Pushing forward for marriage equality in Maine

The June 24 passage of legislation legalizing same-sex marriage in New York left the LGBT community wondering: where next? What state will be the seventh to offer marriage equality to same-sex couples?

GLAD's answer? Maine.

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders and EqualityMaine announced June 30 that they're redoubling their efforts to finish what was started over a year ago, and legalize marriage equality for Mainers with a citizen initiative.

"My wife and I can certainly relate to that since we've had to reconcile the teachings of our Catholic Church with our support for full equality for everyone," said Lewiston Mayor Laurent F. Gilbert, Sr., who joined GLAD and EqualityMaine in making the Thursday announcement. "I have faith in the people of Maine that they will do the right thing and support the freedom to marry."

The initiative requires 57,277 signatures in order to make it to next year's ballot -- where Maine's first effort at legalized same-sex marriage met its end nearly two years ago. A November 2009 voter referendum overturned a marriage equality bill passed by the legislature and signed into law by then-Gov. John Baldacci.

Pro-equality groups have since provided 18 months of public education -- starting with the "No on 1" effort, encouraging voters to preserve marriage equality in the 2009 referendum -- on why legally recognized marriages matter to gay and lesbian Mainers. Recent canvassing and polling indicates that a significant number of Maine residents have had a change of heart.

"We changed hearts and minds during 'No on 1,' and since then, many more Mainers have changed their hearts and continue to change their minds," said Betsy Smith, executive director of EqualityMaine. "We have been going door to door talking to them and hearing their journey towards support. In two separate polls conducted over the last five months, 53 percent of Mainers surveyed said they support letting gay and lesbian couples marry here."

United Methodist Pastor Michael Gray joined the organizations in announcing the newly re-energized efforts.

"As a pastor whose faith has been the guiding force throughout my adult life, I had a very traditional view of what marriage meant. But over time, as I met more gay and lesbian couples, including some who are active in my parish, I came to learn that gay people are no different from me," said Pastor Gray, of Old Orchard Beach United Methodist Church. "I now realize that the love and commitment in their relationships is as strong as the love and commitment my wife and I share, and I support their right to marry if they are lucky enough to find someone they love."

Pastor Gray will deliver the written application for the citizen initiative to the Secretary of State June 30. Similarly to New York's recent legislation, the initiative will specify that no clergy or religious institution will be forced to marry couples against their faith teachings.

The text of the initiative question will read, "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?"

Public education efforts will continue with the launch of www.WhyMarriageMattersMaine.com by GLAD and EqualityMaine.

"In the coming months we're going to continue to help same-sex couples, their family members and their friends share their stories and talk about why marriage matters to them," said Matt McTighe, Maine director of public education for GLAD. We know that as more people come to understand the love and commitment that gay and lesbian couples share, we will continue to change hearts and minds."