Citizens in Maine and Washington will vote to repeal gay marriage or domestic partnership laws in defiance of their lawmakers and Governor

Citizens in two states decide whether or not to keep gay marriage, or institutions similar to them.  

In Maine voters will decide to override the Maine House of Representatives, Senate, and even the Governor to repeal their new "same-sex marriage law," or more appropriately chartered,  Maine's Marriage Equality Act.

In Washington citizens are also fighting the states expanded domestic partnership bill.  The expanded law adds benefits including the right to use sick leave to care for a domestic partner, and rights related to adoption, child custody and child support.

I am not sure I like the system of government in these two states; gay rights groups fought long and hard for these new laws, and after years of getting them passed in the legislature, signed into law by the sitting Governor, it could all be reversed!   

Religious groups in both states have spent millions and millions of dollars attempting to reverse these laws.

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Roman Catholic Church to fund efforts in Maine to defeat gay marriage

In direct defiance of the teachings of the The New Testament (for those who are religious or spiritual) which never once condemns homosexuality, or says it is a sin, another church (this time it isn't the Mormon's, also known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), the Catholic Church in the State of Maine is stepping up its effort to defeat a gay marriage law in November.

The WBLZ News Center reports that the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland is asking its parishes to take a special second collection next weekend to help pay for a campaign to use a statewide referendum to reverse a gay marriage law passed by the state Legislature.

Money raised in the effort will go to Stand for Marriage Maine, which is leading the effort to repeal the law allowing same-sex marriage.

Stand for Marriage also is planning a rally next Saturday at the Augusta Civic Center.

I suppose this is no surprise.... the Roman Catholic Church has seen more lawsuits than any other religious institution; and recent statements from the Pope have drawn widespread criticism, even from former United Kingdom Prime Minister Tony Blair (who is now the United National Special Envoy to the Middle East (since 2007), as appointed by the United National Secretary-General).

Gay rights organizations have condemned the Pope's statements, and even singer Rob Thomas [Matchbox 20] came out swinging against the religious suppression of 'the way people are born.'

Although Catholic doctrine is that homosexuality is not a sin, the church does condemn homosexual acts and the former Joseph Alois Ratzinger [now known as Pope Benedict XVI] stated in 1986 before he became pope that homosexuality "is a more or less strong tendency ordered toward an intrinsic moral evil; and thus the inclination itself must be seen as an objective disorder."

According to Pope Benedict XVI, homosexuality will lead to the "self-destruction" of the human race.

Well, most of this garbage is why the LGBTI community feels alienated from Christianity. My name is Jordan Palmer; I am a practicing Christian and Taoist, and I personally wrote this blog entry. I have to wonder when religious leaders will stop twisting scripture (of whatever faith) to suit their own selfish needs...... but, if you look back on the history of Christianity, it has always been so.

Gay marriage battles resume; U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says it is not a priority for Congress

Despite a massive coalition, the ban on same-sex marriage in California passed while states like Maine (story), Connecticut (story), and others have succeeded in securing marriage equality. Some bloggers called this a 'tipping point,' but we disagree (reasons we disagree).

• 29 states have constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage.
• 12 states have laws preventing same-sex marriage.
• 4 states have neither a constitutional amendment in place, nor any laws making it legal. These states include: New Mexico, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, New York, and New Jersey.
• 5 states make same-sex marriage legal with most under legal attack, as well as being attached in the court of public opinion with new television ads being aired in various states by the National Organization for Marriage (NOM).
  

California coalitions are planning a large rally to kickoff a campaign they hope will change minds-and votes. Their goal: to undo Proposition 8. In the meantime, they have damage control to address like California celebrity blogger Perez Hilton.

In choosing Fresno, supporters of same-sex marriage are moving far from the supportive urban environs of San Francisco and West Hollywood, and coming to hostile territory.

The passage of Prop 8 in California led the Board of Directors of Equality California to snatch the executive director of EqualityMass (Equality Massachusetts) to be the new "Marriage Director."

The California Supreme Court has until June 03, 2009 to issue its ruling on the legality of Prop 8.

The rally is being called "Meet In The Middle For Equality." Actress Charlize Theron is expected to attend and organizers predict the rally could attract up to 3,000 people from throughout California.

While supporters hope to overturn the will of the people (not that majority rule is always best), the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) is challenging the recent legislation to legalize same-sex marriage in the State of Maine by using a law provided in the Maine Constitution called a 'people's veto'.

Gay couples in Maine hoping to take advantage of this week's legalization of gay marriage may be forced to wait months or even a year to hold their ceremonies. (previous story)

To get the bill on the ballot in November, they have 90 days to collect 55,000 signatures opposing gay marriage. This means the bill will be put on hold until then. Depending on when petitions are submitted, a referendum may not be held until June 2010.

Brian Brown, the executive director of NOM, said: "We will devote staff, volunteers and resources to this battle in Maine. Marriage means a man and a woman, and we will work hard to ensure that voters in Maine have the ability to do what voters in every other state where they have had a chance have done and stand up for marriage as we have always known it."

Betsy Smith of EqualityMaine, said pro-gay marriage campaigners would fight any attempt to repeal the bill, although she added that fundraising could be an issue in the present economic climate.

As far as federal recognition of same-sex marriage in states that have approved it, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said it is not a priority for Congress.

"Right now on our agenda we are talking about turning the economy around, dealing with an energy policy, health care for all Americans, education. We have an economic crisis of the magnitude none of us have seen in our lifetime," Pelosi told reporters at a Wednesday press conference.

The battle for marriage equality is far from over.

In Kentucky, the Family Foundation is so scared about the recent gay marriage victories, and possibly the launch of Marriage Equality Kentucky, they have planned a series of 'save marriage' workshops around the Commonwealth. (previous story)

If you have ever needed a better reason to volunteer or make a donation, this is it!

Maine Governor Gay Marriage Bill

This is a press release issued by the Governor of the State of Maine:

Governor Signs LD 1020, An Act to End Discrimination in Civil Marriage and Affirm Religious Freedom

Governor John E. Baldacci today signed into law LD 1020, An Act to End Discrimination in Civil Marriage and Affirm Religious Freedom.

“I have followed closely the debate on this issue. I have listened to both sides, as they have presented their arguments during the public hearing and on the floor of the Maine Senate and the House of Representatives. I have read many of the notes and letters sent to my office, and I have weighed my decision carefully,” Governor Baldacci said. “I did not come to this decision lightly or in haste.”

“I appreciate the tone brought to this debate by both sides of the issue,” Governor Baldacci said. “This is an emotional issue that touches deeply many of our most important ideals and traditions. There are good, earnest and honest people on both sides of the question.”

“In the past, I opposed gay marriage while supporting the idea of civil unions,” Governor Baldacci said. “I have come to believe that this is a question of fairness and of equal protection under the law, and that a civil union is not equal to civil marriage.”

“Article I in the Maine Constitution states that ‘no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law, nor be denied the equal protection of the laws, nor be denied the enjoyment of that person’s civil rights or be discriminated against.’”

“This new law does not force any religion to recognize a marriage that falls outside of its beliefs. It does not require the church to perform any ceremony with which it disagrees. Instead, it reaffirms the separation of Church and State,” Governor Baldacci said.

“It guarantees that Maine citizens will be treated equally under Maine’s civil marriage laws, and that is the responsibility of government.”

“Even as I sign this important legislation into law, I recognize that this may not be the final word,” Governor Baldacci said. “Just as the Maine Constitution demands that all people are treated equally under the law, it also guarantees that the ultimate political power in the State belongs to the people.”

“While the good and just people of Maine may determine this issue, my responsibility is to uphold the Constitution and do, as best as possible, what is right. I believe that signing this legislation is the right thing to do,” Governor Baldacci said.

Gay marriage debate in Maine turns religious

Unlike its previous parent, Maine debates tend to turn deeply religious. What is now the State of Maine originally belonged to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts until the Commonwealth allowed Maine to become a sovereign state (with Congressional approval) in 1820.

Since then, the politics of Maine and Massachusetts have been similar to the relationship of 'oil and water.' A legislative hearing this week to bring marriage equality to the New England State took on the atmosphere of a religious revival as ministers made impassioned speeches for and against the bill before thousands of people.

The Associated Press Reports:

The Judiciary Committee hearing drew so much interest that traffic became snarled early in the day. Gay marriage supporters hoping to build on momentum in the region arrived wearing red, and they gave a standing ovation to the bill's sponsor, Sen. Dennis Damon, as he opened the hearing. Police said it drew 3,500 to 4,000 people.

"This bill is fair. This bill's time has come," Damon, D-Trenton, said to a roar of approval. "It recognizes the worth and dignity of every man and every woman among us."

Damon's proposal — backed by more than 60 legislative co-sponsors — would repeal a state law that limits marriage to a man and a woman and replace it with one that authorizes marriage between any two people.

Also up for a discussion was a separate bill to allow civil unions — which offer many of the same rights as marriage — sponsored by Rep. Les Fossel, R-Alna.

Outside of New England, only Iowa allows gay marriage, though a handful of states allow similar arrangements.

The marriage effort's prospects in Maine are uncertain. The Legislature could approve it or reject it, or the state's voters could have the final say. Democratic Governor John Baldacci, who previously opposed the idea, now says he is keeping an open mind.

The Legislature has the option of sending the issue to voters in a referendum. Or, if the measure becomes law, opponents could initiate a "people's veto" effort.

The earliest a Judiciary Committee vote is expected would be April 28. The bill then goes to the Senate, then the House before it could be sent to the governor's desk.

Let us hope Maine follows in the footsteps of Massachusetts.

Gay marriage battle reaches Maine

Religious leaders and activists in the State of Maine are mobilizing for a legislative battle over the politically charged issue of gay marriage. In recent weeks, the politically charged issue has been heating up in Maine ahead of the new legislative session, which begins in early January (as it does in most states with part-time lawmakers, meaning the legislature is in session for a couple of months per year, and Committees supervise things in the interim).

Equality Maine is ramping up its game, after three years of a low-key public education campaign to highlight gay and lesbian issues. Equality Maine has a new adversary however, the newly-formed Maine Marriage Alliance, who is pushing for an amendment to the state constitution that would define marriage as being between a man and a woman.

Both sides agree that any bill allowing same-sex marriage that wins legislative approval is sure to be challenged in a people's veto referendum (which is distinctive to Maine, just as most states cannot "recall" their chief executive as California did former Governor Davis).

Both sides are also aware the State House will be largely focused on dealing with an $838 million gap in its next two-year budget. Three pieces of citizen-initiated legislation that could go before voters next November are also having an impact. The legislation might draw more conservative-minded voters to the polls and if a same-sex marriage bill passes the Legislature, it would assuredly be challenged and put to referendum.

Equality Maine provides to following video: