I will be thinking of the people of Maine today. The legislature and Governor passed a bill making marriage equality for gay couples a reality.
Today, the voters show up at the polls to approve or veto that bill. I'm hoping the people of Maine will vote for fairness. I'm hoping they will vote for equality and allow gay couples to marry. I'm hoping they won't strip away the civil rights of a minority because of bias. I'm hoping they will allow gay and lesbian couples to achieve part of the American Dream.
On the ballot, Question 1 reads: "Do you want to reject the new law that lets same-sex couples marry and allows individuals and religious groups to refuse to perform these marriages?" The answer MUST BE, NO.
Unfortunately Question 1 passed. I heard the report on the radio as I drove in to work this morning. I didn't hear what the margin was, but voters in Maine have chosen to deny rights to same-sex couples. We've always enjoyed visiting Ogunquit and Portland. Last weekend we were talking about another trip to Moosehead Lake. We may have to reconsider.
I don't really know what to say about it. I've said a lot on Facebook, but now, I'm just numb. I guess a part of me is really pissed off and tired of losing our civil rights all the time from state to state. And, another part of me if falling out of love with all this "freedom" that we SUPPOSEDLY have. It's such bullshit.
I'm happy that we live in Connecticut where the state has afforded us the right of full marriage. But when I leave the state, that marriage dissolves thanks to the Defense of Marriage Act that Barack Obama said he would get rid of, with the help of Congress. Well, where the hell is it? And where are our allies? Nowhere. But they have the audacity to send me brochures asking for money. No more. I'm done with them. This is above party affiliation. I don't care if they are Democrats or Republicans or Independents. This is about civil rights.
As a movement, we need to reevaluate our strategies. This obviously isn't working.