Marriage equality goes down in Maine

“Despite this setback, the tide clearly is turning nationwide in favor of marriage equality. We are confident that Maine will again join the growing number of states that extend the essential security and legal protections of marriage to all loving, committed couples.”

— Rea Carey, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force expressed deep disappointment in the apparent passage of Question 1, which repeals a law granting same-sex couples the right to marry in Maine.

Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

“This heartbreaking defeat in Maine unfortunately shows that lies and fear can still win at the ballot box. Yet despite this setback, the tide clearly is turning nationwide in favor of marriage equality. We are confident that Maine will again join the growing number of states that extend the essential security and legal protections of marriage to all loving, committed couples. All across the nation, same-sex couples and their families are sharing their stories and their lives with others in a conversation that is transforming our country. That doesn’t end today. If anything, it inspires and compels us to press forward.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the thousands of volunteers and campaign workers who fought their hardest for equality in Maine, to the No on 1 campaign and EqualityMaine for their enduring leadership, and to the voters who cast their ballots for fairness rather than fear-mongering.”

The Task Force’s work in Maine

During the heat of the No on 1 campaign, the Task Force Action Fund dedicated several full-time organizers for field work. An additional Task Force organizer supported the work of the No on 1 local finance committee, and the Task Force’s interactive media coordinator assisted with No on 1’s online organizing and social networking capacity. In addition, the Task Force made a direct contribution of $75,000 to No on 1; recruited volunteers from around the country to participate in the volunteer vacations program; and convened the National Religious Leadership Roundtable in Maine for faith-based actions in mid-October.

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