Statement by BetsySmith, Executive Director of EqualityMaine, on the passage of the marriage equality bill:
Supporters of marriage equality in Maine (wearing red shirts) greatly outnumbered opponents at the public hearing held on April 22 in Augusta.
“Since we began our campaign, tens of thousands of Mainers have raised their voices in support of fairness for gay and lesbian families. Today the Legislature and the Governor listened to the people of Maine and made marriage equality the law of this state.
“Two weeks ago thousands of Mainers traveled from every corner of the state to testify to their hopes for their families, and the harm that they suffer from not being able to marry. Legislators took these stories not only into theirs heads, but also into their hearts. They have responded quickly, in overwhelming majority, to make marriage for gay and lesbian couples the law of the land in Maine. Today, the state of Maine has stated clearly that gay and lesbian families are valued citizens, worthy of the same rights and protections as all Maine families.”
HRC’s field organizer Jeremy Kennedy has been on the ground in Maine for the past four months working with Equality Maine to build support for the marriage legislation.
The Human Rights Campaign's perspective on the news, issues and events affecting the every day lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people across the country.
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