesbian youth. We are hopeful that Governor Baldacci is hearing this, too.
When we said in November that we intended to achieve marriage equality in all six New England states by 2012, people may have thought we were crazy. But having won our lawsuits in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and working with strong partners in the states, we knew it was possible. We’re proud and we’re excited, and we’re hopeful for all of New England, and for the entire country.”
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Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders is New England's leading legal organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status, and gender identity and expression.