Local churches gather in support of gay marriage

Andie Hannon, Staff Writer

Monday, October 19, 2009

Editor's note: Only a portion of this story ran in Monday's edition. This is the complete version

dslover/Sun Journal

Daryn Slover/Sun Journal
Sara Karam, left, and her partner Eileen Badich, both of Lewiston, sing along with an interfaith clergy during a marriage equality service at the First Universalist Church in Auburn on Sunday evening. Clergy from left are: Rita Moran of Earth Center Community, Ethelind Wright, the senior deacon at High Street Congregational Church, Rev. Casey Collins of the Calvary Methodist Church, Rabbi Hillel Katzir of Temple Shalom, the Rev. Rich Cullen of the United Methodist Church, father Steve Crowson of Trinity Episcopal Church, the Rev. Dr. Bill Blaine-Wallace, the multi-faith chaplain at Bates College, Emily Wright-Timko, associate multi-faith chaplain at Bates, and Rev. Dr. Jodi Cohen Hayashida of the First Universalist Church.

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dslover/Sun Journal

Daryn Slover/Sun Journal
Karen Ferguson, of Auburn, ties a colored ribbon to a fabric representing diversity during an interfaith marriage equality service at the First Universalist Church in Auburn on Sunday evening. Rabbi Hillel Katzir of Temple Shalom and Rev. Dr. Jodi Cohen Hayashida of the First Universalist Church hold the display while Rev. Dr. Bill Blaine-Wallace, multi-faith chaplain at Bates College, stands at left.

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dslover/Sun Journal

Daryn Slover/Sun Journal
Interfaith clergy celebrate a marriage equality service at the First Universalist Church in Auburn on Sunday evening. From left are: Rita Moran of Earth Center Community, Ethelind Wright, the senior deacon at High Street Congregational Church, Rev. Casey Collins of the Calvary Methodist Church, Rabbi Hillel Katzir of Temple Shalom, Rev. Rich Cullen of the United Methodist Church, father Steve Crowson of Trinity Episcopal Church, Rev. Dr. Bill Blaine-Wallace, the multi-faith chaplain at Bates College, Emily Wright-Timko, associate multi-faith chaplain at Bates and Rev. Dr. Jodi Cohen Hayashida of the First Universalist Church.

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dslover/Sun Journal

Daryn Slover/Sun Journal
Bonnie Ross of Auburn helps a couple friends tie colored ribbon to a fabric hanging that represents diversity during an interfaith marriage equality service at the First Universalist Church in Auburn on Sunday evening.

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AUBURN — More than 200 people stood in support of gay rights, and against the hot-button ballot question putting Maine voters in the spotlight, during the Interfaith Celebration of Marriage Equality held at the First Universalist Church in Auburn on Sunday.

Some stood as traditional couples, some stood as same-sex couples and some stood alone. But they stood united to protect the rights of gays and lesbians across the state and equality for all under God.

"I'm not a prophet, but I suggest to you that the question before the people of the state of Maine is no great mystery," said Rabbi Hillel Katzir, of Temple Shalom. "We know what God requires of us . . .we know what is expected of us — only justice, kindness and humility."

Katzir was one of 10 representatives from various faiths and places of worship in the Twin Cities who participated in the hour-long service. Like his fellow religious leaders, he encouraged the crowd to vote "no" on Question 1 in order to preserve the right of all Maine couples — regardless of sexual orientation — to marry.

The issue is shining a national spotlight on Maine as people from both sides wage a battle over whether or not to repeal the law granting marriage equality signed by Gov. John Baldacci this past spring.

"As a citizen, I'm here because our country is one in which civil liberties are to be assured. As a person of faith, I'm here because my God is one of mercy and love," said Klara Tammany, a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Lewiston, who works with the church's Urban Ministry. "As both a citizen and a person of faith, I must hope and pray that we err on the side of equal rights and compassion."

In addition to religious leaders addressing equal rights for all Mainers and urging the crowd to vote down Question 1, the service also featured several hymns supporting gay rights and calling on the community to stand together in strength as one unified voice.

A call and response reading led by Ethelind Wright, senior deacon of High Street Congregational Church in Auburn, summed up the theme of the evening. Following Wright's prompts about subjects such as peace, justice and equality in race, ethnicity and sexual orientation, the crowd answered "What does the Lord require of you? To do justice, and love kindness, and walk humbly with your God."

The Rev. Dr. Jodi Cohen Hayashida of First Universalist Church said that the church opened its doors to host the interfaith service because of its founding principals support the inherent worth and dignity of every person and call for justice, equality and compassion for all.

"Support for equality of all the people of the state of Maine is clearly in line with our teachings — and to not support marriage equality flies in the face of that," Hayashida said.

Everyone attending the service was given a strip of ribbon in varying colors that they were asked to tie to a banner during a ritual of celebration and support. According to Emily Wright-Timko, associate multi-faith chaplain at Bates College, the ribbons symbolize the ties of marriage, the binding of laws and the knots of commitment to equality.

"It's a lot like what I saw back in the '60s," said Dave Dawn, 69, a member of First Universalist Church, talking about how interracial marriage was once against the law. "It just makes me mad when I see people treated that way, you know? I prefer a society based on love, not fear."

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Displaying comments, from newest to oldest

I have 3 sons, 2 of wich are

By fotos, unverified — Tue, 10/20/2009 - 18:11

I have 3 sons, 2 of wich are in school. My 17 yr old was taught basic sex ed in Junior High and they never spoke of Sex Acts ONLY Biological Differences between Males and Females. When a student asked about sexual acts the teacher told the students that if they wanted that information they should speak with thier parents and/or go to the local family planning office. When I spoke with my 7yr old sons teacher on when the school taught sex ed, she said that was not done until at least 6th grade, but probably not until Jr High. This is FACT. Now, I teach my sons that Prejudice in any form is WRONG! I am a very happily married Woman and I value my marriage. There are so many reasons that Marriage is a good thing for couples and families. All Families should be treated with Respect and Acceptance. (*Not to be mistaken for Illegal acts of abuse of children and teens.) Families come with so many different parents and ALL are wonderful. As the old saying goes.... "It takes a Village to Raise a Child." It seems like so many of the comments I have read on here are forgetting the lessons of the past and continuing to spread fear and hatred all based on lies. I found an excellent web site that gives good solid reasons that we as Americans are falling behind the times and have much to learn from other countries in regard to respect, acceptance and equality. Please check it out......http://civilliberty.about.com/od/gendersexuality/a/marriageamend.htm

I commend the group of churches that participated in this gallery of Ideals. It shows me and my family that there is hope for us all! Keep up the good work!

Spread the Love NOT the Hate:) To Have a Friend Be One:)

Regarding the comment on

By melora, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 22:22

Regarding the comment on Catholic priests who have offended. Actually the majority of those crimes were homosexual in nature and not against children. And given the percentage of clergy involved, it is below or equal to the percentage in the general population of offenders. In other words, the statistics are not higher than average but the media has made it look as if it is because it is a sensational story which attracts attention.

I have no idea where you are

By yusuf, unverified — Tue, 10/20/2009 - 14:32

I have no idea where you are getting your facts, but it was done to children. They sexually abused children. Also, they are people we are supposed to be able to trust, that is why the media called attention to it. Also, the fact that the catholic church swept the abuse under the rug, moving priests to another community instead of discipling them makes the crime even more dispicable. I am deeply ashamed to be catholic. The hypocrisy is appalling.

The article should be: LOCAL

By melora, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 22:19

The article should be: LOCAL CHURCHES OPPOSE GAY MARRIAGE, as many local churches are fighting to keep traditional marriage. Those in support of gay marriage are coming from out of state. I will vote against gay marriage. It is immoral and against God.

Melora, Perhaps you should

By yusuf, unverified — Tue, 10/20/2009 - 20:49

Melora,
Perhaps you should have read the article before commenting on it. But then again, I am not surprised. You often judge books by their covers, don't you?

And that is your religious

By yusuf, unverified — Tue, 10/20/2009 - 14:37

And that is your religious freedom. Thank God for our constitution. You have the right to hold such an opinion. And an opinion is exactly what it is. You can invoke your first amendment. I chose to as well. The first amendment not only guarantees religious freedom, but more importantly freedom from religion which is exactly why I am against your church's constantly trying to impose its views on us. Next thing you know, they will be trying to teach religion in out schools. You line of reasoning is very scary.

I HEAR GAY WEDDING BELLS

By yusuf, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 20:37

I HEAR GAY WEDDING BELLS !!!!!!!! THEY ARE GETTING LOUDER AND LOUDER !!!!!!! PRETTY SOON YOUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS, YOUR UNCLES AND AUNTS, YOUR SISTERS AND BROTHERS WILL BE SENDING YOU INVITATIONS !!!!!!

AND HOW WILL YOU RESPOND TO THEIR INVITATIONS?

AS ANY COWARD WOULD !!!!! FEAR AND HATRED !!!!! IGNORANCE AND BIGOTRY !!!!! BUT MOSTLY IT IS FEAR !!!!! I CAN"T GET OVER THE COWARDICE OF MANY OF THE COMMENTS !!!! AND I THOUGHT STRAIGHTS WEREN'T SUPPOSED TO BE WEAK !!!!! I GUESS I WAS WRONG !!!!!! PANSIES !!!!!

I certainly don't feel love

By yusuf, unverified — Tue, 10/20/2009 - 14:39

I certainly don't feel love coming from the catholic church. I feel judgement and discrimination. I feel hatred and fear.

When you say perverts, are

By yusuf, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 20:23

When you say perverts, are your refering to the pedofile catholic priests that preach against the marriage of two consenting adults and rape children behind clothes door. Or are you talking about the hypocritical, greedy catholic church that declares bankruptcy so they don't have to pay the children they destroyed and then turn around and give 250,000 to a campaign that really gives nothing back to society. Really if the catholic church is truly concerned about saving the institution of marriage, then the money should have been put into organizations that actually make a difference. I AM ASHAMED TO HAVE BEEN A CATHOLIC. BUT PROUD TO BE GAY. THROW YOUR INSULTS AT ME ALL YOU WANT, BUT DO YOU REALLY THINK I COULD BE OFFENDED BY SUCH IGNORANCE?

I will repeat my comment

By candiceanne, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 20:16

I will repeat my comment from previous pages and discussions. The Catholic Church has become a political action committee bankrolling campaigns to the point they are closing and have closed parishes including two in Lewiston/Auburn this month alone.

The Universalists are doing what churches are supposed to do, opening their doores and declaring everyone welcome no campaign funds involved.

I find the hypocrisy

By DonaldR, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 16:25

I find the hypocrisy palpable. On one hand the folks haranguing the Catholic church for stepping up to the plate for their belief system, are on the other hand, embracing other churches for expressing theirs (solely because it fits their agenda).

The pendulum swings both ways. If it is true equality that's the issue here, then the outrage against all religious ideals should be the same. Funny how that works...

verified

Everything she posts is a

By Mark Wrenn, verified user — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 19:25

Everything she posts is a flat out lie drawn from some whacked out faux researcher in Colorado. The lead researcher was thrown out of his professional society for just making things up and calling it research.
______________________

"A conservative is a man with two perfectly good legs who, however, has never learned to walk forward."
Franklin D. Roosevelt

The American Psychological

By Mark Wrenn, verified user — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 19:29

The American Psychological Association (APA) launched an investigation into (Dr Paul) Cameron after receiving complaints about his work from members .An APA spokesperson told The Boston Globe in 2005, "We are concerned about Dr. Cameron because we do believe that his methodology is weak."
______________________

"A conservative is a man with two perfectly good legs who, however, has never learned to walk forward."
Franklin D. Roosevelt

Physically, the consequences

By FeloPrergoHok, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 14:43

Physically, the consequences of homosexuality are devastatingly apparent. According to the Omega Journal of Death and Dying, the median age of death for homosexual men is between 40 and 43. The median age of death for heterosexuals is between 74 and 80. In 2003, the Centers for Disease Control noted that homosexuals accounted for nearly 65 percent of all new HIV cases (keeping in mind that they make up only 2-3 percent of the entire population), and that cases of Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Hepatitis A and B, Lymphogranuloma Venereum, and virtually every other sexually transmitted disease disproportionately affected the homosexual community.

Mentally, the consequences

By yusuf, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 20:43

Mentally, the consequences of bigotry and ignorance have a devastating effect. Just read Sammie's comment as evidence of the sheer stupidity. I'm impressed that you have evolved enough to discover how to cut and paste from a completely unreliable source. Now, if you could just learn to construct complete sentences on your own.

The Omega Journal of Death

By yusuf, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 20:31

The Omega Journal of Death and Dying IS FUNDED BY THE BAPTIST CHURCH. Of course, they would fudge the studies. It's called PROPOGANDA. Also, YOU CUT AND PASTE FROM A COMPLETELY UNRELIABLE SOURCE. The CDC figures are not correct. PERHAPS YOU SHOULD DO MORE RESEARCH AND GO TO THE PRIMARY SOURCE. BLACKS MAKE UP MORE THAN HALF OF THE NEW HIV CASES. Also, gays care enough about their health to get tested. When was your last test?

You include the "what" but

By Rinoblast, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 19:33

You include the "what" but leave out the "why" as if to just say that homosexuality is wrong and causes these things. It's shoddy politics, but the again that's all I've really seen from the Yes on 1 side. Forget that a lack of education on sexually transmitted diseases and using protection for homosexuals up until fifteen years ago easily explains your "facts." The "consequences" are no different than those who have unprotected sex in hetero relationships.

What does all that bull have

By John 28, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 16:07

What does all that bull have to do with equal rights for ALL? And how come, if I was suppose to die at 46, like you say, I'm still around at 83 and my friend passed last year at 93! So there, your made up stories again!!

I thought that since your

By Robert F., unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 21:09

I thought that since your personal information said that you are a 28 year old male, that meant that you are 28 and not 83! which one is true?

"Studies show homosexuals

By FeloPrergoHok, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 14:42

"Studies show homosexuals have a substantially greater risk of suffering from psychiatric problems than do heterosexuals. We see higher rates of suicide, depression, bulimia, antisocial personality disorder, and substance abuse." And contrary to the misconceptions advanced by the homosexual lobby, these psychological problems are rarely associated with a stigma they endure from society.

Homophobia is defined as a

Homophobia is defined as a fear or hatred of homosexuals. To pejoratively label anyone who has moral objections to the practice of homosexuality a homophobe is such a blatant overreach that it effectively strips the term of any real meaning. There are homophobes in America today. But who they are just might surprise you.
To illustrate this, let me first begin by asking a question. When someone you care about picks up a loaded revolver to play a game of Russian Roulette, what is the loving response? To pat them on the back and say, "Well, this wouldn't be my cup of tea, but go for it...it's who you are!"? Or would it be to rip the gun out of their hand and tell them how dangerous, irresponsible, and deadly their behavior is? If you're struggling to answer this question, please stop reading and seek counseling.

Sammie, Stop trying to mask

By yusuf, unverified — Tue, 10/20/2009 - 14:49

Sammie,
Stop trying to mask your fear of homosexuals behind the facade of morality. Are you really that much of a coward?

You equate homosexuality with putting a loaded revolver to your head. You should seek counseling to come to grip with your own sexuality.

Who are you kidding saying

By FeloPrergoHok, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 14:40

Who are you kidding saying that it is not in the schools. The Day of Silence is an example - ostensibly painted to prevent harassment but Maine schools supported it from the superintendents on down:
http://www.wpaag.org/Homosexuals%20and%20Same%20Sex%20Marriage.htm
Our children chose not to attend that day because of the harassment against them.

Other sites to peruse for your education (Mainers - don't ignore those bothersome FACTS):

http://www.wpaag.org/Homosexuals%20and%20Same%20Sex%20Marriage.htm
http://www.theroadtoemmaus.org/RdLb/22SxSo/PnSx/HSx/StatsSdmy.htm
http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=IS04C02

The second ANY teacher even

By K0NPHL1C7, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 13:49

The second ANY teacher even IMPLIES to my children that it is acceptable for people to engage in homosexual activity the school, the city and the STATE will be SLAPPED with the biggest lawsuit they have seen in years.

Keep the perversions in your bedroom teach.

And keep your own

By yusuf, unverified — Tue, 10/20/2009 - 14:52

And keep your own heterosexual perversions in your own bedroom as well. You talk about perversion. The real perverts are people like you who when you look at homosexuals can think of nothing but sex. Freud would have some fun with your thought process. The real pervert is you. Get your mind out of the gutter. There is more to life than sex.

Why make up all those so

By John 28, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 14:16

Why make up all those so untrue stories up?
You know that this is not true!!

IF IT WERE NOT TRUE I WOULD

By agape, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 16:01

IF IT WERE NOT TRUE I WOULD NOT HAVE WRITTEN IT YOU IDIOT (JOHN 28)!!! You are probably one of those people that forms an opinion before having all of the facts!!! If you have nothing worth while saying, shut your mouth. I don't write in these blogs because of people like you. I figured that even you might benefit from some kind of honest and intelligent conversation as that is the only reason I'm putting my 2 cents into this.

"Honest and intelligent"

By Mark Wrenn, verified user — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 19:33

"Honest and intelligent" leaves you out.
______________________

"A conservative is a man with two perfectly good legs who, however, has never learned to walk forward."
Franklin D. Roosevelt

you sure need to ZIP it,

By John 28, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 16:10

you sure need to ZIP it, loud mouth stupid idiot that you are!!!

It's not worth it.

By agape, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 16:12

Brooktrout, I don't think

By Jonathan Albrecht, verified user — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 13:11

Brooktrout, I don't think anyone has said that gay marriage CAN'T be taught in the schools. What they've said is that it isn't now. Nothing in LD 1020 allows it or denies it. Therefore it is irrelevent to the issue at hand.
Could someone put together a different law, or add it to learning results and then go to each of the 218 school districts promoting the teaching of gay marriage. Of course. Is anyone? No. Will LD 1020 help them in their efforts if they ever do take it into mind to make this change? No.
Jon Albrecht Dixfield

If you change the subject to

By agape, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 16:06

If you change the subject to politics, nuking Iran, etc... the issue remains the same in that if the subject is being taught in a biased instead of neutral way than it is not acceptable. Noone said it can't be taught.

For all of those who have

By candiceanne, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 12:21

For all of those who have been finding such joy and satisfaction in thumping their bibles these past monthes,
1) there are more people who are not and claim not to be Christian in the United States than claim to be christian, so what made you think we were going to church and christian churches at that?
2) As Mutty so ellequntly put it at the Lewiston Library "marriage was created to stop Christian men from spreading their seed all over" might I add, IT DOES NOT WORK, just gave them a new role for a woman, mistress. Christian men are the best at adultery.
3) As for sexually transmitted diseasesz, married Christian men are the best at spreading theses. Ask any woman who has ever been married to one.
4) the problem with the Catholic churches tax status in this is not that thet took a stand and welcomed the people as in this article, but that they bankrolled the campaign.

candiceanne: you said:

By Robert F., unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 20:33

candiceanne: you said: "Christian men are the best at adultery.
3) As for sexually transmitted diseasesz (sic), married Christian men are the best at spreading theses. Ask any woman who has ever been married to one."
This may be nothing more than your hatred for the Catholic church. If these statements are in deed fact, please direct us to your credible source of this information. And, "any woman" is not a credible source.

Seriously? It's people like

By agape, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 12:54

Seriously? It's people like you that just throw crap out to the masses and wait for them to grab tid bits that have no basis and then believe it to be truth. Bible thumpin' is no worse than Bible bashin'.

Oh and here's a side note

By Scotty_O, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 11:37

Oh and here's a side note for you people that compare this to the civil rights plight of the 60's. During the recent presidential election, 7 in 10 African Americans who went to the polls in California voted yes on Proposition 8 to support the Gay marriage ban. Just some fodder to throw out there...........

Nope, never said that they

By Scotty_O, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 15:05

Nope, never said that they couldn't (even though in the liberal world they never do). Looks like Obama on the ballot was a double edge sword. So if your're anti-catholic, guess who else you don't like...........Wow, I just used liberal philosophy and it felt great!!!!

This isn't California. Just

By Michael Hobbs, verified user — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 16:21

This isn't California. Just saying.

Are there any laws

By exoggensani, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 10:53

Are there any laws protecting gay, lesbian and transgender students in Maine?

Yes.

http://www.glad.org/rights/maine/c/students-rights-in-maine/

How does that apply? Hasn't

By agape, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 10:58

How does that apply? Hasn't it been said by many that in no way will any of this enter the school system?

Can anybody defend this

By agape, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 10:45

Can anybody defend this actually being taught in schools when they say it isn't?

Nothing to Do With Schools?

By exoggensani, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 10:55

Nothing to Do With Schools? Not So Fast.

The No on 1 campaign says Question 1 has nothing to do with schools. How do they explain posters like the one Donald Mendell saw in his child’s school, detailed in his letter to the editors of the Bangor Daily News? There is already an effort to promote a gay agenda in our schools, and it will only accelerate if Question 1 fails and homosexual marriage becomes legal in Maine.

http://www.goodasyou.org/good_as_you/2009/10/a-closer-look-at-donald-men...

This has been taught in

By exoggensani, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 10:49

This has been taught in schools since 1988. It is nothing new.

Since the first Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) was formed in 1988, 3,577 GSAs have registered with GLSEN, at least one from every state, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico.

About GLSEN
GLSEN, or the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Established nationally in 1995, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. For more information on GLSEN’s educational resources, public policy agenda, student organizing programs, research, public education or development initiatives, visit www.glsen.org.

http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/news/record/2100.html

if this passes and they get

By 1adam12, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 10:36

if this passes and they get to marry, where will this end, it says if they love each other and they are happy then it's ok?, hell if I want two wives (no thanks) 'cause it makes me happy, then that's ok? and so on and so on. it will never end. Nip it in the bud, NOW.

this is NOT an anti gay law,

By 1adam12, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 10:33

this is NOT an anti gay law, this is preserving the marriage to what it is supposed to be, one man & one woman, I wish those opposed to this question would stop saying this is an anti gay question, because it is not.

I've yet to see Gays oppose

By John 28, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 11:27

I've yet to see Gays oppose straights getting married!! So why should you oppose EQUAL RIGHTS FOR ALL??

vink80 IT IS ABOUT TIME

By Virgil Sampson, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 10:29

vink80
IT IS ABOUT TIME FOR THE MAJORITY TO WAKE UP AND VOTE ---- ENOUGH OF MINORITY RULE IN THIS AREA !!!!!!!!!!!

By Virgil Sampson, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 10:28

Woman marries dog, snake,

By agape, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 10:19

Woman marries dog, snake, Eiffel Tower, Berlin Wall..... These things DO happen. Stupid yes, but it does happen. I was 50/50 on which way to vote until this past weekend when my son told me that his TEACHER is setting up a phone bank for his Civil Rights class to make calls to defeat question #1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When the commercials started saying it's going to be taught in schools I said that was stupid and that it wasn't going to happen. What a foolish way to get people to vote yes. What a Idiot I was!!! It doesn't help the situation that his teacher may be a bit biased when she has shared with her students openly that she is a lesbian and that it IS her agenda to get people to vote NO on #1.

I had a very open

By agape, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 11:38

I had a very open conversation with my child and we both understand & respect each others views. The issue is that whether it's this subject or any other, school is not a place for biased views right, wrong or indifferent. I raise my children to be open minded, respectful so on and so on. By not addressing the issue within the school system is just saying that it's alright for teachers who wield a mighty powerful sword in our childrens impressionable lives to impose their views. I don't vote on emotion but the facts that I get not from media but from REAL people that have REAL opinions.

You can also google "woman marries..." and you'll see plenty.

I am for gay marriage but a

By Michael Hobbs, verified user — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 11:50

I am for gay marriage but a teacher can't make your child do anything. If I was you I would either excuse them from school that day and/or talk to the principle of that school. Also is this in high school or a lower grade level?

High school. 15 years old. I

By agape, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 12:09

High school. 15 years old. I support him in standing up for what he believes and doing something about it, just not through the school.

So, he wants to do it? If it

By Michael Hobbs, verified user — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 16:14

So, he wants to do it? If it is not during school hours it's not considered a school activity. Unless a school Admins give their okay. By the sounds of everything it sounds like your child may have misunderstood the teacher.

Yes, this is why I don not

By Scotty_O, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 11:20

Yes, this is why I don not use the "marry the dog" argument. But I do use the sister/brother marrying argument. And yes there are cases out there, just google it. And don't spout off about how incest is illegal, so was sodomy in some states as early as 8 years ago. And don't start the argument about deformed babies, because there's genetic testing and that it's easier to get an abortion than a sub at Quiznos. Heck, I may want to marry my sister because she has killer bennies at work........

Is this comment inappropriate?
Kudos Awarded
- Agree (1)

The Bangor Daily News this

By Jonathan Albrecht, verified user — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 09:31

The Bangor Daily News this morning endorsed NO on 1. The reasons are obvious and have been written in this blog endlessly.
1. Yes on 1 has provided not a single reason to vote yes. Their campaign is completely false. Not surprising since its lead by Rev. Bob Emrich who couldn't find honesty with a stick. I could go to my local school board and ask that gay marriage, gay sex, anything be included in the curriculum. The decision is entirely theirs. LD 1020 doesn't matter one way or the other.
2. Religious institutions are entirely protected by LD 1020. No religion must preform or acknowledge gay marriages. So religious comments are immaterial.

Gil, taxpoor, and Sammie add nothing to the conversation. They are just wrong.

Jon Albrecht Dixfield

And

By Mark Wrenn, verified user — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 11:19

And nuts.
______________________

"A conservative is a man with two perfectly good legs who, however, has never learned to walk forward."
Franklin D. Roosevelt

Vote NO on #1!!! These

By Brenda Watts, verified user — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 09:26

Vote NO on #1!!! These people should have rights too. They are God's children too. No one has the right to tell someone else who they can love and want to spend the rest of their lives with. They aren't perverts either. They are good people who just want to protect themselves.

Give the perverts their

By K0NPHL1C7, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 09:09

Give the perverts their candy, they won't stop crying until we do. Let them answer to god.

Tax-exempt groups like the

By Ray St. Onge, verified user — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 08:47

Tax-exempt groups like the Church can take a position on an issue. They are not allowed to support a candidate.

Ray, thanks for clarifying

By nikita80, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 10:17

Ray, thanks for clarifying this. I had seen posts saying the Catholics should have to pay taxes now because they took a position against gay marriage. But, until I saw your post, I never thought about checking the legality of it.

You honestly don't think

By Mrs. McG, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 13:04

You honestly don't think Church administrators knew the facts before going forward? Are you that naive?

I didn't say that I didn't

By nikita80, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 20:19

I didn't say that I didn't think the Church administrators knew the facts before going forward. I had just not thought about it from the leagal standpoint that Ray pointed out. And I'm glad he clarified it because his post probably enlightened quite a few people.

Jami, Catholics do pay

By Robert F., unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 12:47

Jami, Catholics do pay taxes, just like you and me!

Excuse me, Robert, I meant

By nikita80, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 20:00

Excuse me, Robert, I meant to say Catholic churches.

Sammie, I'm voting for you

By Tony Morin, verified user — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 08:44

Sammie, I'm voting for you for worst post of the week and it's only Monday morning. Congratulations!

Gil is right on. Where are

By FeloPrergoHok, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 08:20

Gil is right on. Where are the shouts against this SO-CALLED church. The hypocrasy reeks! And why stop at gay marriage - what about incestual marriage, marrying your relatives, polygamy, the man-boy; woman-girl relationships - heck - if it is just love then what's wrong with marrying your dog!?
Is it me or is the "Sun Journal" on the NO on 1 payroll?
Let's be practical and independent Maine - this is an all out national gay lobby effort (follow the money) to force this down our throats. Who wants what this redefining of a thousands-of-year-old-definition and what it will bring to our state: increased costs, increased diseases to include STDs, anal cancer, aids/HIV, mental illness, bringing more of them to our state, confusing our children more than they are now, etc.?

And, I am sick of liberal koolaid drinkers spouting off about the Bible as if they have ever really studied and read God's holy inspired Word. Those ignominious rants show their depravity and ignorance.

And you think your rant

By Michael Hobbs, verified user — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 11:40

And you think your rant isn't full of ignorance?

But I thought that if a

By Gil, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 07:59

But I thought that if a church openly advocated for or against a political ideal that they should lose their tax exempt status! Where are all the cries of indignation and the shouts for separation of church and state? Is that only applicable when the church in question disagrees with the liberal mindset? That wouldn't be another shining example of liberal hypocrisy would it? I'm sure that there will be a follow up article on how the First Universalist is being audited by the IRS to re-determine their tax status. I'll just hold my breath and wait.
"There are a lot of bad republicans; there are no good democrats." Ann Coulter

Why do you have the pictue

By candiceanne, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 11:56

Why do you have the pictue of an Indonesian National who is Muslim for your icon?

So simple, yet profound.

By nikita80, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 09:25

Queers rule!!!

By Mike Peters, verified user — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 07:27

The service was beautiful!

By Traylblaze, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 06:18

Hey Dr Dosh, what happened

By Nancy, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 06:17

Hey Dr Dosh, what happened to your little hula girl pic

Taxpoor - It is really

By listitemalt, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 06:14

Taxpoor - It is really commendable that you do NOT "only believe the parts of the bible that you want to and then twist the other parts of it to fit how you think it should be" like supporters of gay marriage.

Are you wearing a cotton/polyester blend right now, or two pieces of clothing of different types of cloth? If so, please present yourself to be stoned to death. Do you have a daughter to sell? Oh yeah - don't forget to go out and start petitions to outlaw divorce and bring back slavery too!

It is soooo refreshing to see at least ONE Christian who doesn't cherry pick parts of the bible to follow or not follow based on their personal feelings!

MORAL DECAY The Churches

By Taxpoor, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 05:28

MORAL DECAY The Churches are going against the bibles teachings. I have heard it said the churches are full of hypocrites and this proves it to me. All you people that agree with same sex marriage are wasting your time attending church. You only believe the parts of the bible that you want to and then twist the other parts of it to fit how you think it should be. Yes I know I'm a bigot, I'm full of hate, I'm not for Equal rights and the more I hear about gays and lesbians makes me dislike them more.

What makes you so sure we

By candiceanne, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 11:44

What makes you so sure we are going to churches and that those churches are Christian? What makes you so sure we belive your bible has any crediblity or validity? News flash--There are more people who state they are not christian in the Unitied States than who claim to be christian.

You desperately need love in

By John 28, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 09:29

You desperately need love in your life, as you are so deeply full of hate in your heart.

Taxpoor, look at it this

By nikita80, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 09:20

Taxpoor, look at it this way. This book, that so many people pick apart and twist to fit themselves, correctly prophesied thousands of years ago exactly how the world would be today. So, look up, Taxpoor, because you know what's coming!

Yes Jami, The end of the

By John 28, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 09:26

Yes Jami,
The end of the world has already been predicted by the Mayan, thousands of years ago and 100% of their predictions so far, have been accurate. It will happen in Dec. 2016.So this is why I already voted NO on 1. To show Jesus, the LOVE i have for all of you, like you Jami.

Concerning Mayan

By nikita80, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 10:00

Concerning Mayan history..they used astrology to predict many events . The dates they predicted were usually not right on the mark. But some were pretty close. I've heard about the Mayan calendar ending in December of 2012, and of some people believing that this means it's going to be the end of the world. The 2016 thing is new to me.

You could be right on the

By John 28, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 12:53

You could be right on the year, as my memory is not as good as it used to. I read that many years ago.

How beautiful and accepting.

By triumph, unverified — Mon, 10/19/2009 - 04:12

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