Same-sex marriage supporters concede defeat

Submitted by Susan Cover on Wed, 11/04/2009 - 06:37

The No on 1/Protect Maine Equality campaign officially conceded defeat early this morning in the vote on same-sex marriage.

With 87 percent of precincts reporting, the vote stood at 53 in favor of repealing the state's gay-marriage law, and 47 percent voting against it, according to unofficial results.

Jesse Connolly, campaign manager for No on 1, released this statement:

"Tonight, hundreds of thousands of Maine voters stood for equality, but in the end, it wasn't enough.

We're in this for the long haul. For next week, and next month, and next year-- until all Maine families are treated equally. Because in the end, this has always been about love and family and that will always be something worth fighting for."

The Yes on 1 campaign claimed victory around 12:30 a.m. when campaign consultant Frank Shubert said "it has all come together tonight. The institution of marriage has been protected in Maine and across this nation."

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If 52% of Maine voters are

Submitted by Joseph Dane on Wed, 11/04/2009 - 20:30.

If 52% of Maine voters are adamant about saving for themselves the word that defines most if not all of them as adulterers and divorcees, then fine.  Let them have it.

It's not about equality, as

Submitted by Jack Sawyer on Wed, 11/04/2009 - 19:08.

It's not about equality, as the Domestic Partnership law here in Maine gives all couples the same benefits.  What it's really about is  trying to force others into believing the gay lifestyle is moral and normal... which it isn't.  Can a girl be a boy scout?  Can a female be in the Elk's Club?  No.  There are certain guidelines for certain things, and marriage is one of them.  So, a gay person can marry someone of the opposite gender, or they can get the same rights and legal benefits that marriage gives through the Domestic Partnership Act.  As for the whole "it won't impact your children" argument, go tell that to parents of 7 year olds in Massachusetts who have "King and King" force-fed to their children whether they like it or not.

It is the responsibility of

Submitted by Maggiesway on Wed, 11/04/2009 - 16:52.

It is the responsibility of every right minded citizen to fight intolerance and bigotry until their very last breath.

The work goes on.
The cause endures.
The hope still lives.
And the dream shall never die.

This isn't over by a long shot.

 

they will be back.  democracy

Submitted by Mitchell Owens on Wed, 11/04/2009 - 15:12.

they will be back.  democracy is only democracy when groups lead by Jesse Connelly get their way.  i'm so so happy yes on 1 was victorioius

Dan Brown spoke, and here is

Submitted by David Welch on Wed, 11/04/2009 - 14:41.

Dan Brown spoke, and here is what I heard:

First, I don't have to jusitfy my fear to anyone. Secondly, I have told them that what they do is against my moral and religious beliefs, and since I am God's son here on earth, and since I live in a state and country where the church must first put its stamp of approval on every law passed, I have decided to judge my fellow man and deem his behavior immoral. I support civil unions but when I married our vows were between a scared little boy and a woman . . . BLAH BLAH BLAH

 David Welch don't be sour

Submitted by Dan brown on Wed, 11/04/2009 - 16:10.

 David Welch don't be sour just because you lost. Apparently 53% of the state believes as I do.

First I don't have to justify

Submitted by Dan brown on Wed, 11/04/2009 - 13:20.

First I don't have to justify my vote to anyone. Secondly, I have told them it is against my moral & religious beliefs. I support civil unions but when I married our vows were between a man & woman. My marriage certificate says groom & bride meaning man & woman. Our federal gov. has stated marriage is between a man & a woman. If you choose that lifestyle fine, but do not expect everyone to go against their moral beliefs. The people have voted and made their choice.

dont cry sour apples chuck.

Submitted by Mauricio Shogun on Wed, 11/04/2009 - 11:25.

dont cry sour apples chuck. the governor put a law in and the majority has spoken to reject it. no on deviant behavior

I'm sure there are plenty of

Submitted by Chuck Anziulewicz on Wed, 11/04/2009 - 09:37.
I'm sure there are plenty of high-fives going around at the offices of Stand for Marriage Maine, the American Family Association, the Family Research Council, and all the other groups that promoted Question 1. So to them, congratulations, you helped issue Gay couples in that state a setback ... for now. I still take comfort in knowing that sooner or later Gay and Straight couples in the U.S. will be treated equally. And when that happens, I promise that it will have precisely ZERO impact on your life, your marriage, your church, and your children. Your church will never be forced to marry Gay couples, any more than it is forced to marry non-Christian couples. Public schools will not be forced to "teach" about Gay marriage, any more than they are forced to teach about Straight marriage. And at last, Gay couples will finally be able take part in the legal benefits, protections, and responsibilities that our tax dollars have been helping to subsidize throughout the history of this country. Just one question for all the people in Maine who voted FOR Question 1: IF you are friends with any Gay people, especially Gay couples, how exactly are you going to justify your vote to them?